Peer reviewed articles by Daniel Pierce
Data in Brief, 2023
Hematite, and more broadly ochre, have long been used by humans throughout history for a variety ... more Hematite, and more broadly ochre, have long been used by humans throughout history for a variety of applications. In prehistoric North America the use of hematite is as old as its first migrants. This data article includes data related to the analysis of archaeological hematite in the American Bot- tom region in Missouri and Illinois, U.S.A. The data include archaeological samples dating from the Late Archaic Period (3000 –1000 BCE) to the Middle Woodland Period (150 BCE –400 CE) from nine sites within the general St. Louis area (n = 69), as well as 29 samples from Verkamp Rockshelter in the iron-rich region of the Meramec River Valley. The data is supplemented with geological samples collected from five raw deposits in southeastern Missouri (n = 70). Data was acquired through Neutron Activation Analysis to assess provenance of all archaeological samples. Following the irradiation of samples, data was normalized for iron content before statistical analysis. A variety of multivariate statistical routines, including principal component and cluster analyses were then employed to assess possible origin locales for all archaeological samples. This data article also includes maps, tables, and figures to assist in understanding the analysis conducted.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2023
Ochre has been used for a variety of cultural items worldwide including its use as pigments, poli... more Ochre has been used for a variety of cultural items worldwide including its use as pigments, polishing tools, medicines, and formal lithic tools such as axes and plummets. Though ochre use in prehistoric North America was commonplace, geochemical analyses of archaeological assemblages typically have focused upon ceramics and stone tools, with ochre treated as a secondary artifact. In the American Bottom, recent limited studies have investigated ochre usage in Late Archaic (3000-1000 BCE) and Middle Woodland (150 BCE-400CE) contexts with inconclusive results. However, the authors suggested that archaeological ochres found in East Central Missouri may have originated within the Meramec River Valley. In this current study, data from previous archaeological and source ochre analyses are combined with similarly dated artifacts from the Verkamp Rockshelter in the Meramec River Valley and additional archaeological samples from five sites in the region. To establish a regional assessment, neutron activation analysis (NAA) and multivariate statistical analysis was utilized to examine geochemical relationships across the region. Results identified distinct compositional differences between archaeological samples from the St. Louis region versus samples collected at Verkamp Rockshelter. Beyond this, no other correlations could be found between chemistry and collection locale. When compared to the available geological source samples from the area, the archaeological samples from the St. Louis region remain distinct, while Meramec River Valley deposits are somewhat compositionally similar to artifacts from Verkamp Rockshelter. This suggests differential acquisition between the two areas.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2022
During the Early/Middle Postclassic (AD 900-1350), the Aztatlan Tradition spread throughout Weste... more During the Early/Middle Postclassic (AD 900-1350), the Aztatlan Tradition spread throughout Western Mexico and grew to be one of the most influential groups in the region. The cultural core of this tradition was centered on the coastal plain of Nayarit with numerous major population centers taking part in expansive trade networks. One such major Aztatlán site is Coamiles, excavated from 2005 to 2010 by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historía (INAH). From these excavations, we here present the results of ceramic and obsidian analyses as well as discussions of site architecture. These results demonstrate the widespread importation of obsidian from the Jalisco highlands as well as simultaneous local production of lithic tools from more proximal sources. In contrast, ceramic analyses illustrate a ceramic industry that appears largely reliant upon local production with little, if any, ceramic trade. Finally, the architecture of the ceremonial center suggests an integration into broader cosmological belief systems that are still maintained today with modern indigenous populations. Overall, Coamiles was a paragon of Aztatlán culture. We can look to Coamiles and see similar attributes as we find throughout the entire coastal plain during the Postclassic. In this way, Coamiles is an ideal case study for understanding this prolific tradition.
