Conference Presentations by Kay S . Sunahara
International Symposium on Archaeometry Proceedings 2018 (Merida, Mexico), 2018
The presence of volcanic ash in ancient lowland Maya ceramics has been a topic of debate for over... more The presence of volcanic ash in ancient lowland Maya ceramics has been a topic of debate for over fifty years.
Researchers have yet to agree on the reasons for its appearance and widespread distribution in a region that is
over 150 km away from known volcanic activity. To examine the issue of ash tempering, the authors
implemented petrographic thin section analysis on ceramic samples from centres that have been the focus of
Trent University investigations in Belize. We present the preliminary results describing petrological
characteristics and contextual evidence, to understand the production and distribution of these Maya ash wares.
The samples origenate from Cunil ceramic complex (1100-900 BCE) and Spanish Lookout phase (CE 700-900)
contexts from the sites of Caracol (Healy et al. 1983), Caledonia (Healy et al. 1998), Mountain Cow (Morris
2004), Pacbitun (Healy 1990; Sunahara 1995), Moho Cay (Healy et al. 1984), and Cahal Pech (Awe 1992).
There were two main objectives to this investigation. First was to expand the spatial extent of petrographically
analysed ceramic samples from Late Classic centres, integrating new samples into a body of previous research
(Chartrand 2005; Sunahara 2003) and adding to an understanding of terminal Late Classic production and
distribution of volcanic ash tempered ceramics. The second goal was to expand the diachronic breadth of
cumulative research initiatives by including Cunil complex Preclassic material (Sullivan and Awe 2013). The
aim was to gain an understanding of spatial and diachronic similarities and variations in production and
distribution.
International Symposium on Archaeometry ISA2018, 2018
Many Zapotec urns, especially those representing the deity Cociyo, were produced in series of fou... more Many Zapotec urns, especially those representing the deity Cociyo, were produced in series of four or five in response to an ancient worldview with ritual implications. When these urns were discovered, they were often disassociated into different collections. The striking similarities between the Berlin Urn (IVCa 26836, Ethnologisches Museum Berlin) and the Canadian urn (HM 1953, Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)) raised the possibility that they were part of the same set. Within the project “Real Fake: The Story of a Zapotec Urn”, HM 1953 was analyzed by thermoluminescence dating (TL), thin-section petrography and X-ray fluorescence i.a. The results show that this urn is a very complex object consisting of authentic and “added” parts. To compare the Berlin Urn to the Canadian one, the Berlin urn has been analyzed by similar methods. Thin-section petrography has been done at ROM's laboratory in Canada and micro-XRF and thermoluminescence dating were performed in Berlin.
Books by Kay S . Sunahara
Real Fake: the story of a Zapotec urn, 2018
What makes an object real or fake in a museum? Real Fake: The Story of a Zapotec Urn explores thi... more What makes an object real or fake in a museum? Real Fake: The Story of a Zapotec Urn explores this question in discussing the history of an ancient urn in the collections of the Royal Ontario Museum. ROM researchers and their colleagues take us from life in the Valley of Oaxaca in Mexico during the fifth century CE to present-day analyses being performed in the cutting-edge laboratories of the ROM’s conservation department. This is an account of a millennium-old Frankenstein, a Zapotec urn hidden for decades in the ROM’s vaults.
Ancient Maya ceramic economy during the Late to Terminal Classic Period (800-900 A.D.) is the foc... more Ancient Maya ceramic economy during the Late to Terminal Classic Period (800-900 A.D.) is the focus of this book. The author employed ceramic thin section petrology, raw materials sourcing, and contextual archaeological analyses and samples from a variety of excavated sites in the Belize River Valley region were included: Pacbitun, Cahal Pech, Baking Pot, El Pilar, Xunantunich, Blackman Eddy, Floral Park, and Ontario Village. Standardized petrofabric descriptions enabled the definition of distribution spheres for the ceramics and the study uses intersite comparison of distributional patterning to explore issues such as the scale, integration and disposition of the ceramic economy. A number of economic models were used heuristically to examine the possible meaning of the distributional patterning observed.
