Ceramic Chronology

Chupícuaro ceramics and figurines styles can be placed in a rough chronological sequence (Frierman xii). Mesoamerican archaeologist George Vaillant believed that figurines are excellent time markers (McBride 41). Figurine types are associated with cultural horizons, especially in the Late Pre-Classic (41-44). Over time at Chupícuaro, ceramic designs became more complicated, and vessel shapes more complex (43-44). There were more numerous vessel types (43-44). Painting techniques became more intricate (43-44). There were more proportionate and sophisticated figurines (43-44). McBride describes all of these progressions as a “florescence in cultural development” (44). Color choices evolved over time in two different sequences (Frierman xii). The red sequence moved through plain red to red rimmed to red on buff designs (xii). The polychrome sequence moved through brown polychrome to black polychrome to black on red (xii). However, blackware, red rimmed, red, and red on buff can be found throughout the time periods (xii), making the red sequence more a consideration of relative numbers than the mere presence of a type. Figurines, especially in association with ceramic vessels, can also be used for seriation (McBride 41-42). Choker figurines appear with earlier brown polychrome ceramics (Weaver 9; McBride 43-44). Slant eyed figurines appear with later black polychrome ceramics (Weaver 9; McBride 43-44). Also associated with an earlier period are elliptical or oval shaped bowls, tecomate bowls with restricted mouths and insloping rims, “shoe” or “duck” shaped vessels, fewer and simpler tripods, and a lack of ringstand or pedestal bases (McBride 46).