Ceramic specialist for Central Mexican highlands Postclassic period. My framework for analysis emphasized an integrated approach of materials science, stylistic and attribute analysis, and multi-scalar regional analysis to assess interactions during cycles of state reorganization. Supervisors: George Cowgill and Arleyn Simon Address: Tempe, Arizona
This report describes recent low-intensity archaeological investigations conducted at three small... more This report describes recent low-intensity archaeological investigations conducted at three small sites in the northern Basin of Mexico. The sites are represented by surface artifact scatters and are located on the former shoreline of the now-drained Lake Xaltocan, originally one of the principal lakes in this region. Fieldwork included mapping surface concentrations and site dimensions, conducting test excavations, and recovering surface collections. The analysis of surface artifacts focused on determining site function and chronology. Based on fieldwork and analysis, we propose that Michpilco likely was a habitation site with a substantial occupation during the Classic period. The smaller Non-Grid 5 site was occupied during the Epiclassic period, and site Non-Grid 6 was occupied during the Late Postclassic to colonial periods. These sites reflect occupations in a lacustrine landscape throughout different periods. They also exemplify the rapid disappearance and threat of destructio...
This report describes recent low-intensity archaeological investigations conducted at three small... more This report describes recent low-intensity archaeological investigations conducted at three small sites in the northern Basin of Mexico. The sites are represented by surface artifact scatters and are located on the former shoreline of the now-drained Lake Xaltocan, originally one of the principal lakes in this region. Fieldwork included mapping surface concentrations and site dimensions, conducting test excavations, and recovering surface collections. The analysis of surface artifacts focused on determining site function and chronology. Based on fieldwork and analysis, we propose that Michpilco likely was a habitation site with a substantial occupation during the Classic period. The smaller Non-Grid 5 site was occupied during the Epiclassic period, and site Non-Grid 6 was occupied during the Late Postclassic to colonial periods. These sites reflect occupations in a lacustrine landscape throughout different periods. They also exemplify the rapid disappearance and threat of destructio...
These are the downloadable supplemental files for the article entitled Three Small Sites along La... more These are the downloadable supplemental files for the article entitled Three Small Sites along Lake Xaltocan in the northern Basin of Mexico. These files contain more detailed information on data recovery and make a wide assortment of artifact images available.
This analysis takes a diachronic view of Epiclassic and Early Postclassic period production and c... more This analysis takes a diachronic view of Epiclassic and Early Postclassic period production and consumption patterns of diagnostic pottery complexes at Cerro Portezuelo. Stylistic and chemical characterization studies indicate a dramatic shift in the directionality and participation in pottery complexes through time throughout the Basin of Mexico. In the Epiclassic period, Cerro Portezuelo was a participant in a southern basin cultural complex. Early Postclassic pottery at Cerro Portezuelo indicates full participation in the Mazapan/Tollan pottery complex extending from Tula, through Teotihuacan, and into the southern Texcoco region. This study expands upon a previous compositional study of Cerro Portezuelo materials that indicate that Epiclassic and Early Postclassic pottery consumption was predominantly from local sources in the southeastern basin. The current study further identifies stylistic affiliations in decorated pottery types with neighboring areas within the basin and significantly increases the sample size for Epiclassic and Early Postclassic compositional data at Cerro Portezuelo.
Early and Middle Formative exchange networks in Mesoamerica initiated lasting patterns of interac... more Early and Middle Formative exchange networks in Mesoamerica initiated lasting patterns of interaction that persisted through the duration of Prehispanic Mesoamerica. This is particularly true with relationships between the Gulf Coast and central Mexico. Recent analyses of Formative pottery from the Teotihuacan Valley identified a group of incised white-slipped pottery from the site of Altica that is compositionally distinct from any known central Mexican ceramics. We have determined through NAA, LA–ICP–MS, and petrographic thin section analyses that the majority of the white ware in the Altica sample was produced in the southern Gulf Coast. At the same time in that region, the Olmec center of San Lorenzo had increased its use of Otumba obsidian, an economic resource located within 10 km of Altica. We explore the significance of these relationships to model early exchange relationship in Mesoamerica.
Despite the political fragmentation of Central Mexico following the breakup of the Teotihuacan st... more Despite the political fragmentation of Central Mexico following the breakup of the Teotihuacan state, the Epiclassic Coyotlatelco ceramic style was widespread in the Basin of Mexico and adjoining areas. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was used to determine sources of Coyotlatleco pottery from Teotihuacan in collections made by the Teotihuacan Mapping Project andfrom ruralsites in the Teotihuacan Valley. A sample of Mazapan, Early Postclassic pottery from rural sites also was analyzed. The INAA results indicate that most Coyotlatelco serving vessels consumed at Teotihuacan and in rural villages in the Teotihuacan Valley were locally made with few imports from elsewhere in the Basin. Following the decline of the Teotihuacan state Epiclassic polities in the Basin of Mexico had an "inward" economic orientation. During the Early Postclassic rural villagers continue to mostly consume locally made Mazapan pottery. We discuss implications of these findings for models of the Postclassic political economy and the Classic to Postclassic transition.
