Comparisons of Ceramic paste attributes between Matacanela, Veracruz and other contemporaneous regions
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Archaeology
Minor
Spanish, Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Marcie Venter, PhD
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
This study compares Middle Formative through Early Classic period ceramic attributes, including temper size, type, and abundance, from stratified deposits at Matacanela Site in Veracruz, Mexico to other contemporaneous sites located in the Tuxtla Mountains and riverine bottomlands in the southern Gulf Lowlands. Specifically, the study compares data from excavated deposits at Teotepec, located within the western Tuxtlas uplands, and San Lorenzo within the Coatzacoalcos Basin. On the basis of obsidian source distributions, it has been hypothesized that Matacanela was located along a boundary between these two geographically different areas. This paper attempts to discern if Matacanela’s location along a geographical boundary is reflected also in the technological choices that potters were making—whether geographical and other exchange networks were also reflected in ceramics. Lastly, we consider other potential sources of divergence between sites.
Spring Scholars Week 2019 Event
ORCA General Poster Session (Non-juried)
Comparisons of Ceramic paste attributes between Matacanela, Veracruz and other contemporaneous regions
This study compares Middle Formative through Early Classic period ceramic attributes, including temper size, type, and abundance, from stratified deposits at Matacanela Site in Veracruz, Mexico to other contemporaneous sites located in the Tuxtla Mountains and riverine bottomlands in the southern Gulf Lowlands. Specifically, the study compares data from excavated deposits at Teotepec, located within the western Tuxtlas uplands, and San Lorenzo within the Coatzacoalcos Basin. On the basis of obsidian source distributions, it has been hypothesized that Matacanela was located along a boundary between these two geographically different areas. This paper attempts to discern if Matacanela’s location along a geographical boundary is reflected also in the technological choices that potters were making—whether geographical and other exchange networks were also reflected in ceramics. Lastly, we consider other potential sources of divergence between sites.