A Terminal Classic Period Moldedcarved Ceramic Production Mold from Actun Xtuyul, Pacbitun, Belize
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Publication Date
1-1-2020
Publication Title
Mexicon
Volume Number
42
Issue Number
2
Abstract
Investigations by the Pacbitun Regional Archaeological Project at Actun Xtuyul, a small rockshelter near the pre-Hispanic Maya site of Pacbitun, Belize, have recovered a heavily modified ceramic production mold used to make molded-carved pottery, typical of the Terminal Classic period (AD 800–950). We discuss the archaeological context of the piece, and offer a comprehensive discussion of the modifications, suggesting it had a secondary function as a ritual object. A detailed description of its iconography allow for comparisons with other molded-carved specimens, providing evidence that it was likely used to make Sahcaba Molded-carved type vessels. Lastly, we discuss how the recovery of the piece near Pacbitun reveals a previously unknown portion of Pacbitun’s Terminal Classic period occupational history, especially in light of a weakening institution of kingship and increasing factionalization of secondary elites.
Document Type
Article
Language
English
Notes
Citation only.
Recommended Citation
Spenard, Jon and Helmke, Christophe G., "A Terminal Classic Period Moldedcarved Ceramic Production Mold from Actun Xtuyul, Pacbitun, Belize" (2020). KIP Articles. 6036.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/kip_articles/6036
