Anthropogenic temperversusgeological and pedological inclusions: grog temper as a possible chrono-cultural marker for the Late Ceramic Age in the pre-Columbian Lesser Antilles

Gilles Fronteau,Martijn Van Den Bel,J Curie,A Quiquerez,S Vandevelde,C Petit

doi:10.1051/bsgf/2021009

Abstract

In order to compare pre-Columbian cultural affiliations in the Lesser Antilles, we studied three ceramic series from Guadeloupe (F.W.I.) from well-dated Troumassoid sites between AD 1000 and 1300 (radiometric ages) attributed to the Late Ceramic Age (AD 1000–1500). The significance of the different types of inclusions in these ceramics is discussed through a petrographic study using optical and electron microscopy, that we subsequently compared with the local geological contexts. Two of the studied sites are located in the volcanic part of Guadeloupe (Basse-Terre), while the third one is situated in an area dominated by the sedimentary substratum of Grande-Terre and its silty cover. The petrographic analysis shows either the use of local heterogeneous materials: natural, geological or pedological aplastic inclusions (volcanic sands and cinders, ferruginous soils), and the addition of grog (anthropogenic temper). At each of the three sites studied, the presence of grog was demonstrated for several modal series. Comparison of the compositions of the pastes with the ceramic chrono-typology allow us to explore the proposition presented by Donahueet al.(1990), suggesting that the use of grog may infer a difference between Troumassoid and pre-Troumassoid assemblages. We also hypothesize a progressive diffusion of the use of grog temper into the Lesser Antilles, from the Guianas. This idea defies the commonly accepted idea that Troumassoid developed smoothly out of a locally present Saladoid ceramic series without external influence.

Highlights

The ceramic studies of pre-Columbian series have progressively developed for various areas of the Antilles, allowing a better understanding of the indigenous productions and exchanges in the Caribbean area before the arrival of Europeans (Hofman, 1993; Hofman et al, 2007; Venter et al, 2012)
The ceramic series of this site is represented by 100 constituent elements (CE)’s (76 rims, 22 bases, and 6 griddles) and only four complete vessel shapes which can be associated to a small number of decoration modes
The morphological rim series are mainly represented by modal series (MS) 6 and MS 8, to wit large open, or slightly restricted bowls with lips beveled towards the interior as well as converging rims towards the interior

Summary

Introduction

The ceramic studies of pre-Columbian series have progressively developed for various areas of the Antilles, allowing a better understanding of the indigenous productions and exchanges in the Caribbean area before the arrival of Europeans (Hofman, 1993; Hofman et al, 2007; Venter et al, 2012). The technical links between the various chrono-cultural entities are always discussed. Ceramic assemblages seem to be one of the best tools to identify the complex organization and succession of human communities in the Caribbean archipelago (for chrono-cultural nomenclatures see Petersen et al, 2004, here summarized Fig. 1). When combined with stylistic analysis they allow definition of the relative chronology of the various ceramic complexes, and their movements and links over time and space. Each new study helps to fill the numerous gaps still existing (Ting et al, 2016, 2018)

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Discussion

Conclusion