Abstract

FORNE, Mélanie; ALVARADO, Silvia  and  TORRES, Paola. Ceramic Chronology at Cancuén: a History of a Late Classic Period City. Estud. cult. maya [online]. 2011, vol.38, pp.11-39. ISSN 0185-2574.

Cancuén archaeological site is relevant within the Late Classic Maya context because of its geographical position on Pasión River, between Lowlands and Highlands of Guatemala, from where it controlled one of the greatest trade route between both areas. This has been evidenced by the excavation of a workshop where jade artifacts where produced, which is a unique discovery in Maya Lowlands. The analysis of ceramics in Cancuén represents a double challenge: first, it may define Cancuén's culturally, highlighting a mix of ceramic influences coming from different neighboring regions. A rapid presentation of the typology shows a quite complex panorama for exchange and local production of vessels. The second challenge is about establishing a fine chronology for the only 150 years of occupation. By confronting ceramic data with epigraphy and local political events, it has been possible to establish a detailed and complete chronology, one of the first in this frontier zone, between Lowlands and Highlands.

Keywords : Cancuén; ceramics; chronology; exchange; frontier.

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