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

     
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The Abal Ceramic Phase (300 B.C.–A.D. 175)

Late Preclassic ceramics have approximately the same distribution as Middle Preclassic ceramics–it is almost entirely limited to the southern sector of the site, though a small amount of Late Preclassic ceramic was found in one of the C-group structures located at the far north end of the site. In most cases, Late Preclassic materials are found mixed with earlier, Hol phase, ceramics. However, a large deposit of unmixed Late Preclassic ceramics was found stratified above Middle Preclassic ceramics in front of Str. R-5.  This deposit proved key in defining this phase at Piedras Negras.

The Abal ceramic complex is dominated by monochrome reds, blacks, and creams. Slips are thick and waxy, and are frequently crazed. The most common forms are shallow dishes with thickened and slightly everted rims, or thickened direct rims, and jars with short, out-curving necks. Incising and fluting are the most common decorative modes. Common types include Altamira Fluted, Lechugal Incised, and Laguna Verde Incised.

In most respects, the Late Preclassic ceramics from Piedras Negras are nearly indistinguishable from Late Preclassic materials found elsewhere in the Petén. A particularly close resemblance is noted with Cantutse phase materials ceramics from Seibal (Sabloff 1975) and Plancha phase ceramics from Altar de Sacrificios (Adams 1971). It is important to note, however, that the medial or labial flanges typical of Late Preclassic ceramics found elsewhere is quite rare at Piedras Negras. The cause of this is curious and, for the moment, inexplicable.

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