The Meaning Of Volcanic Ash Characteristics Found In The Archaeological Pottery Of Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico

Archaeological pottery from Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, reveals that volcanic materials used as temper originated from strong eruptions during the Classic and Postclassic periods of Mayan civilization. Petrographic analysis identified fresh, homogeneous glass shards and pumice fragments, consistent with airborne volcanic ash, alongside variable weathered lithic fragments indicating pyroclastic origin. These findings suggest that the Mayans incorporated tephra from different time-lapse eruptions into their pottery, providing evidence of volcanic activity's influence on ancient civilization.

Chung, H., & Song, Y. (2014). The Meaning Of Volcanic Ash Characteristics Found In The Archaeological Pottery Of Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.14763