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Interior Carbonization Patterns as Evidence of Ritual Drink Preparation in Powell Plain and Ramey Incised Vessels

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Jessica R. Miller
Jessica R. Miller*
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620 (jessicarosem@mail.usf.edu)
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Abstract

Powell Plain and Ramey Incised jars are considered to be hallmarks of the Mississippian period at Cahokia, but the actual function of the vessels has not been adequately addressed. This study sought to determine the typical use of both vessel types as indicated by carbonization present on the interior and exterior of the vessel surfaces. Traces of carbonization were identified, and distinct patterns were correlated with cooking behavior. Interior carbonization patterns were the most telling, indicating the preparation of beverages or medicines using a cooking process called “decoction.” In combination with the ceremonial nature of the vessels, the jars with discernible use-alteration evidence indicate that both vessel types were employed almost exclusively for the purpose of ritual drink preparation.

Las cerámicas de los tipos Powell Plain y Ramey Incised se consideran características del Período Mississippi en Cahokia, pero la función verdadera de las ollas no se ha abordado adecuadamente. Este estudio busca determinar las funciones típicas de ambos tipos de recipientes, como se indica por la carbonización presente en el interior y el exterior de las superficies de las vasijas. Algun vestigios de la carbonización fue identificado y distintos patrones de alteración se correlaciona con el comportamiento de cocina. Patrones de carbonización del interior fueron los más informativos, por que indican la preparación de bebidas o medicinas usando un tipo de cocción llamado “decocción.” En combinación con el carácter ceremonial de los vasos, la evidencia de uso-alteración sugiere que ambos tipos de vasos fueron empleados para la preparación de bebidas rituales.

Type
Reports
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 80 , Issue 1 , January 2015 , pp. 170 - 183
Copyright
Copyright © 2015 by the Society for American Archaeology.

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