Latin American Antiquity, 2022
A core region is the first place for expected shifts in archaeological materials before, during, ... more A core region is the first place for expected shifts in archaeological materials before, during, and after political changes like state emergence and imperial consolidation. Yet, studies of ceramic production have shown that there are sometimes limited or more subtle changes in the ceramic economy throughout such political fluctuations. This article synthesizes recent efforts to address political economic changes via geochemical characterization (neutron activation analysis; NAA) in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin in western Mexico. This region was home to the Purépecha state and then empire (Tarascan; ca. AD 1350-1530), one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Americas before European arrival. The combined ceramic dataset from four sites in the region result in eight geochemical groups. Our analysis indicates that the region experienced long-term and relatively stable ceramic production that was not substantially altered by the emergence of the state and empire. In addition, we find evidence for (1) dispersed, localized production; (2) long-lived compositional ceramic recipes; and (3) a complex ceramic economy with differential community participation. We discuss why documenting local ceramic production and craft production more generally is important for the study of past political economies.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2022
Understanding cultural identity has been a critical aspect of archaeology since its inception. Th... more Understanding cultural identity has been a critical aspect of archaeology since its inception. The Bordes-Binford debate famously tackled the issue of cultural identity based upon material culture in the 1960 s. Since then, the issue of cultural affiliation has been addressed in a variety of ways. Critical to this is the understanding of colonization, diasporas, and immigration. In this study, we consider the topic of cultural identity at the site of El Tesoro, Hidalgo, which exhibits cultural elements related to both Teotihuacán and the Valley of Oaxaca. Given the presence of both cultural styles, El Tesoro has previously been suspected to be a Zapotec enclave, perhaps founded by people who emigrated from the Oaxaca Barrio of Teotihuacán. One important example of the dual cultural representations is in the ceramic assemblage at El Tesoro. In this study, we have used Neutron Activation Analysis to assess provenance for a number of sherds which feature distinct Zapotec or Teotihuacán styles. Our results indicate that these ceramics were not the product of importation, but they were presumably made locally, even using the same recipes across both cultural traditions. Given these results and other mixed cultural expressions such as burials, we suggest that this indicates hybridization between the two cultures. Rather than affiliating themselves with one culture or the other, we propose that the Classic period community at El Tesoro can more accurately be described as "Zapo-Teotihuacáno", as a creolization of both cultures. In contrast with a colonization or enclave model, El Tesoro may instead be thought of as the product of a trade diaspora in which individuals/groups moved to frontier locations as a way to facilitate trade between disparate locales. In doing so, they were incentivized to take on traits of both cultures.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2022
This paper challenges the still-popular use of territory, materiality, genetics, and linguistics ... more This paper challenges the still-popular use of territory, materiality, genetics, and linguistics to define a homogeneous and stable shared identity (or "diffuse unity") for the Isthmo-Colombian Area. Using the communities of practice and communities of consumption concepts, we suggest that the distribution of pottery was the result of practices related to production, exchange, and use of pottery, and not necessarily ethnic affiliation. This research is based on compositional and technological characterization of 117 ceramic samples through neutron activation analysis (NAA) and thin section analysis to identify the recipes people used in the Late Pre-Columbian period (AD 700-1500). Results show the different articulation of communities of potters and communities of consumption in Central and Eastern Panama. The analysis introduces more dynamic representations of the past by focusing on the value of consuming imported pottery for culinary, ritual, and political events for different pre-Columbian groups.
Latin American Antiquity, 2022
Excavations conducted by Beloit College in 1958 and 1960 identified the site of La Magdalena in t... more Excavations conducted by Beloit College in 1958 and 1960 identified the site of La Magdalena in the Bajío of Mexico. Investigators have since highlighted three primary phases of occupation at La Magdalena, two of which were proposed to have been culturally influenced by Teotihuacan or Tula. Modern research in the Bajío mostly diverges from those postulations of distant connections, supplanting them with local patterns that hold much more explanatory power. Archaeometric studies are pivotal in this regard but have thus far been infrequently used. This research analyzes the obsidian assemblage from La Magdalena and finds a nearly ubiquitous utilization of a local obsidian source known as Ojo Zarco. These findings merit a reevaluation of obsidian in the eastern Bajío and argue for more archaeometric studies that elucidate local procurement patterns.
Data in Brief, 2019
Included here are geochemical concentrations (ppm) of ceramic artifacts and clay samples from the... more Included here are geochemical concentrations (ppm) of ceramic artifacts and clay samples from the archaeological site of Angamuco, Mexico. Additional data include maps and photographs of the ceramic samples. Concentrations were measured via Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and are available here as Appendix B. These data complement the discussions and interpretations in "Geochemical Analysis and Spatial Trends of Ceramics and Clay from Angamuco, Michoacán" [1].
