Chupicuaro Ceramics

The artifacts most frequently associated with Chupícuaro are ceramics, both vessels and figurines (Weaver 5). Chupícuaro ceramics are handmade (5). They were moderately fired[1], then burnished[2] (Frierman xii). Chupícuaro ceramics, both vessels and figurines, served as funerary and trade goods (McBride 34). At the Chupícuaro excavations and in context at other sites, Chupícuaro ceramics are most often associated with burials (“Appendix” 81-92; McBride 34-37, 41, 43). Chupícuaro ceramics can be categorized and interpreted through a number of traits, exemplified here with photos of vessels from the Miami University Department of Anthropology Collections.