Prehistoric Chaco Mug with Handle [SOLD]

The Chacoan Culture created an impressive urban center in the Chaco Canyon which contained multi-storied public and ceremonial buildings. They employed unique masonry techniques that allowed several of these buildings to be extremely large even by today’s standards. They also constructed roads, employed astronomical alignments, landscaping and geometrical designs in their development. The amazing accomplishments of this culture are an integral part of the traditions and history of the Pueblo and Navajo legacies. The Chacoan culture presided over most of the Four Corners area from approximately AD 1000-1150.

Extensive excavations and studies have been ongoing in the Chaco Canyon area for more than a century. There is now a great deal of knowledge available about the Chacoan Culture and the collection of artifacts such as this one has helped to bring about a better understanding of this amazing culture and its people.

Chacoan pottery: Chaco Canyon is famous for its prehistoric pottery. The Chacoan people used pottery for food preparation, serving, and storage. As Chacoans became settled and built permanent structures they increasingly used ceramics as it was more durable and took less time to produce than basketry. It also had the added bonus of being able to be used over a fire for cooking. Clay cooking pots at Chaco first appear around AD 450 – 500 and other forms of pottery have been dated much earlier. The first pottery at Chaco was plain but as time and skill progressed they became more elaborate and distinctive.

Highly decorated white vessels may have been used for ceremonial purposes or had other significant meaning. Paints were made with mineral and organic substances that turned black when fired. Analysis of pigment, firing technique, temper, and design style establishes when and where a pot was made. Chacoan pottery came in a wide variety of shapes, designs and sizes but the Black-on-White painted vessels, such as this example, are the hallmark of Chacoan pottery.

Condition: Normal wear from extensive use

Recommended Reading: New Light on Chaco Canyon by David Grant Noble

Provenance: From a family collection from Alexandra, Virgina, USA.

Text written by Cham Benvenutti