First posted by C. Dean Wilson 2013

Pitoche Plain was defined by Mera (1935). This type refers to early brown wares that dominate early assemblages in the Socorro district or Rio Abajo region (Marshall 1984; Mera 1935). It is not well defined but is characterized as exhibiting a granite temper and pastes and dark paste with high iron content. Surfaces are usually gray but may be tan to brown. At least one surface usually exhibits a slight to moderate polish. Vessel forms are usually represented by jars with moderate to narrow rim diameter, pitchers, and in some cases by bowls. Vessels associated with this type are similar to Alma Plain defined for the Mogollon Highlands, although body sherds commonly assigned to this type are likely to be derived from the lower portion of vessels with textured exteriors.

References:
Marshall, Michael P., and Henry J. Walt
1984 Rio Abajo: Prehistory and History of a Rio Grande Province. New Mexico Historic Preservation Program, Santa Fe.

Mera, H. P.
1935 Ceramic Clues to the Prehistory of North Central New Mexico. Technical Series Bulletin No. 8, Laboratory of Anthropology, Santa Fe.

Related Photos

Pitoche Brown pitcher

Pitoche Plain Punched Brown jar sherd