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Preliminary Comments on the 2012 Ceramics Analysis Fred Valdez, Jr. and Brett A. Houk Introduction The 2012 season of the Chan Chich Archaeological Project (CCAP) marks a renewed research effort in a poorly understood prehistoric Maya region of northwest Belize. Investigations this season included research at Chan Chich and excavations at Kaxil Uinic, with ceramic finds from both sites. Six functionally complete complexes had been previously defined for the Chan Chich ceramic sequence (Valdez and Houk 2000). Ceramics analyzed and reported from the 1997–1999 seasons along with some material from the 2012 investigations serve to define the ceramic sequence herein presented. From the 2012 assemblage, all of the ceramics from Kaxil Uinic were analyzed, but only the ceramics from one suboperation (CC-10-C) at Chan Chich were analyzed. The chronological data from the ceramic analysis have been incorporated into the Kaxil Uinic and Chan Chich Upper Plaza chapters in this report (Harris and Sisneros, this volume; Kelley et al., this volume). This chapter will serve as a baseline for future ceramic analysis of the CCAP at both Chan Chich and Kaxil Uinic. Valdez and Houk (2000:127) outlined the three major objectives that guided the original ceramic analysis for the CCAP and that remain of prime interest: First was the establishment of a chronological sequence for the site. This sequence also serves other research interests both internally (i.e., within the site) and externally to other sites and regions. A second interest of the ceramic analysis is its potential use concerning internal site ceramic patterns. In this respect the distribution of pottery within the site may reflect degrees or levels of social, economic, and political interaction within the community. This aspect of the analysis is still in progress. The analysis of ceramic patterning may also assist in determining initial settlement foci as well as changing settlement preferences over time. The third benefit of this analysis concerns correlating external interaction. Ceramics may be used to gage intersite and interregional trade, communication, and cultural evolutionary developments. Ceramic Analysis The analysis of the Chan Chich and Kaxil Uinic ceramic collections has been undertaken utilizing the long established type:variety-mode system of analysis (Adams 1971; Gifford 1976; Sabloff 1975; Smith et al. 1960). This system has been applied at most sites across the Maya lowlands including Altar de Sacrificios (Adams 1971), Becan (Ball 1977), the Belize Valley (Gifford 1976), Cerros (Robertson-Freidel 1980), Chan Chich (Valdez and Houk 2000), Valdez, Fred, Jr., and Brett A. Houk 2012 Preliminary Comments on the Ceramics Analysis. In The 2012 Season of the Chan Chich Archaeological Project, edited by Brett A. Houk, pp. 65–72. Papers of the Chan Chich Archaeological Project, Number 6. Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, Texas Tech University, Lubbock. 65
The 2012 Season of the Chan Chich Archaeological Project Coba (Robles 1980), Colha (Valdez 1987), Cuello (Kosakowsky 1987; Kosakowsky and Pring 1998; Pring 1977), El Mirador (Forsyth 1989), K’axob (Lopez Varela 1995), Kichpanha (McDow 1997; Meskill 1992; Reese and Valdez 1987), Laguna de On (Mock 1997), Nakbe (Forsyth 1993), Northern River Lagoon Site (Mock 1994), Oxkintok (Varela 1992), Rio Azul (Adams and Jackson-Adams 2000), Santa Rita (Chase and Chase 1988), Seibal (Sabloff 1975), and the regional effort of the Programme for Belize Archaeological Project (Sullivan and Valdez 2000; Valdez et al. 1993). An important aspect of this analysis requires ceramic type descriptions that help to define the grouping of typological units that may then be defined into chronologically significant segments. The type:variety-mode system of analysis then allows for the ceramics to be used as a tool for chronological assessments which is usually of immediate interest to excavators. The chronological segments defined for Chan Chich and Kaxil Uinic are approximated from comparisons with other Maya sites with similar ceramics. Specific temporal designations may be later affirmed for Chan Chich with the results of absolute dating methods. The Ceramic Sequence Seven ceramic complexes are currently represented in the Chan Chich sequence (Figure 6.1) and a sequence for Kaxil Uinic is being considered. All of the complexes are functionally complete as defined by Adams (1971), however, the Early Classic period (Tzakol Sphere) is still a poorly represented complex. Late Postclassic visitations occurred at Chan Chich as is common at numerous other sites and represented thus far only by censer material. The ceramic complexes for the currently defined Chan Chich sequence are named after birds observed inhabiting the research area. It is believed that additional excavations will provide data to support and refine the general ceramic chronology as currently understood. Each season of research promises to allow for a refinement of the chronology through clearer definitions of ceramic types, complexes, complex facets, and comparative materials. Kiskadee Ceramic Complex Early Middle Preclassic, Swasey Sphere. The Kiskadee Complex is the earliest occupation evidence at Chan Chich thus far. The complex begins about 900 BC and extends to 600 BC and fits well, given the ceramic artifacts, within the northern Belize Swasey Sphere. Oropendola Ceramic Complex Late Middle Preclassic, Mamom Sphere. Dated to approximately 600 BC to 400 BC, the Chan Chich Oropendola Ceramic Complex is safely placed within the Mamom Sphere. The Mamom ceramic sphere is pan-Maya, but does maintain regional variations in certain ceramic characteristics. Jacamar Ceramic Complex Late Preclassic, Chicanel Sphere. A beginning date of 400 BC is designated for this ceramic complex at Chan Chich with an ending date of about AD 150. The Late Preclassic is generally extended to AD 250, however, a separate complex is posited for the following Terminal Preclassic period at Chan Chich because of the presence of Floral Park sphere ceramics. The Late Preclassic complex at Chan Chich is nearly identical in types and many varieties to other ceramic complexes of the same period in the Maya lowlands i.e., very uniform in shape, slip color, and surface treatment in this period. 66
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The 2012 Season of the Chan Chich A
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Contents Acknowledgments...........
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The 2012 Season of the Chan Chich A
Page 8 and 9:
Return to Paradise: An Introduction
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An Introduction to the 2012 Chan Ch
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An Introduction to the 2012 Chan Ch
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Multi-sensor Archaeo-geophysical Su
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Archaeo-geophysical Survey of the U
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Archaeo-geophysical Survey of the U
Page 20 and 21: Archaeo-geophysical Survey of the U
Page 26 and 27: Chan Chich: 2012 Investigations of
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Page 39 and 40: The 2012 Season of the Chan Chich A
Page 74 and 75: Preliminary Comments on the 2012 Ce
Page 80 and 81: The Chan Chich Archaeological Proje
Page 82 and 83: CCAP Digital Data Collection System
Page 90 and 91: Dear Dr. Thompson Matthew C. Harris
Page 92: Dear Dr. Thompson Figure 8.3. Scan
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