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SOCIAL DIMENSIONS IN CERAMIC ANALYSIS: A case study from peripheral Tikal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 July 2003

Robert E. Fry
Robert E. Fry
Affiliation:
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1365, USA
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Abstract

This paper examines the evidence for status and wealth differentiation within the peripheral areas of Tikal, Guatemala, and intersite areas north and south of Tikal. Frequency counts of differing major shape classes show that large groups had significantly higher frequency of serving forms and more associated pottery. The technique of multidimensional scaling is used to see whether there are any qualitative differences in pottery reflecting higher status or wealth. Results of the analysis indicate that qualitative differences are present only for Ik Complex vases. There are also indications of a special relationship between central Tikal and the minor center of Navahuelal located beyond the edges of the Tikal settlement zone.

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Type
Research Article
Information
Ancient Mesoamerica , Volume 14 , Issue 1 , January 2003 , pp. 85 - 93
Copyright
© 2003 Cambridge University Press

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