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Clay Figurines from the Lower Pecos Region, Texas

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Harry J. Shafer
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Abstract

All reported findings of anthropomorphic clay figurines from the lower Pecos region of Texas are synthesized. Considerations are given to figurine chronology, technology, morphology, and function. The finds made with adequate chronological control occur in the Middle Archaic period, from about 2000 B.C. to 200 B.C. A brief description of the Lower Pecos Archaic cultural system is presented in order to place the figurines in a context for functional analysis.

The figurines are hand-shaped, usually unfired, and represent both males and females. Painted or incised decorations are restricted to female forms; socio-cultural explanations for this pattern are explored. The specific uses of the figurines remain indefinite.

Type
Articles
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 40 , Issue 2Part1 , April 1975 , pp. 148 - 158
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for American Archaeology 1975

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