John E. Douglas

Ceramics, caste, and kin: Spatial relations in Rajasthan, India

Abstract Ethnoarchaeological research in two cities in Rajasthan, India, investigated relationships between social organization and ceramic distribution. Using a ranking system to evaluate kinship distance and digitized data on the locations of ceramics, potters, and vendors, this paper considers the relative priority of spatial and social propinquity. In transporting goods, interaction with distantly related kin sometimes overrides distance minimizing tendencies.

Distinguishing change during the Animas phase (A.D. 1150-1450) at the Boss Ranch site, southeastern Arizona

Archaeologists have had difficulty resolving the issues surrounding chronology and external relations during the late prehistoric occupation (A.D. 1150–1450) of the far southwestern corner of New Mexico and the far southeastern corner of Arizona (generally labeled the Animas phase). This article addresses these concerns using data from excavations at the Boss Ranch site (AZ FF: 7:10 [ASM]), an Animas habitation site located in the upper San Bernardino Valley. A suite of data is reviewed, including stratigraphy, architecture, radiocarbon dates, ceramic types, and chipped stone and faunal assemblage characteristics. Based on these analyses, the occupational history of the site likely spans more than a century, with three separate occupations. Mobility patterns appear to change through time, with the earliest occupation suggesting part-time residence. Finally, the regional implications of a more dynamic view of the Animas phase are presented.

NOT SO PLAIN AFTER ALL: FIRST MILLENNIUM A.D. TEXTURED CERAMICS IN NORTHEASTERN SONORA

Abstract Decorated, textured wares found at prehispanic agricultural village sites in the mountainous, or serrana zone of northeastern Sonora, Mexico, have been viewed as indicators of an occupation no earlier than about A.D. 1000. However, recent research conducted in the upper Bavispe Valley, combined with previous “anomalous” discoveries, indicates a different trajectory for this area. At the site of Atravesaño de Lencho (CHIH C:9:24) in the Bavispe Valley, one locus is dominated by a distinct brushed and red slipped ceramic type. An associated radiocarbon date has a one sigma calibrated date range of A.D. 474 (542) 600. Furthermore, similar pottery and similar dates associated with textured wares have been found elsewhere in Sonora, suggesting that a distinct textured ceramic tradition began about 500 years earlier than previously recognized. The local and large-scale implications of this longer decorated ceramic tradition in northeastern Sonora are discussed. Abstract El hallazgo de cerámica decorada y texturizada, en los sitios prehispánicos agrícolas en la zona serrana del noreste de Sonora, México, se ha visto como un indicador de una ocupación posterior al año 1000 d.C. Sin embargo, investigaciones recientes en el Alto Valle Bavispe sugieren una trayectoria diferente para esta área. El sitio Atravesaño de Lencho (CHIH:C:9:24), tiene una sección donde predomina un tipo cerámico rojo escobillado. Esta sección tiene una fecha del radiocarbón de 474 (542) 600 d.C., calibrada con un rango de un sigma. Además, se han encontrado cerámicas y fechas similares asociadas con losas texturizadas en otras partes de Sonora, sugiriendo que una nueva tradición de cerámicas texturizadas inició 500 años antes que la fecha aceptada anteriormente. En este artículo se discuten las implicaciones locales y de gran escala de esta larga tradición de cerámica decorada en el noreste de Sonora.