Movement and ceramic variability in northern Arizona

Pelletier, Benjamin Daniel (2022) Movement and ceramic variability in northern Arizona. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

The concept of movement is prevalent in discussions of Four Corners archaeology, and analyses of ceramic export is one method often used to identify trade networks and exchange between cultural groups. My research examines social interaction in the northern Arizona Kayenta region during the Pueblo I, II, and III periods, using ceramics as a proxy for exchange on sites occupied between the years of 850-1300 CE. To do this, I will use archival data from past CRM projects to compare 102 sites from the Black Mesa core area to 31 sites from the Glen Canyon periphery region, specifically examining local and non-local ceramics found on these sites. I have also created social network maps, showing sites with similar ceramic assemblages, and allowing for the comparison of four basic network centrality metrics over time between the core and periphery regions. The results show significant amounts of non-local San Juan Red Ware on Black Mesa, far more nonlocal ceramics than in the San Juan region, where sites contained smaller amounts of Virgin Tradition and Mesa Verde (Northern San Juan Tradition) pottery. Quantitative analysis of network centrality shows, at least based on this small sample, that periods of migration and exchange are correlated with higher mean centrality scores. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed, including migration and cultural diffusion. Future research on these topics will focus on Puebloan identity, migration, movement, and exchange.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Black Mesa Archaeological Project (BMAP); ceramics; exchange; measures of centrality; San Juan; social networks analysis; migration
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Social and Behavioral Science > Anthropology
Date Deposited:	26 May 2023 17:11
Last Modified:	26 May 2023 17:11
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/5917

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