Frances Hayashida

Technology and Organisation of Inka Pottery Production in the Leche Valley. Part II: Study of Fired Vessels

Ceramic finds from the Inka workshops at Tambo Real and La Viña in the Leche Valley in northern Peru were studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy, thin section microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Sherds of Inka style vessels and of local style vessels can be distinguished by their shape, although local techniques appear to have been used in making both types. A reconstruction of the firing techniques by scientific studies of the ceramic material does not reveal a substantial difference in material or in the firing of both forms, although high firing temperatures were necessary to achieve sufficient stability of the large Inka style vessels. It cannot be decided whether the smaller local vessels were fired together with the Inka vessels or separately. Most of the variation in the maximum firing temperature can be explained with the normal temperature and atmosphere fluctuations in an open pit kiln.

Bridging the Gap between Archaeology and the Physical Sciences

The collaboration between archaeologists and representatives of the physical sciences is often rendered difficult by differing training and expectations, poor mutual understanding, inconsistent terminologies, and a lack of time and willingness to bridge these gaps. In this paper some thoughts and suggestions on research design and interpretation in interdisciplinary studies are brought forth and suggestions towards a fruitful collaboration are made.