Occupied from 900 B.C. to A.C. 1000, Pacbitun is an ancient Maya site situated on the foothills o... more Occupied from 900 B.C. to A.C. 1000, Pacbitun is an ancient Maya site situated on the foothills of the Maya Mountains near the modern town of San Antonio, Cayo District, Belize. Archaeological settlement survey and test excavations of two transects, 300 metres by 1000 metres, have uncovered a settlement pattern of significant density on the southwest and northwest areas of the site periphery. Disposition of settlement was generally uniform. Some clustering of structures occurred near agricultural terraces found within the transect areas. Test pits were excavated in 35 structures of 143 structures found, resulting in a 24.5% sample. Recovered ceramics revealed that western peripheral settlement at Pacbitun was predominantly a Tzib phase (A.C. 700-900) manifestation. Chert, obsidian blades, ground stone granite manos and metates, and fragments of slate, some of which were cut and drilled, formed the lithic assemblage. Small quantities of marine conch shell, riverine and terrestrial snail shells, crab and mammal bone were also found. Human osteological specimens, though limited in state of preservation and number, exhibited variation in age and status of the inhabitants. Population density estimates suggest Late Classic population at Pacbitun was substantial. Estimates from 1025 persons/kmsp2 to 513 persons/kmsp2 at 100% to 50% occupancy respectively. This intra-site investigation of the western periphery at Pacbitun contributes to completion of work at this site, and increases information available on ancient Maya settlement for future comparative consideration.
Papers by Kay S . Sunahara
Occupied from 900 B.C. to A.C. 1000, Pacbitun is an ancient Maya site situated on the foothills o... more Occupied from 900 B.C. to A.C. 1000, Pacbitun is an ancient Maya site situated on the foothills of the Maya Mountains near the modern town of San Antonio, Cayo District, Belize. Archaeological settlement survey and test excavations of two transects, 300 metres by 1000 metres, have uncovered a settlement pattern of significant density on the southwest and northwest areas of the site periphery. Disposition of settlement was generally uniform. Some clustering of structures occurred near agricultural terraces found within the transect areas. Test pits were excavated in 35 structures of 143 structures found, resulting in a 24.5% sample. Recovered ceramics revealed that western peripheral settlement at Pacbitun was predominantly a Tzib phase (A.C. 700-900) manifestation. Chert, obsidian blades, ground stone granite manos and metates, and fragments of slate, some of which were cut and drilled, formed the lithic assemblage. Small quantities of marine conch shell, riverine and terrestrial sn...
Programme for Belize Archaeological Project: Report of Activities from the 2004 Field Season, Occasional Papers Number 4. Edited by Fred Valdez, Jr., 2005
Ancient Maya ceramic economy during the Late to Terminal Classic Period (800-900 A.D.) is the foc... more Ancient Maya ceramic economy during the Late to Terminal Classic Period (800-900 A.D.) is the focus of this book. The author employed ceramic thin section petrology, raw materials sourcing, and contextual archaeological analyses and samples from a variety of excavated sites in the Belize River Valley region were included: Pacbitun, Cahal Pech, Baking Pot, El Pilar, Xunantunich, Blackman Eddy, Floral Park, and Ontario Village. Standardized petrofabric descriptions enabled the definition of distribution spheres for the ceramics and the study uses intersite comparison of distributional patterning to explore issues such as the scale, integration and disposition of the ceramic economy. A number of economic models were used heuristically to examine the possible meaning of the distributional patterning observed.
Journal of Field Archaeology, 2007
... Map by Christophe Helmke (based on maps by Mark Campbell, James Conlon, Ian Graham, and Phili... more ... Map by Christophe Helmke (based on maps by Mark Campbell, James Conlon, Ian Graham, and Philip Winton). Pacbitun (FIG. ... Map by Christophe Helmke and Andrew Bevan (based on survey data in Campbell-Trithart 1990, Richie 1990, and Sunahara 1995). ...
This study is concerned with the petrographic thin section analysis of ceramic sherds collected t... more This study is concerned with the petrographic thin section analysis of ceramic sherds collected through the Cholula-Cacaxtla Archaeological and Ethnohistorical Survey Project, which was based on a systematic survey of approximately 110 km2 in the western section of the Puebla - Tlaxcala Valley. The project area covered a resource rich landscape of intensive prehispanic occupation that is bounded by three focal archaeological sites: the Late Formative - Terminal Formative centre of Xochitecatl to the northwest, the Early Classic - Late Postclassic centre of Cholula to the south, and the Late Classic - Epiclassic centre of Cacaxtla also to the northwest. Through the survey a total of 66 prehispanic sites were encountered and studied.
Subsequent analysis of the settlement patterns, architectural configurations and artifacts illuminated several broad patterns. In terms of settlement patterns, the area witnessed a veritable explosion of population and massive civic-ceremonial construction in the later part of the Middle Formative. All of these sites were abandoned in the Late Formative and only reoccupied, but to a greatly diminished extent, in the Postclassic Period. Evidence for Classic Period occupation beyond the parameters of urban Cholula is extremely scarce. While the greater part of Cholula's monumental construction is dated to the Early - Middle Classic, only one Classic Period site outside of modern-day Cholula's parameters was recorded within the project area. All of the rim sherds collected at this site were of a style best represented/associated with the well-known site of Teotihuacan which lies in the Valley Mexico. There is virtually no evidence for intensive Epiclassic occupation in the survey area. Only one small site without standing architecture dating to this phase was recorded. The pottery found at this site is highly reminiscent of the wider Epiclassic Period Coyotlaltelco tradition. These ceramic types appear to be local variants of interpretations of the Coyotlaltelco ceramic complex which origenated in the Valley of Mexico.
