The Production and Distribution of Mimbres Pottery

The Production and Distribution of Mimbres Pottery examines a more comprehensive INAA data set and offers a fresh interpretation of ceramic production and distribution in the Mimbres region. This will assist in directing future research in the area and serve as an illustration of how INAA data can assist students and scholars in understanding other facets of prehistoric Mimbres society, in addition to Mimbres pottery production.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: University of New Mexico Press

The captivating Mimbres painted pottery, originating in southwestern New Mexico, has remained a source of fascination for generations. Despite numerous publications and extensive analyses of its style, dating, iconography, meaning, identity, use wear, and trade and travel implications, there has been limited interest in understanding the actual production of Mimbres pottery. This transformative shift occurred with the professional investigations of the 1970s, when petrographic analysis commenced, and later in the late 1980s and 1990s, when Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) was introduced to study Mimbres pottery production and distribution.

The Production and Distribution of Mimbres Pottery: An Expanded INAA Data Set assesses a comprehensive INAA data set and offers a fresh and insightful interpretation of ceramic production and distribution within the Mimbres region. The findings provide valuable guidance for future research endeavors and serve as an exemplar of how INAA data can assist students and scholars in gaining a deeper understanding of various interconnected aspects of prehistoric Mimbres society, beyond Mimbres pottery production.

The Mimbres culture thrived in the region from approximately 900 to 1150 AD, producing intricate and distinctive pottery adorned with intricate geometric designs and vibrant colors. The pottery was highly prized and traded across vast distances, reaching as far as the Great Plains and the Southwest. However, the exact production techniques and distribution networks of Mimbres pottery remained largely unknown until the late 20th century.

The professional investigations of the 1970s marked a significant milestone in understanding Mimbres pottery production. Petrographic analysis, a technique that involves examining the microscopic structures of ceramics, provided valuable insights into the composition and firing conditions of the pottery. This research revealed that the pottery was made from local clay sources and fired at high temperatures, resulting in a unique and durable ceramic material.

In the late 1980s and 1990s, INAA technology was introduced to study Mimbres pottery production and distribution. This technique involves bombarding ceramics with neutrons, which causes them to emit gamma rays that can be used to determine the age and composition of the pottery. INAA analysis provided a more precise and accurate method for dating and identifying Mimbres pottery, allowing researchers to trace the movement of pottery across the region and identify the sources and destinations of trade.

The Production and Distribution of Mimbres Pottery: An Expanded INAA Data Set utilizes a comprehensive INAA data set, encompassing over 1,000 pottery samples from various sites in the Mimbres region. The book presents a detailed analysis of the pottery, including its style, dating, iconography, and distribution patterns. The results of the analysis shed light on the complex social and economic networks that existed within the Mimbres culture and provide a new understanding of the role of pottery in the region's cultural and economic development.

One of the key findings of the book is that Mimbres pottery production was not limited to a single site or community. Instead, it was a widespread practice that involved multiple sites and communities across the Mimbres region. The pottery was produced by skilled artisans who were influenced by a variety of cultural and artistic traditions, including the Ancestral Puebloan, Mogollon, and Hohokam cultures. The distribution of Mimbres pottery was also complex, with trade networks extending across vast distances and involving multiple cultural groups.

The book also highlights the significance of Mimbres pottery in understanding the broader cultural and historical context of the region. The pottery was not only a functional object but also a symbol of identity and status within the Mimbres culture. The intricate designs and vibrant colors of the pottery were used to convey messages and convey social and political messages, and the pottery was often used in ritual and ceremonial contexts.

In conclusion, The Production and Distribution of Mimbres Pottery: An Expanded INAA Data Set is a groundbreaking work that provides a new and more-informed interpretation of ceramic production and distribution in the Mimbres region. The book utilizes a comprehensive INAA data set to shed light on the complex social and economic networks that existed within the Mimbres culture and the role of pottery in the region's cultural and economic development. The findings of the analysis should guide future research in the region and serve as an example of how INAA data can help students and scholars understand many other interrelated aspects of prehistoric Mimbres society.

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780826363978