Ceramics of Mayapan

The unimpressive archaeological record of the last Mayan pre-Hispanic period has been traditionally interpreted as one of a society in decadence. However, archaeological remains evidencing stylistic homogenization across regions and documentary accounts written during the conquest describing thriving markets and entrepreneurial people have indicated to some a mercantile society linked by extensive networks of communication. Under the weaker political environment of this period, it is expected that a mercantile environment presented more competition and more ceramic producers. This research used petrographic analysis and XRD of the pottery of Mayapan the last Maya capital, to detect ceramic compositional groups, which research has associated with the number of pottery producers. The number of producers is usually taken as a reflection of the degree of competition. This research found multiple compositional groups and the use of fewer ceramic materials that nonetheless are technologically advantageous, suggesting a more competitive and pragmatic society.