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4.1. H. B. ROBERTS Problems in the Study of Maya Ceramics YB 30:114–116, 1931 The general problem toward the solution of which the Division of Historical Research is directing its efforts was formulated and discussed by the Chairman in his report to the Trustees last year. The interpretation of the results of the “meeting of two races of diverse physical make-upanddifferingculture”mustrestonathorough knowledge of the constituent elements of the conflicting cultures. To that end the archaeologist is working; bending every effort to synthesize the data obtained, through a study of the various categories of material culture, in order that, finally, he may present an accurate picture of the state of Maya culture at the time of the introduction of European blood and civilization. Of the various divisions of material culture which aid in the reconstruction of the history of an aboriginal people, one of the most useful is a study of their pottery. Frequently the only clue to the sequence of cultural periods has been furnished through a study ofthepotter’sproduct.Questionsoforigin,tribalmovements , trade with contemporary peoples, the influence exerted through external contacts, and even minor os4 .0. Ceramics 227 cillations of culture within a definite period any be solved in the story of the potsherd. The problem of the ceramicist is, then, to discover those factors in the origin and growth of Maya culture which are not readily ascertained through the study of any other medium. The presentation of ceramic material in the literature has been little more than descriptive; no attention has been paid to the chronological. Arrangement of the wares, nor has the investigator tied his particular group into the whole range of Maya pottery. The most notable exception to this neglect of Maya pottery in the past has been the work of Dr. George Vaillant. In an unpublished manuscript, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Harvard University, he has identified the major wares and arranged them in a partial sequence . This chronological sequence is based on evidence uncovered years ago at Holmul by Dr. R. C. Merwin and by Dr. Vaillant in the Group of the Phalli at Chichén Itzá. Careful consideration of the present status of ceramic investigation in the Maya area clearly T H E C A R N E G I E M A Y A 228 CERAMICS points to the need of accurately documented collections with which the great mass of existing material can be compared and consequently arranged in a time sequence. The specific problem is, then, the collection of stratigraphic evidence of the origin, growth and decay of Maya pottery. Recent work at Chichén Itzá and at Uaxactún has demonstrated that this is not an impossible task and that it does not involve great projects nor the expenditure of large sums. Trenching in plazas, dead cenotes, low-lying areas near buildings will produce the evidencerequired .Inthosefavorablelocationswherelarge sites are in the process of investigation, additional may come through the careful study of sherds from various parts of buildings, particularly those structures which have undergone architectural changes at different times in their history. In dealing with the product of peoples high in the scale of cultural evolution, one is confronted with an enormous mass of material generally produced in a wholesale fashion. The nature of this product is such that it is capable of indicating only the great and abrupt changes in culture. In considering this mass it is necessary to find those wares, probably minor or special wares, or those modifications of the fundamental body shape, which are time carriers. The stratigraphic work at Chichén Itzá and Uaxactún has indicated that much valuable information will come from a careful study of rim form, changes in type and location of handles, and shifts in styles of decoration. Further, a portion of this specific problem will be the study of the composition of the pastes of the different wares. An analysis of the clays and tempering materials used in the preparation of the paste and the location of the source of these substances should enable the investigator to identify the foreign wares from those made locally. Crude beginnings along this line have already demonstrated that certain wares could not possibly have been made in the region in which they are found, unless the clay used was imported. With the exception of isolated descriptions of the present-day processes used in the manufacture of pottery vessels...

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