Geoarchaeology, 2021
Our study situates the classic period center Matacanela, located in southern Veracruz, Mexico, wi... more Our study situates the classic period center Matacanela, located in southern Veracruz, Mexico, within the context of shifting regional political-economic systems. Specifically, we assess the potential for utilizing neutron activation analysis (NAA) of pottery in the study of changing interactions through a focus on three ceramic wares: Coarse Orange, Fine Orange, and Coarse Brown. NAA identified four com
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2020
This paper presents the results of instrumental neutron activation analysis of 332 decorated serv... more This paper presents the results of instrumental neutron activation analysis of 332 decorated serving vessels from household excavations in the "settler" community within Xaltocan, Mexico. Our findings demonstrate significant ceramic production of all major Black-on-Orange and Redware types during the Middle Postclassic, Late Postclassic, and early Colonial periods. While Aztec scholars have assumed that rural ceramic production was limited to simpler designs and forms, we find that the most elaborately decorated pots were produced at Xaltocan during the periods of its political subjugation, economic marginalization, and smallest populace. Our results support a decentralized model of Aztec ceramic production and continuity despite imperial and colonial strategies of rule. Xaltocan's potters persevered and supplied the town with feasting vessels through multiple political transitions. We tentatively identify two potting communities using the Xaltocan 1a and 1b clay sources, the patronage of which was socially and spatially variable within the site. These patterns were visible only with large-scale household excavations and extensive sampling from precisely dated household middens. Finally, within the potting community that utilized Xaltocan 1a clays, the major wares-Orangewares and Redwares-were likely produced in different workshops and/or using different recipes, and this organizational strategy was maintained across the colonial transition.
History and Anthropology, 2021
Once known as America’s ‘Haven of Health’, the city of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, USA was home ... more Once known as America’s ‘Haven of Health’, the city of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, USA was home to an estimated 40 unique mineral spring and well sites. This collection of mineral waters is one of the largest in the world. After the discovery of the first spring in the late nineteenth century, the reputation of its therapeutic potential quickly spread. Subsequently, hundreds and thousands flocked to the area daily to enjoy the various health spas and recreational facilities. This study includes the results of archaeological excavations at the most prominent of the springs in the city, Regent Spring. Though once hosting scores of visitors per day who sought health, relaxation and socialization at the spring and associated park, all remnants and features of it have been completely lost to time. Analysis of artefacts recovered at the site illustrate a history of early 1900s health tourism and hydrotherapy. As well as archaeological analysis, primary documents in the form of contemporaneous postcards reveal the motivations and perspective of visitors to this water-centric town. Through these multidisciplinary analyses, this study explores how attitudes towards hydrotherapy and health tourism changed over time and how this town addressed this evolution by shifting focus from mineral springs, to recreation and eventually to state-of the art medical facilities.
Ancient Mesoamerica, 2021
Of the many items that were traded throughout the Postclassic (A.D. 850/900–1350) Aztatlan networ... more Of the many items that were traded throughout the Postclassic (A.D. 850/900–1350) Aztatlan network, obsidian was perhaps the most
prevalent. In this study, large assemblages of obsidian from five Aztatlan centers on the coastal plain are discussed: San Felipe Aztatan,
Chacalilla, Amapa, Coamiles, and Peñitas. In total, over 12,000 obsidian artifacts were analyzed macroscopically and through handheld
portable X-ray fluorescence. The results of these analyses illustrate regional patterns of obsidian use that appear consistent across the
coastal plain. Generally, only three obsidian sources were used with frequency. The most proximal source was utilized for generalized
reduction and probably acquired directly, while more distant obsidians from the Jalisco highlands are commonly found in the form of
prismatic blades. These trends in obsidian use indicate an increase in source diversity concurrent with the development of the Aztatlan
trade networks despite the local availability of quality obsidians. Finally, synchronic patterns of source distribution further indicate that
sources were unevenly distributed as certain individuals likely had greater access to imported blades. In conclusion, this large study
provides a regional perspective of obsidian use in Western Mexico on the coastal plain and showcases the pervasiveness of the obsidian
trade during the Postclassic.
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2019
Ceramic and chert artifacts constitute the main evidence for understanding trade and cultural dyn... more Ceramic and chert artifacts constitute the main evidence for understanding trade and cultural dynamics in prehistoric eastern Missouri. But despite its relative ubiquity, hematite, most often characterized as ochre, has rarely been considered for such research. To partially fill the void, neutron activation analysis (NAA) was utilized to analyze collections of hematite artifacts excavated from the Truman Road Site (n = 31) and other nearby sites (n = 7) in the lower Missouri River valley. Our results indicate no significant temporal or spatial patterning of its usage or acquisition. Similarly, low correlation exists between the chemistry and artifact type. Furthermore, the assemblage is compositionally distinct from previously analyzed source samples from elsewhere in Missouri. Therefore, the origin of the artifacts remains undetermined. Although they could not be linked to a single acquisition locale, the results suggest at least two separate, although possibly related, sources. Overall, this study serves to increase our understanding of the characterization and diversity of hematite and its usage in prehistoric Missouri.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2020
This paper presents the results of the INAA of 28 geological clay samples from the Toluca Valley ... more This paper presents the results of the INAA of 28 geological clay samples from the Toluca Valley (Upper Lerma) in the State of Mexico, Mexico and the immediately adjacent areas to the north, west, and south. While preliminary , these results demonstrate that there are internal elemental clines within the Toluca Valley, based on elevation (Na, K) and latitude (Cr), among other patterns. These samples also demonstrate that the underlying geology of the Toluca Valley can be systematically differentiated from that of the adjacent Basin of Mexico based on higher Ba and lower K concentrations. This study confirms the results of prior analyses of archaeological ceramics from the Toluca Valley, and provides new avenues for dividing the region into multiple sub-regional source areas in future archaeological analyses.
Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, 2019
From the beginning of our era, the multi-ethnic capital of the central plateau, Teotihuacan, serv... more From the beginning of our era, the multi-ethnic capital of the central plateau, Teotihuacan, served as a great religious center and a hub for artisanal production and consumption. By AD 200, Teotihuacan entered a phase of expansion, which took different forms depending on the quality of resources and the political importance of the particular regions to which its influence spread. This paper examines the specific role of one site located along a key trade route in north central Mexico. Our study utilizes a multi-method approach, combining typological, archaeometric (NAA and petrography) and iconographic data from ceramics from the site of El Mezquital-Los Azules (Guanajuato) to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of the Teotihuacan expansion in Northwestern Mexico. The results of these ceramic analyses allow us to distinguish imports from imitations, and provide a better understanding of the possible messages conveyed by the iconography of the imitations. Based upon our findings, we argue that this commercial staging post was an emanation of the neighborhoods of Teotihuacan, and was integrated in its constantly evolving social fabric.
Antiquity, 2019
This study uses neutron activation analysis of ceramics to examine economic change and increasing... more This study uses neutron activation analysis of ceramics to examine economic change and increasing social complexity at the Preclassic Maya site of Cahal Pech in Belize (1200 cal BC–cal AD 300). Seven compositional groups were identified from the site’s civic-ceremonial
centre and two peripheral residential groups. Analyses indicate that both utilitarian and non-utilitarian ceramics were locally produced as early as 1200 cal BC, and that by c. 700 cal BC, fineware vessels were being exported into neighbouring parts of Guatemala. These results provide direct evidence for economic interaction between Maya lowland communities and for their increasing socio-political complexity.
Data in Brief, 2019
This data article contains archaeological context information and paste compositional data from 6... more This data article contains archaeological context information and paste compositional data from 66 pottery sherds collected at seven archaeological sites in the Manialtepec Basin on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. The data include maps showing collection locations, a drawing of one archaeological profile, photographs of sherds, and compositional data produced by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). The NAA data include a tabulation of principal components, data from log-based cluster analyses and compositional group defining discriminant analyses. The data also include bootstrapped Mahalanobis distance calculations. For data interpretation, refer to “Ceramic Production and Consumption in an In-Between Place: Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis of Ceramics from the Manialtepec Basin of Oaxaca”.
Data in Brief, 2019
Included here are geochemical concentrations (ppm) of ceramic artifacts and clay samples from the... more Included here are geochemical concentrations (ppm) of ceramic artifacts and clay samples from the archaeological site of Angamuco, Mexico. Additional data include maps and photographs of the ceramic samples. Concentrations were measured via Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and are available here as Appendix B. These data complement the discussions and interpretations in “Geochemical Analysis and Spatial Trends of Ceramics and Clay from Angamuco, Michoacán”.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2019
This paper reports the results of instrumental neutron activation analysis of 66 pottery samples ... more This paper reports the results of instrumental neutron activation analysis of 66 pottery samples from seven archaeological sites in the Manialtepec Basin of Oaxaca, Mexico. Located on the central Pacific coast, the Manialtepec Basin is a 60 km2 pocket surrounded by mountains and dominated by a 1200-ha lagoon. Settlement survey of the basin has identified 21 archaeological sites spanning the Late Formative (400-150 BCE) to the Late Postclassic (1100-1522 CE) periods. Although the basin's small size and circumscribed agricultural terrain likely limited pre-Columbian populations, its geographic position would have placed it interstitially between several significant regional political centers, notably the lower Rio Verde valley (57 km to the west) , the Valley of Oaxaca (130 km to the north), and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (300 km to the east). Recent research has focused on understanding how inhabitants of the Manialtepec Basin engaged with other regions of Oaxaca and Mesoamerica. INAA results confirm the existence of a local ceramic industry, with pottery production and intra-basin exchange continuing for nearly 2000 years. The evidence also indicated that the basin's inhabitants were aware of, and actively involved in, broader regional trends in ceramic manufacture. They nonetheless maintained an independent and distinct local ceramic industry despite major geopolitical shifts like the collapse of Oaxacan metropoles and the conquest of the basin by the Mixtec Tututpec Empire in the Late Postclassic periods. Our results highlight the agency and dynamism of potters in an in-between place.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2019
An important aspect of studying ancient empire formation is the role of local political economies... more An important aspect of studying ancient empire formation is the role of local political economies throughout imperial fluctuations. Such insight can help us understand how imperial powers may or may not have exerted control over their subjects, and the broader impacts of imperial change on local populations. This study uses geochemical analysis (INAA) of ceramic samples and raw clays from Angamuco, located in the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, Michoacán. Angamuco was occupied before and throughout the development of the Purépecha Empire (1350–1530 CE) and is thus an important case study for evaluating the impacts of political change on material production and manufacturing. We identify four compositional groups, two of which match previously identified groups elsewhere in the lake basin. We argue that Angamuco ceramics were largely locally produced and that raw material use remained relatively stable over long periods. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of ceramic production processes at Angamuco and will be compared to archaeometric studies in Western Mesoamerica and elsewhere.
