First posted by C. Dean Wilson 2014

Cliff Polychrome was named by Harlow (1968) and defined by Lyons (2004). This type refers to Salado Polychrome forms exhibiting characteristics similar to those previously described for Gila Polychrome, but with recurved bowls and two decorative fields (Lyons 2004). One of these decorative fields is above the banding line and the other below. Associated dates seem to indicate that pottery with this combination of characteristics were introduced after A.D. 1350, and their overall frequency increased through time. Lyons (2004) argues that the recognition of Cliff Polychrome as a type facilitates the identification of some the latest Salado components in the southern Southwest particular those in the eastern portion of this region. Pottery assigned to this type are largely limited to bowl rim sherds for which the characteristics noted could be identified. Some sherds that may be derived from Cliff Polychrome vessels, but do not contain portions of the vessel with the traits used to recognize this type and may be assigned to Gila Polychrome.

References:
Harlow, Francis H.
1968 Fourteenth Century Painted Pottery from near Cliff, New Mexico. Manuscript on file, Office of Archaeological Studies, Museum of New Mexico, Santa Fe.

Lyons, Patrick D.
2004 Cliff Polychrome. Kiva 69(4):361-400.

Related Photos

Cliff Polychrome bowl

Cliff Polychrome bowl

Cliff Polychrome bowl

Cliff Polychrome bowl

Cliff Polychrome bowl (Interior View)

Cliff Polychrome bowl (Side View)

Cliff Polychrome bowl (Interior View)

Cliff Polychrome bowl (Side View)

Cliff Polychrome bowl