This analysis takes a diachronic view of Epiclassic and Early Postclassic period production and c... more This analysis takes a diachronic view of Epiclassic and Early Postclassic period production and consumption patterns of diagnostic pottery complexes at Cerro Portezuelo. Stylistic and chemical characterization studies indicate a dramatic shift in the directionality and participation in pottery complexes through time throughout the Basin of Mexico. In the Epiclassic period, Cerro Portezuelo was a participant in a southern basin cultural complex. Early Postclassic pottery at Cerro Portezuelo indicates full participation in the Mazapan/Tollan pottery complex extending from Tula, through Teotihuacan, and into the southern Texcoco region. This study expands upon a previous compositional study of Cerro Portezuelo materials that indicate that Epiclassic and Early Postclassic pottery consumption was predominantly from local sources in the southeastern basin. The current study further identifies stylistic affiliations in decorated pottery types with neighboring areas within the basin and significantly increases the sample size for Epiclassic and Early Postclassic compositional data at Cerro Portezuelo.
Decorated pottery dating from the Epiclassic through Early Postclassic (ca. A.D. 650-1150) was se... more Decorated pottery dating from the Epiclassic through Early Postclassic (ca. A.D. 650-1150) was selected for chemical characterization of pottery slips and paints. Specimens include pottery types commonly occurring across the Basin of Mexico and Tula, Hidalgo. Recipes for slips and paints require training and first-hand knowledge of specialized techniques in production. A high degree of similarity of recipes across the region suggests widespread knowledge in the preparation and use of paint and slip. Distinct patterns in rare elements suggest differentiation in locally available pigments and clays reflect regionally available sources of materials and differences in recipes. Particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) is a nondestructive method of identifying concentrations (in ppm) for 18 chemical elements. Data collection was conducted by the author using the ASU Ion Beam Analysis of Materials (IBeAM) Laboratory. A sample of 136 pottery sherds was chosen and PIXE was conducted on red, black, white paints and slips. Specimens were chosen from a larger sample previously assessed for compositional characterization of ceramic paste using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Results indicate that variation in red paints are high in iron-oxide and vary by pottery type. Black paint in Aztec I pottery is high in Fe and Mn, indicating an iron-manganese paint recipe. Cream colored slips vary by region and pottery type. PIXE characterization identifies the chemical element concentrations contributing to the colorant pigments, the 1 clay matrix in the binding materials, and trace indicators of localized impurities in clays and minerals contributing to paints and slips.
We compare the composition of turquoise source materials from Arizona to prehistoric blue- green ... more We compare the composition of turquoise source materials from Arizona to prehistoric blue- green stone artifacts recovered from Salado platform mounds (ca. AD 1275-1450) in the Tonto Basin of Central Arizona. We compare turquoise samples from known source areas in Arizona including Kingman, Castle Dome, in the Globe-Miami area and others that may have been potential sources of turquoise artifacts recovered from the Salado platform mounds. The complementary techniques of PIXE (Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission) for chemical analysis and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) for mineralogical signatures are used for nondestructive characterization of both source area samples and archaeological artifacts. The results of the source area sample characterizations are compared quantitatively to the results of archaeological samples, which are evaluated in terms of their likelihood of being from each of the regional sources. The combination of mineralogical and chemical data to identify source materials provides a more thorough identification of the complex variations within turquoise related materials that may not be distinguished by visual inspection. The PIXE and XRD analysis are compared using a set of multivariate statistics including principal components analysis and discriminant analysis. Additionally, a set of Munsell color charts specifically for the blue-green range of colors is used to objectively qualify color in comparison to chemical and mineralogical signatures, as color alone is not a reliable indicator of composition. The results provide objective data to assess directionality of procurement of turquoise and regional social and economic ties to better understand Salado regional connections during this dynamic period in the American Southwest.
This report describes recent low-intensity archaeological investigations conducted at three small... more This report describes recent low-intensity archaeological investigations conducted at three small sites in the northern Basin of Mexico. The sites are represented by surface artifact scatters and are located on the former shoreline of the now-drained Lake Xaltocan, originally one of the principal lakes in this region. Fieldwork included mapping surface concentrations and site dimensions, conducting test excavations, and recovering surface collections. The analysis of surface artifacts focused on determining site function and chronology. Based on fieldwork and analysis, we propose that Michpilco likely was a habitation site with a substantial occupation during the Classic period. The smaller Non-Grid 5 site was occupied during the Epiclassic period, and site Non-Grid 6 was occupied during the Late Postclassic to colonial periods. These sites reflect occupations in a lacustrine landscape throughout different periods. They also exemplify the rapid disappearance and threat of destructio...
