CHEN Xianqiu, CHEN Shiping, LI Jiazhi

(Shanghai Institute o{ Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Victor R. Palmeri

(palmer Electronics Ins. 156 Belmont Ave. Garfield NJ 07024 U.S. A)

Abstract: The chemical compositions, physical. properties and microstructures of pre-lumbian potteries from mesoamerica have been studied. The monochromatic painted samples were unearthed in Yoro region located on the basin of the Ulua river in tlie west of Honduras and a polychromatic painted sherd was collected from the world­qamed Teotihuacan ruin of Mexico. All of these ancient potteries contained rough particles of zone-strustural plagioclase. From this reason it is known that they have close relationship in geology and geography. As the same of other maya potteries, the raw material of Yoro potteries were blended with rough particles of obsidian or volcanic ash as an admixture. Chalk particles, which contained the mic􀈤fossils of foraminifera, were. used.in some of Yoro ancient potteries as a granular admixture. This chalky sedimentary rock formed in deep ocean was consisted by the shells of megalospheric and microspheric feraminifera fossils and numerous microcrystals of calcite. Because of its whiteness and smooth, in addition to the use as the large particles admixture in the bodies, the ancient potters from mesoamerica also used its powder to the surface of Yoro and Teotihuacan potteries as an excellent engobe.

Keywords: Pre-columbian potteries, Microstructures