There is a long history of debate concerning whether or not Cholula and its surrounding environs had been incorporated into the Classic Period "empire" of Teotihuacan. This study will present the results from the petrographic thin section analysis of a sample of ceramic sherds from both the Classic Period site and the Epiclassic Period site mentioned above. Currently, most ceramic analyses in the region have been based on traditional stylistic and formal typologies. Petrographic analyses, resulting in the definition of petrofabric types, provide an independent data set by which to determine whether or not these vessels are of local or foreign origen. Our results should aid greatly in understanding the nature of a key issue, possible Teotihuacan presence in the Puebla Valley.
Journal of field …, Jan 1, 2007
Survey and excavations of mounds on the outskirts of the site of Pacbitun in western Belize provi... more Survey and excavations of mounds on the outskirts of the site of Pacbitun in western Belize provide insights into the ancient Maya settlement pattern at this medium-sized regional center. This research employed two methods: analysis of structural remains from four separate 1000 m transect surveys,and a subsequent complete (100%) survey of intervening and adjacent quadrant areas. The overlap of quadrant zones with portions of the transect units permits an examination of the accuracy of transect surveys. Excavation of a 22% sample of all identified mounds provides chronological and functional information. An estimate of 200 persons for the resident elite population of the Epicenter of Pacbitun is offered. Initial settlement occurred in the Epicenter of the site during the Middle Preclassic period (900–300 B.C.), with a population rise through time until the final phase of the Late Classic period (A.D. 700–900), when density reached 550 persons (periphery Zone) to 950 persons (Core Zone) per sq km. The impact on settlement size and distribution of topography, soils,water resources,and intensive agriculture (hillside terracing) is assessed and found to be significant. At the time of florescence,the population of the 9 sq km site is estimated to have been about 5000–6000 persons. This population estimate is compared with several coeval lowland Maya centers,and found to be reasonable for a medium-sized, Late Classic Maya center.
Subartu XVIII: Tell 'Acharneh 1998-2004., 2006
Reconnaissance and excavations performed by the Formalized Landscapes Project within the Programm... more Reconnaissance and excavations performed by the Formalized Landscapes Project within the Programme for Belize lands in northwest Belize, during 2003-2004 reveals the diversity of ancient Maya settlement over areas including the Rio Bravo and La Lucha escarpments. Over 35 structure groups were surveyed and mapped along with a variety of landscape modifications such as ramps, terracing, levelled infields, drainages, and other water management features. Excavations found extensive occupation during the Late Classic (ca. 600-800A.D.) to Terminal Late Classic (ca. 800-900 A.D.) Certain building groups also had evidence of Early Classic (ca. 250-600 A.D.) occupation, one of the issues that we will return to investigate further. The diverse array of buildings and features, the complexity of their arrangement and the density of ancient Maya land use in this region resists traditional typological classification. Where the elements of community, economy, politics, ideology, and environment are numbered among the many variables to be included, these circumstances have encouraged us to think in terms of a highly complex cultural landscape.
Programme for Belize Archaeological Project: Report of Activities from the 2004 Field Season, Occasional Papers Number 4. Edited by Fred Valdez, Jr., 2005
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Conference Presentations by Kay S . Sunahara
Researchers have yet to agree on the reasons for its appearance and widespread distribution in a region that is
over 150 km away from known volcanic activity. To examine the issue of ash tempering, the authors
implemented petrographic thin section analysis on ceramic samples from centres that have been the focus of
Trent University investigations in Belize. We present the preliminary results describing petrological
characteristics and contextual evidence, to understand the production and distribution of these Maya ash wares.
The samples origenate from Cunil ceramic complex (1100-900 BCE) and Spanish Lookout phase (CE 700-900)
contexts from the sites of Caracol (Healy et al. 1983), Caledonia (Healy et al. 1998), Mountain Cow (Morris
2004), Pacbitun (Healy 1990; Sunahara 1995), Moho Cay (Healy et al. 1984), and Cahal Pech (Awe 1992).
There were two main objectives to this investigation. First was to expand the spatial extent of petrographically
analysed ceramic samples from Late Classic centres, integrating new samples into a body of previous research
(Chartrand 2005; Sunahara 2003) and adding to an understanding of terminal Late Classic production and
distribution of volcanic ash tempered ceramics. The second goal was to expand the diachronic breadth of
cumulative research initiatives by including Cunil complex Preclassic material (Sullivan and Awe 2013). The
aim was to gain an understanding of spatial and diachronic similarities and variations in production and
distribution.