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Peer reviewed articles by Daniel Pierce
prevalent. In this study, large assemblages of obsidian from five Aztatlan centers on the coastal plain are discussed: San Felipe Aztatan,
Chacalilla, Amapa, Coamiles, and Peñitas. In total, over 12,000 obsidian artifacts were analyzed macroscopically and through handheld
portable X-ray fluorescence. The results of these analyses illustrate regional patterns of obsidian use that appear consistent across the
coastal plain. Generally, only three obsidian sources were used with frequency. The most proximal source was utilized for generalized
reduction and probably acquired directly, while more distant obsidians from the Jalisco highlands are commonly found in the form of
prismatic blades. These trends in obsidian use indicate an increase in source diversity concurrent with the development of the Aztatlan
trade networks despite the local availability of quality obsidians. Finally, synchronic patterns of source distribution further indicate that
sources were unevenly distributed as certain individuals likely had greater access to imported blades. In conclusion, this large study
provides a regional perspective of obsidian use in Western Mexico on the coastal plain and showcases the pervasiveness of the obsidian
trade during the Postclassic.
centre and two peripheral residential groups. Analyses indicate that both utilitarian and non-utilitarian ceramics were locally produced as early as 1200 cal BC, and that by c. 700 cal BC, fineware vessels were being exported into neighbouring parts of Guatemala. These results provide direct evidence for economic interaction between Maya lowland communities and for their increasing socio-political complexity.
prevalent. In this study, large assemblages of obsidian from five Aztatlan centers on the coastal plain are discussed: San Felipe Aztatan,
Chacalilla, Amapa, Coamiles, and Peñitas. In total, over 12,000 obsidian artifacts were analyzed macroscopically and through handheld
portable X-ray fluorescence. The results of these analyses illustrate regional patterns of obsidian use that appear consistent across the
coastal plain. Generally, only three obsidian sources were used with frequency. The most proximal source was utilized for generalized
reduction and probably acquired directly, while more distant obsidians from the Jalisco highlands are commonly found in the form of
prismatic blades. These trends in obsidian use indicate an increase in source diversity concurrent with the development of the Aztatlan
trade networks despite the local availability of quality obsidians. Finally, synchronic patterns of source distribution further indicate that
sources were unevenly distributed as certain individuals likely had greater access to imported blades. In conclusion, this large study
provides a regional perspective of obsidian use in Western Mexico on the coastal plain and showcases the pervasiveness of the obsidian
trade during the Postclassic.
centre and two peripheral residential groups. Analyses indicate that both utilitarian and non-utilitarian ceramics were locally produced as early as 1200 cal BC, and that by c. 700 cal BC, fineware vessels were being exported into neighbouring parts of Guatemala. These results provide direct evidence for economic interaction between Maya lowland communities and for their increasing socio-political complexity.
Volume contributors show how those responsible for the Aztatlán tradition were direct ancestors of diverse Indigenous peoples such as the Náayeri (Cora), Wixárika (Huichol), O’dam (Tepehuan), Caz’ Ahmo (Caxcan), Yoeme (Yaqui), Yoreme (Mayo), and others who continue to reside across the former Aztatlán region and its frontiers. The prosperity of the Aztatlán tradition was achieved through long-distance networks that fostered the development of new ritual economies and integrated peoples in Greater Mesoamerica with those in the U.S. Southwest/Mexican Northwest.
https://uofupress.lib.utah.edu/reassessing-the-aztatlan-world/