Technology, production, and distribution of terminal classic molded-carved vases in the Central Maya Lowlands

The paper summarises the results of the technological and stylistic analyses of the moldedcarved ceramic vases from Altun Ha, and Pook’s Hill, two archaeological sites located in Belize. The stylistic analysis of these vases indicates that the decorative modes and the tradition of manufacturing vases by molds date squarely to the Terminal Classic period (ca. AD 800-1000). The Terminal Classic period is one of transition, exhibiting dramatic socio-political changes in the Maya Lowlands. The technological analyses employ energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), thin-section petrography, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS), to characterise the physical, mineralogical, and chemical properties of the molded-carved vases. Combining the results of the technological and stylistic analyses help to discriminate the production groups, reconstruct the manufacturing technology, characterise the organisation of production, and delineate distribution patterns. Our present findings reveal that the changes in the socio-political order during the Terminal Classic in the Maya Lowlands likely stimulated changes in the types and manner in which elite pottery was produced, as well as the mechanisms responsible for the distribution of such ceramics.