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Multiple Classifications: An Alternative Approach to the Investigation of Maya Ceramics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

T. Patrick Culbert  and
Robert L. Rands
T. Patrick Culbert
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona, 109 Old Galisteo Road, Santa Fe NM 87508
Robert L. Rands
Affiliation:
Center for Archaeological Investigations, Southern Illinois University, 27898 Old Village Road, Mechanicsville MD 20659
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Abstract

The introduction of the type-variety system as a means of classifying Maya ceramics had considerable success in promoting communication among researchers. There was hope that it would prove to be possible to devise a single unitary system of ceramic analysis based on type-variety. We believe that such a hope was doomed to failure. Ceramic complexity is too great to be subsumed in any single typological system. Attempts to incorporate the many variables involved within a type-variety analysis have usually resulted in neglect of some and the loss of important information. Instead, we advocate the use of multiple systems of classification. We suggest that at least three separate classifications should be done based on (1) surface finish, (2) vessel shapes (forms), and (3) pastes. For ceramics having highly decorated vessels, another separate classification of decoration is desirable. A final and vitally important objective is to investigate covariation among the classifications of shape, surface, decoration, and paste. We believe that these relationships can be seen more clearly by the use of multiple classifications than by incorporating all into a single typological system in which such variation is all too often hidden.

Resumen

Resumen

La introducción del sistema de diversidad de tipos como medio clasificatorio de la cerámica maya ha tenido considerable éxito en promover la comunicación entre los investigadores. Se esperaba que puediera desarrollar un sistema analítico único basado en la variedad de tipos cerámicos presentes. Nosotros creemos ese deseo estaba condenado al fracaso ya que la complejidad en la cerámica es tan grande que no puede ser asumida en un simple sistema tipológico. Los intentos de incorporar todas las variables involucradas en un análisis de la diversidad de tipos muchas veces han resultado tanto en el abandono como en la pérdida de información importante. Como alternativa, proponemos el uso de múltiples sistemas clasificatorios. Sugerimos que al menos tres clasificaciones independientes deberían realizarse según 1) el acabado de la superficie, 2) la forma de la vasija, y 3) las pastas. En el caso de cerámicas altamente decoradas, una cuarta clasificación de las decoraciones es deseable. El objetivo final y más importante es investigar la covariación entre las clasificaciones de forma, superficie, decoración y pasta. Creemos que esas relaciones serán más claras mediante el uso de clasificaciones múltiples que incorporando todo esto en un simple sistema tipológico en el cuál esa variación muchas veces se pierde.

Type
Articles
Information
Latin American Antiquity , Volume 18 , Issue 2 , June 2007 , pp. 181 - 190
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 2007

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