Aztec black-on-orange and redware pottery production from the Middle Postclassic to early Colonial period: Insight from instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) at Xaltocan, Mexico

Abstract

This paper presents the results of instrumental neutron activation analysis of 332 decorated serving vessels from household excavations in the “settler” community within Xaltocan, Mexico. Our findings demonstrate significant ceramic production of all major Black-on-Orange and Redware types during the Middle Postclassic, Late Postclassic, and early Colonial periods. While Aztec scholars have assumed that rural ceramic production was limited to simpler designs and forms, we find that the most elaborately decorated pots were produced at Xaltocan during the periods of its political subjugation, economic marginalization, and smallest populace. Our results support a decentralized model of Aztec ceramic production and continuity despite imperial and colonial strategies of rule. Xaltocan’s potters persevered and supplied the town with feasting vessels through multiple political transitions. We tentatively identify two potting communities using the Xaltocan 1a and 1b clay sources, the patronage of which was socially and spatially variable within the site. These patterns were visible only with large-scale household excavations and extensive sampling from precisely dated household middens. Finally, within the potting community that utilized Xaltocan 1a clays, the major wares—Orangewares and Redwares—were likely produced in different workshops and/or using different recipes, and this organizational strategy was maintained across the colonial transition.