The Temporal Sensitivity of Casas Grandes Polychrome Ceramics

This paper examines the chronological sensitivity of various ceramic types found within the greater Casas Grandes region of northwestern Chihuahua. In doing so, we review the relevant literature from the area, particularly the works of Amsden, Brand, Carey, Sayles, Kidder, and the Gladwins. A more detailed reading and analysis of these works suggest that some Chihuahuan ceramic types are more temporally sensitive than currently assumed by many researchers in the region. Then, in an effort to further elucidate key chronological issues, we provide a reanalysis of a data set originally collected in the 1930s. These data suggest that pre-Hispanic ceramics from northwestern Chihuahua are indeed sensitive chronological markers. We conclude that a more precise study of the ceramics from northwestern Chihuahua will provide a method for increasing the accuracy of relative dating of sites and site components.