A brief discussion of the possible causes of ceramic exchange and of the possible importance of exchange in explaining spatial variability in ceramic designs was presented in Chapter 2. In this chapter, I will discuss briefly methods for identifying the exchange of materials and then will discuss in greater detail ceramic exchange in the prehistoric Southwest. Two primary topics will be considered in the latter discussion: First, the evidence concerning the frequency of ceramic exchange in the Southwest as known from previous studies will be summarized. Second, a specific case will be examined–the significance of ceramic exchange as an explanation of design variability in the Chevelon drainage area.

Methods of studying ceramic exchange

Two primary types of data and several different methods of collecting that data are useful for the study of prehistoric ceramic exchange systems. Only recently, however, have some of these types of analyses been widely available. Shepard has argued that information on the mineral content of ceramic vessels obtained through optical mineralogy (petrographic analysis) or X-ray diffraction analysis is the most useful data (1971:x). She notes that such analyses provide information on the materials used by the potter and the methods used, and also may provide clues concerning the sources of the materials.