Geochemical Evidence for Long-Distance Exchange

Edited by M. D. Glascock (2002). Bergin and Garvey, Westport, CN.

Indígena Ware: Spain to Valley of Mexico

E. Rodriquez-Alegria

Abstract

Twenty years ago Florence and Robert Lister (1982) presented the idea that Indígena Ware was a ceramic type made in Mexico by indigenous potters as an imitation of European majolica serving vessels. In this article I compare the chemical composition of Indígena Ware (as determined by NAA) with the composition of other colonial ceramics found in Mexico City, including Spanish majolica, Mexican majolica, and Aztec Red Ware from the sixteenth century and argue that Indígena Ware was not made in Mexico and was not an indigenous product. I also present evidence from element concentrations in ceramic glazes (as determined by LA-ICP-MS) to support the idea that Indígena Ware was not produced in Mexico. Technological, morphological and decorative attributes of this ware indicate it was most likely made in Europe.

Number of samples in dataset:283

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