Late-Terminal Classic Maya Pottery in Northern Belize: A Petrographic Analysis of Sherd Samples from Colha and Kichpanha

Abstract

Two petrographic studies of Late-Terminal Classic (ad 680–850) Maya ceramic sherds from northern Belize provide evidence of significant inter- and intra-site technological variability. An initial study of Subin Red sherds from Colha and Kichpanha indicates the predominance of quartz inclusions in vessels of this type from both sites, but suggests inter-site differences as well. Moreover, the extensive use of quartzitic clays in ceramics, which had not been identified in previous petrographic studies of archaeological ceramics in northern Belize, appears to represent a departure, distinctive to this region, from an earlier, widespread ceramic tradition based on the exploitation of fine calcareous clays. A second study of sherds drawn from three of the most prevalent pottery types in the Late-Terminal Classic Masson Complex at Colha further confirms this pattern. Comparisons with local clay samples suggest this new technology represents less selective use of available clay resources during this period. Results also suggest significant intra-site variability in ceramic composition and appear to support other lines of evidence indicating the formation of a Late-Terminal Classic political sphere extending from San Estevan in the north to the Northern River Lagoon site in the south.