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FAMSI © 2007: M. Kathryn Brown |
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Ritual Ceramic Use in the Early and Middle Preclassic at the sites of Blackman Eddy and Cahal Pech, Belize
Research Year: 2003 Table of Contents
Abstract The analysis of two distinct ceramic assemblages from Cahal Pech and Blackman Eddy sheds light on the ritual use of ceramics by the Preclassic Maya and has implications for the rise of complexity. A subset of the earliest ceramics found within the Maya Lowlands (Cunil/Kanocha Complexes) was incised with ideologically related symbols that were part of the greater pan-Mesoamerican symbol system. The incised motifs were found on serving vessels which suggests that the display of these symbols was meant to be seen by participants in communal gatherings such as ritual feasts. The emphasis on the display of these early symbolic motifs diminishes towards the end of the Cunil/Kanocha Phase which corresponds with some of the earliest signs of social differences in the archaeological record. This trend may suggest that hierarchical social relations were becoming naturalized within Maya ideology and no longer needed to be emphasized through symbolic motifs carved on ritual ceramic vessels. Through time and repeated use within special ceremonies, the function of the ritual vessel itself changes from container/medium of display to vehicle/implement of power. These instruments of power were integral in rituals used by elites during the Middle Preclassic and later to reinforce and legitimize uneven social relationships. This is seen through the importance of ceramic vessels within dedicatory caches and burials throughout the history of the Maya. Click to download the report in PDF format: The PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Submitted 08/03/2007 by: |
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