Title
Ceramic assemblages and landscape in the mid-1st millennium Llanos de Mojos, Beni, Bolivia
Abbreviated Journal Title
J. Field Archaeol.
Keywords
Amazon; Bolivia; ceramics; Arawak language; raised fields; LANGUAGES; AMAZONIA; Archaeology
Abstract
In the Central Amazon Basin, research has focused on links between spatial patterns of modern language groups and archaeological ceramic assemblages. Amazon Polychrome is a set of stylistically related ceramic assemblages from across the central Amazon dating from A. D. 600 to 1300 that have been linked to Arawak-speaking groups. A related assemblage comes from the Llanos de Mojos (Mojos) in eastern Bolivia; these San Juan ceramics, distributed along the lower Iruyanez River and dated to the early 6th century A. D., are associated with raised field agriculture. San Juan ceramics are allied with Guarita and other Amazon Polychrome assemblages in vessel form, decorative technique, and temper, although they are a subset of a larger range of forms and decorative techniques. This suggests that Mojos and the Central Amazon were part of a regional system; the comparatively early date suggests that Mojos was integral to its development. Language, landscape, and ceramic diversity are as important as the presence of earthworks and Arawak languages for understanding Mojos and its place within the Amazon system. Without denying the importance of Arawak-speaking groups, there is no a priori reason to identify any ceramic assemblage or landscape with a particular language. Equally important are the cultural connections, combinations, and syncretism that are present in a multilingual, multiethnic, and economically complex region.
Journal Title
Journal of Field Archaeology
Volume
36
Issue/Number
2
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Document Type
Article
Language
English
First Page
119
Last Page
131
WOS Identifier
ISSN
0093-4690
Recommended Citation
"Ceramic assemblages and landscape in the mid-1st millennium Llanos de Mojos, Beni, Bolivia" (2011). Faculty Bibliography 2010s. 2055.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2010/2055
Comments
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