Description

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Ceramic Analysis in the Andes The panorama and diversity of research presented in this volume testify to the vitality of ceramic analysis in Andean archaeology, studies that are directed to answer questions that go far beyond the sourcing of raw materials. The different chapters written by leading specialists in the domain and younger investigators highlight a variety of mineral and chemical studies used to investigate socio-political and cultural questions, issues of political control, intra- and intervalley interactions, social identities, and expressions of cultural traditions in the ancient Andes. As well, this volume offers an overview of the sampling strategies and analytical techniques currently followed in the discipline, the diversity of paste types and geoenvironments per region, and expected mineral and chemical signatures in the study areas. The roots of this volume go back to the session titled "Characterization of Andean Ceramics" organized at the 2014 Society for American Archaeology (SAA) meeting in Austin Texas. The session meant to offer a perspective on the state of ceramic analysis conducted in the Andes, recent views about manufacture and circulation of wares in different regions, socio-political contexts in which these industries flourished, and technological traditions. 190 pages, 85 color figures, maps and diagrams, 10 chapters. Edited by Isabelle Druc.