Vessel Form and Function in an Early Formative Ceramic Assemblage from Coastal Mexico

Abstract

Vessel design, patterns of surface attrition and sooting, and frequencies of different forms provide the basis for interpretations of the function of ceramic vessels from the Early Formative (1550–850 b.c.) site of Paso de la Amada, on the Pacific Coast of Chiapas, Mexico. Vessels used for the transport, preparation, storage, cooking, and serving of foods and beverages are tentatively identified. Results reveal an assemblage dominated by a few simple forms that were used for a variety of purposes. In particular vessels used for cooking, preparation, and storage appear to have been unspecialized. At the same time, ceramic serving wares-often carefully decorated-form a significant proportion of the assemblage.