Ceramic evidence for Pueblo-Mogollon cohabitation at Largo Gap in New Mexico

Jordan Elizabeth Jarrett

The aim of this study is to confirm by ceramic analysis that Mogollon and Pueblo people co-resided within communities in west-central New Mexico during the Chaco era of the Pueblo II period (A.D. 1050-1130). Previous studies have demonstrated that distinct ceramic traditions are present within the same archaeological sites; yet questions still remain as to whether or not gray wares, associated principally with Pueblo culture, were manufactured locally or were imported to the region. My study objective was thus to determine, first, whether gray wares are produced locally and, second, whether or not ceramic traditions at Largo Gap follow the same trends as those of nearby great house sites. Various methods were used to address this question. These include measuring apparent porosity and conducting oxidation analysis in order to examine differences between brown and gray wares. Additionally, electron microprobe analysis was conducted on a subset of sherds and local clays collected in the vicinity of the site in order to provide chemical composition via point analysis of the clay pastes. It was thus hypothesized that if the chemical composition of gray wares overlaps with either the brown wares or local clays, then these gray wares were in fact vi produced locally. This would support the interpretation that Pueblo and Mogollon peoples coresided within the Largo Gap community. My results indicate cultural distinction between brown and gray wares, which tend to differ in the type of clays used and temper typically added to each. These technological choices are shown to be cultural and not based on the intended function of vessels. Additionally, chemical overlap is demonstrated between some gray and brown ware sherds, as well as between gray wares and local clays. Based on broader regional ceramic trends, study results also suggest an adaptation of Pueblo ceramic tradition to the local environment at Largo Gap. This is supported by the fact that attributes occurring in brown wares are also present within the gray wares in some cases. The results of this study suggest that a Pueblo cultural element was present at Largo Gap during the Chaco era of the Pueblo II period.

Ceramic evidence for Pueblo-Mogollon cohabitation at Largo Gap in New Mexico

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