Inferring function: A Study of three prehistoric structures in El Pital, Puerto López, Manabí, Ecuador

This thesis focuses on the possible functions of three stone structures associated with the Manteno culture (500-1532 A.D.) of coastal Ecuador. The ceramic distributions of each structure were compared (C4-044-1, C4-096-2 and C4-097-2) and the diagnostic sherds were analyzed by form according to Mester's and Rowe's ceramic classifications (Mester 1990; Rowe 2005). The statistics suggest that each of the structures served different functions. C4-044-1 likely domestic, C4-096-2 probably functioned as a kitchen and C4-097-2 was a storage area. A χ2 test suggests that the ceramic forms from C4-044-1 differ significantly from those recovered from C4-096-2. Diversity indices indicate that C4-044-1 has the highest diversity of vessel forms and that its diversity differs significantly from the other structures. The correspondence analysis reinforces these results, with the high segregation of the lots and vessel forms .