This report describes recent low-intensity archaeological investigations conducted at three small... more This report describes recent low-intensity archaeological investigations conducted at three small sites in the northern Basin of Mexico. The sites are represented by surface artifact scatters and are located on the former shoreline of the now-drained Lake Xaltocan, originally one of the principal lakes in this region. Fieldwork included mapping surface concentrations and site dimensions, conducting test excavations, and recovering surface collections. The analysis of surface artifacts focused on determining site function and chronology. Based on fieldwork and analysis, we propose that Michpilco likely was a habitation site with a substantial occupation during the Classic period. The smaller Non-Grid 5 site was occupied during the Epiclassic period, and site Non-Grid 6 was occupied during the Late Postclassic to colonial periods. These sites reflect occupations in a lacustrine landscape throughout different periods. They also exemplify the rapid disappearance and threat of destructio...
These are the downloadable supplemental files for the article entitled Three Small Sites along La... more These are the downloadable supplemental files for the article entitled Three Small Sites along Lake Xaltocan in the northern Basin of Mexico. These files contain more detailed information on data recovery and make a wide assortment of artifact images available.
This analysis takes a diachronic view of Epiclassic and Early Postclassic period production and c... more This analysis takes a diachronic view of Epiclassic and Early Postclassic period production and consumption patterns of diagnostic pottery complexes at Cerro Portezuelo. Stylistic and chemical characterization studies indicate a dramatic shift in the directionality and participation in pottery complexes through time throughout the Basin of Mexico. In the Epiclassic period, Cerro Portezuelo was a participant in a southern basin cultural complex. Early Postclassic pottery at Cerro Portezuelo indicates full participation in the Mazapan/Tollan pottery complex extending from Tula, through Teotihuacan, and into the southern Texcoco region. This study expands upon a previous compositional study of Cerro Portezuelo materials that indicate that Epiclassic and Early Postclassic pottery consumption was predominantly from local sources in the southeastern basin. The current study further identifies stylistic affiliations in decorated pottery types with neighboring areas within the basin and significantly increases the sample size for Epiclassic and Early Postclassic compositional data at Cerro Portezuelo.
Early and Middle Formative exchange networks in Mesoamerica initiated lasting patterns of interac... more Early and Middle Formative exchange networks in Mesoamerica initiated lasting patterns of interaction that persisted through the duration of Prehispanic Mesoamerica. This is particularly true with relationships between the Gulf Coast and central Mexico. Recent analyses of Formative pottery from the Teotihuacan Valley identified a group of incised white-slipped pottery from the site of Altica that is compositionally distinct from any known central Mexican ceramics. We have determined through NAA, LA–ICP–MS, and petrographic thin section analyses that the majority of the white ware in the Altica sample was produced in the southern Gulf Coast. At the same time in that region, the Olmec center of San Lorenzo had increased its use of Otumba obsidian, an economic resource located within 10 km of Altica. We explore the significance of these relationships to model early exchange relationship in Mesoamerica.
Despite the political fragmentation of Central Mexico following the breakup of the Teotihuacan st... more Despite the political fragmentation of Central Mexico following the breakup of the Teotihuacan state, the Epiclassic Coyotlatelco ceramic style was widespread in the Basin of Mexico and adjoining areas. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was used to determine sources of Coyotlatleco pottery from Teotihuacan in collections made by the Teotihuacan Mapping Project andfrom ruralsites in the Teotihuacan Valley. A sample of Mazapan, Early Postclassic pottery from rural sites also was analyzed. The INAA results indicate that most Coyotlatelco serving vessels consumed at Teotihuacan and in rural villages in the Teotihuacan Valley were locally made with few imports from elsewhere in the Basin. Following the decline of the Teotihuacan state Epiclassic polities in the Basin of Mexico had an "inward" economic orientation. During the Early Postclassic rural villagers continue to mostly consume locally made Mazapan pottery. We discuss implications of these findings for models of the Postclassic political economy and the Classic to Postclassic transition.
This analysis takes a diachronic view of Epiclassic and Early Postclassic period production and c... more This analysis takes a diachronic view of Epiclassic and Early Postclassic period production and consumption patterns of diagnostic pottery complexes at Cerro Portezuelo. Stylistic and chemical characterization studies indicate a dramatic shift in the directionality and participation in pottery complexes through time throughout the Basin of Mexico. In the Epiclassic period, Cerro Portezuelo was a participant in a southern basin cultural complex. Early Postclassic pottery at Cerro Portezuelo indicates full participation in the Mazapan/Tollan pottery complex extending from Tula, through Teotihuacan, and into the southern Texcoco region. This study expands upon a previous compositional study of Cerro Portezuelo materials that indicate that Epiclassic and Early Postclassic pottery consumption was predominantly from local sources in the southeastern basin. The current study further identifies stylistic affiliations in decorated pottery types with neighboring areas within the basin and significantly increases the sample size for Epiclassic and Early Postclassic compositional data at Cerro Portezuelo.
