Chemical compositional analysis of polychrome pottery in the northern Casas Grandes area (a.d. 1200-1450)

Geochemical analysis of polychrome pottery from the archaeological site 76 Draw, located on the border of the Casas Grandes and Salado regions (A.D. 1200-1450), reveals that Ramos Polychrome vessels—key to the religious system of the Casas Grandes culture—were produced at multiple locations, including near Paquimé and possibly at 76 Draw itself. This finding extends the known influence of the Casas Grandes interaction sphere northward into southern New Mexico, supported by evidence such as roasting ovens, obsidian sourcing, shell artifacts, and bird burials. Additionally, Gila Polychrome vessels at the site were traced to a single production source in the Mimbres Valley, indicating cross-regional trade and cultural exchange during this period.

Sall, C. A. Chemical compositional analysis of polychrome pottery in the northern Casas Grandes area (a.d. 1200-1450). https://doi.org/10.32469/10355/67708