INAA and distribution patterns of Classic Mimbres Black-on-white vessels during the Classic period

Abstract

Distribution patterns of Classic Mimbres Black-on-white (Style III) bowls and jars were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) to identify vessel movement between geographically defined regions and between villages within individual regions of southwestern New Mexico. Ceramic and clay samples (n=288) from 15 sites in the Gila, Mimbres, and Rio Grande valleys composed the data set. Vessel movement was identified at the regional and site level to determine the degree of regional and site-specific interactions. Fifteen sites composed the regional level data set whereas only five sites contributed large enough sample sizes to determine vessel movement between sites at the site level of analysis. The operating hypotheses of the project were: (1) bowls were distributed throughout the Mimbres cultural system more often than jars; (2) vessel movement between sites within a region exceeded vessel movement between regions; (3) the Mimbres manufactured vessels at the village level; and, (4) elites did not control ceramic vessel distribution. Discriminant function analysis was used to identify vessel movement based on INAA data. The statistical results indicated that bowls were more frequently exchanged than jars, a higher number of vessels were moved between sites within the same region than between regions, vessels were manufactured at the village level, and an elite that controlled vessel distribution most likely did not exist in the Mimbres culture. The absence of a controlling elite was inferred from the overall low levels of exchange and the identification of site-specific production locations.