Decorated pottery dating from the Epiclassic through Early Postclassic (ca. A.D. 650-1150) was se... more Decorated pottery dating from the Epiclassic through Early Postclassic (ca. A.D. 650-1150) was selected for chemical characterization of pottery slips and paints. Specimens include pottery types commonly occurring across the Basin of Mexico and Tula, Hidalgo. Recipes for slips and paints require training and first-hand knowledge of specialized techniques in production. A high degree of similarity of recipes across the region suggests widespread knowledge in the preparation and use of paint and slip. Distinct patterns in rare elements suggest differentiation in locally available pigments and clays reflect regionally available sources of materials and differences in recipes. Particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) is a nondestructive method of identifying concentrations (in ppm) for 18 chemical elements. Data collection was conducted by the author using the ASU Ion Beam Analysis of Materials (IBeAM) Laboratory. A sample of 136 pottery sherds was chosen and PIXE was conducted on red, black, white paints and slips. Specimens were chosen from a larger sample previously assessed for compositional characterization of ceramic paste using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Results indicate that variation in red paints are high in iron-oxide and vary by pottery type. Black paint in Aztec I pottery is high in Fe and Mn, indicating an iron-manganese paint recipe. Cream colored slips vary by region and pottery type. PIXE characterization identifies the chemical element concentrations contributing to the colorant pigments, the 1 clay matrix in the binding materials, and trace indicators of localized impurities in clays and minerals contributing to paints and slips.
We compare the composition of turquoise source materials from Arizona to prehistoric blue- green ... more We compare the composition of turquoise source materials from Arizona to prehistoric blue- green stone artifacts recovered from Salado platform mounds (ca. AD 1275-1450) in the Tonto Basin of Central Arizona. We compare turquoise samples from known source areas in Arizona including Kingman, Castle Dome, in the Globe-Miami area and others that may have been potential sources of turquoise artifacts recovered from the Salado platform mounds. The complementary techniques of PIXE (Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission) for chemical analysis and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) for mineralogical signatures are used for nondestructive characterization of both source area samples and archaeological artifacts. The results of the source area sample characterizations are compared quantitatively to the results of archaeological samples, which are evaluated in terms of their likelihood of being from each of the regional sources. The combination of mineralogical and chemical data to identify source materials provides a more thorough identification of the complex variations within turquoise related materials that may not be distinguished by visual inspection. The PIXE and XRD analysis are compared using a set of multivariate statistics including principal components analysis and discriminant analysis. Additionally, a set of Munsell color charts specifically for the blue-green range of colors is used to objectively qualify color in comparison to chemical and mineralogical signatures, as color alone is not a reliable indicator of composition. The results provide objective data to assess directionality of procurement of turquoise and regional social and economic ties to better understand Salado regional connections during this dynamic period in the American Southwest.
Invited symposium, “ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2010: PART II (SPONSORED BY SOCIETY FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL... more Invited symposium, “ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2010: PART II (SPONSORED BY SOCIETY FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCES),” , Sacramento
In this book different authors address the Epiclassic in Central Mexico, and the transformations ... more In this book different authors address the Epiclassic in Central Mexico, and the transformations from the Classic to the Epiclassic
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Papers by Destiny Crider
that persisted through the duration of Prehispanic Mesoamerica. This is particularly true with relationships
between the Gulf Coast and central Mexico. Recent analyses of Formative pottery from the Teotihuacan
Valley identified a group of incised white-slipped pottery from the site of Altica that is
compositionally distinct from any known central Mexican ceramics. We have determined through
NAA, LA–ICP–MS, and petrographic thin section analyses that the majority of the white ware in the Altica
sample was produced in the southern Gulf Coast. At the same time in that region, the Olmec center of San
Lorenzo had increased its use of Otumba obsidian, an economic resource located within 10 km of Altica.
We explore the significance of these relationships to model early exchange relationship in Mesoamerica.
Talks by Destiny Crider
that persisted through the duration of Prehispanic Mesoamerica. This is particularly true with relationships
between the Gulf Coast and central Mexico. Recent analyses of Formative pottery from the Teotihuacan
Valley identified a group of incised white-slipped pottery from the site of Altica that is
compositionally distinct from any known central Mexican ceramics. We have determined through
NAA, LA–ICP–MS, and petrographic thin section analyses that the majority of the white ware in the Altica
sample was produced in the southern Gulf Coast. At the same time in that region, the Olmec center of San
Lorenzo had increased its use of Otumba obsidian, an economic resource located within 10 km of Altica.
We explore the significance of these relationships to model early exchange relationship in Mesoamerica.