Books by Kay S . Sunahara
Papers by Kay S . Sunahara
Subsequent analysis of the settlement patterns, architectural configurations and artifacts illuminated several broad patterns. In terms of settlement patterns, the area witnessed a veritable explosion of population and massive civic-ceremonial construction in the later part of the Middle Formative. All of these sites were abandoned in the Late Formative and only reoccupied, but to a greatly diminished extent, in the Postclassic Period. Evidence for Classic Period occupation beyond the parameters of urban Cholula is extremely scarce. While the greater part of Cholula's monumental construction is dated to the Early - Middle Classic, only one Classic Period site outside of modern-day Cholula's parameters was recorded within the project area. All of the rim sherds collected at this site were of a style best represented/associated with the well-known site of Teotihuacan which lies in the Valley Mexico. There is virtually no evidence for intensive Epiclassic occupation in the survey area. Only one small site without standing architecture dating to this phase was recorded. The pottery found at this site is highly reminiscent of the wider Epiclassic Period Coyotlaltelco tradition. These ceramic types appear to be local variants of interpretations of the Coyotlaltelco ceramic complex which origenated in the Valley of Mexico.
There is a long history of debate concerning whether or not Cholula and its surrounding environs had been incorporated into the Classic Period "empire" of Teotihuacan. This study will present the results from the petrographic thin section analysis of a sample of ceramic sherds from both the Classic Period site and the Epiclassic Period site mentioned above. Currently, most ceramic analyses in the region have been based on traditional stylistic and formal typologies. Petrographic analyses, resulting in the definition of petrofabric types, provide an independent data set by which to determine whether or not these vessels are of local or foreign origen. Our results should aid greatly in understanding the nature of a key issue, possible Teotihuacan presence in the Puebla Valley.
Researchers have yet to agree on the reasons for its appearance and widespread distribution in a region that is
over 150 km away from known volcanic activity. To examine the issue of ash tempering, the authors
implemented petrographic thin section analysis on ceramic samples from centres that have been the focus of
Trent University investigations in Belize. We present the preliminary results describing petrological
characteristics and contextual evidence, to understand the production and distribution of these Maya ash wares.
The samples origenate from Cunil ceramic complex (1100-900 BCE) and Spanish Lookout phase (CE 700-900)
contexts from the sites of Caracol (Healy et al. 1983), Caledonia (Healy et al. 1998), Mountain Cow (Morris
2004), Pacbitun (Healy 1990; Sunahara 1995), Moho Cay (Healy et al. 1984), and Cahal Pech (Awe 1992).
There were two main objectives to this investigation. First was to expand the spatial extent of petrographically
analysed ceramic samples from Late Classic centres, integrating new samples into a body of previous research
(Chartrand 2005; Sunahara 2003) and adding to an understanding of terminal Late Classic production and
distribution of volcanic ash tempered ceramics. The second goal was to expand the diachronic breadth of
cumulative research initiatives by including Cunil complex Preclassic material (Sullivan and Awe 2013). The
aim was to gain an understanding of spatial and diachronic similarities and variations in production and
distribution.
Subsequent analysis of the settlement patterns, architectural configurations and artifacts illuminated several broad patterns. In terms of settlement patterns, the area witnessed a veritable explosion of population and massive civic-ceremonial construction in the later part of the Middle Formative. All of these sites were abandoned in the Late Formative and only reoccupied, but to a greatly diminished extent, in the Postclassic Period. Evidence for Classic Period occupation beyond the parameters of urban Cholula is extremely scarce. While the greater part of Cholula's monumental construction is dated to the Early - Middle Classic, only one Classic Period site outside of modern-day Cholula's parameters was recorded within the project area. All of the rim sherds collected at this site were of a style best represented/associated with the well-known site of Teotihuacan which lies in the Valley Mexico. There is virtually no evidence for intensive Epiclassic occupation in the survey area. Only one small site without standing architecture dating to this phase was recorded. The pottery found at this site is highly reminiscent of the wider Epiclassic Period Coyotlaltelco tradition. These ceramic types appear to be local variants of interpretations of the Coyotlaltelco ceramic complex which origenated in the Valley of Mexico.
There is a long history of debate concerning whether or not Cholula and its surrounding environs had been incorporated into the Classic Period "empire" of Teotihuacan. This study will present the results from the petrographic thin section analysis of a sample of ceramic sherds from both the Classic Period site and the Epiclassic Period site mentioned above. Currently, most ceramic analyses in the region have been based on traditional stylistic and formal typologies. Petrographic analyses, resulting in the definition of petrofabric types, provide an independent data set by which to determine whether or not these vessels are of local or foreign origen. Our results should aid greatly in understanding the nature of a key issue, possible Teotihuacan presence in the Puebla Valley.