The Ceramic Sequence of Piedras Negras, Guatemala: Type and Varieties

Piedras Negras Chronology and Typology

This description outlines the major trends evident in the ceramics of Piedras Negras. A more detailed discussion of the ceramic sequence can be found in Muñoz, Acuña, and Perez (N.D.), Muñoz and Fitzsimmons (1998), Muñoz and Golden (2002), and Muñoz (N.D., 2000, 2001, 2002). The Piedras Negras ceramic sequence is divided into seven major ceramic complexes/phases spanning the Middle Preclassic to Terminal Classic (Figure 1). The most obvious difference between the sequence presented here and previous work is in the inclusion of two Preclassic complex/phases, and a provisional Terminal Preclassic phase. Materials dating to these periods are not present in the Pennsylvania ceramic sample. In all cases, the timing and typological content of the complex/phases have been altered. Finally, a few Postclassic pieces are known from Piedras Negras. These were likely left by late pilgrims to the site and cannot be properly described as comprising a ceramic complex.

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