An Unexplored Realm in the Heartland of the Southern Gulf ... - Famsi

transitioning from continuous to broken-line segments on the vessel rims. The greatest
quantity of Preclassic ceramics is attributable to the Late Formative period (c. 400-100
BC). These diagnostic types include multiple varieties of differentially fired bichromes
and polished blackwares.
Stratigraphic analysis, conducted during my investigation, of the exposed cut
bank suggests that low platform construction occurred during the transition from the
Early to the Middle Formative period. The spatial distribution of these constructions
extended to the north of the Olmec throne location approximately 500 m.
The Classic Period (c. AD 100-900)
The subsequent proto-Classic and Early Classic periods (c. 100 BC-AD 500) are
represented by a continuation in the evolution of the styles, forms, and decorations that
developed during the Formative period. Variations of the double-line break continue to
be prominent, but there is a notable difference in the pastes and firing techniques. It
appears the local ceramic producers were consistently improving and mastering
technologies that allowed them to produce finer wares. Similar conclusions have been
reached by other investigators (Daneels 1988; Feinman et al. 1989; Killion and Urcid
2001; Pool and Britt 2000; Rice 1977; Stark and Arnold 1997:25; Stark and Curet 1994).
At El Marquesillo, the evidence implies that cultural continuity extended into the Late
Classic period, which is characterized by Villa Alta phase architecture and ceramics.
Villa Alta related materials also appear to be produced consistently into the Postclassic
era along the same evolutionary lines. There is no archaeological indication of
interruption in the occupation of the site.
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