Famsi: Ceramic Sequence of Piedras Negras, Guatemala (2003)

Discuss Pre-Colombian South American art with your class, then get out the clay and create some. Pupils practice using the wipe-away technique to create a ceramic tile similar to those made by the Maya. Great web links and a...

Researcher relates phases in ceramic ware to political and social events in the history of Mayan people at Piedras Negras.

Many details of the excavation processes at Piedras Negras allow researchers to write a probable history of the Mayan peoples who lived at this site until the time of its collapse.

Several PDF reports offered at this site offer insights to the sequence of construction by various cultural groups. Very descriptive details of each step of the excavation process and photographs are provided.

Although this excavation is still in progress, preliminary reports indicate occupants produced pottery for local and regional consumption. Also the production of tools and jewelry depended on materials from other parts of the region.

PDF document that shows structure of Mayan glyphs and translation, including spelling patterns and syntax. Photographs and charts show how meaning is derived from hieroglyphic strip.

Pomona Kingdom was contested by Palenque and Piedras Negras and fell under attack several times. A preliminary interpretation of findings allows for a reconstruction of how attacks might have occurred.

Ceramics indicate trade rouses in this well-studied cave. Good insight into ritual practices and materials used in worship.

Research at Cotzumalhuapa indicates that it was a major urban center that encompassed Bilbao El Baul, and El Castillo. Some discussion of colonial period use of site.

Report of structural and chemical analysis of skeletal items offers insights into human sacrifice procedures and diet.