A reflection of Maya representation, distribution, and interaction: Ceramic figurines from the Late Classic site of Cancuen, Peten Department, Guatemala

This project explores intersecting spheres of technological, stylistic and contextually patterned relationships expressed by ceramic figurines associated with the major Maya polity Cancuen. Cancuen is situated by assessing its external contacts by reference to figurines recovered from several Late Classic settlements, and hieroglyphic texts recorded as interacting polities. By focusing on these sites along connecting waterways, I attempt to discern directions of influence and change with regard to figurine use patterns relative to those seen in other ceramic representations. Traditional archaeological criteria were used to obtain excavated figurines at specific sites. Stylistic and technological information are augmented through an intensive use of chemical data obtained by neutron activation analysis (INAA). The exploration of these diverse data sets permits aspects of material culture from the site of Cancuen to assist in determining varying expressions of social interactions, and economic boundaries, as reflected in the ceramic figurines.;KEYWORDS: Maya Figurines, Ceramic, Neutron Activation, Cancuen.