First posted by Dean Wilson 2014

Chaco Black-on-white was first described by Kidder (1924) and defined by Hawley (1934; 1036). Pottery sometimes assigned to Chaco Black-on-white is extremely similar to Gallup except for thicker framing lines, finer hatchure, and in some cases a more complex symmetry. This style appears to be associated with a fairly narrow time span from about A.D. 1075 to 1150). In spite of the name, Chaco Black-on-white is fairly rare at any site in Chaco Canyon and elsewhere. This rarity in part reflects the narrow definition of type limited to the most elaborately decorated and specialized forms associated with Pueblo II technology in this region. While the usefulness of such a narrowly defined type can be debated, the presence of this type is sometimes characterized as an indicator of Chacoan identity. Thus, Chaco Black-on-white is sometimes accorded enhanced significance as the products of highly skilled specialists who produced vessels mainly for the Chaco elite.

References:
Hawley, Florence M.
1934 The Significance of Dated Prehistory of Chetro Ketl, Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. University of New Mexico Bulletin 1, Albuquerque.

1936 Field Manual of Prehistoric Southwestern Pottery Types. The University of new Mexico Bulletin No. 291, Anthropological Series 1(4), Albuquerque.

Kidder, Alfred V.
1924 An Introduction to the Study of Southwestern Archaeology. Papers of the Phillips Academy Southwestern Expedition, No.1, Yale University Press, New Haven, Connecticut.

Toll H., Wolcott, and Peter J. McKenna
1987 The Ceramography of Pueblo Alto. In Investigations at the Pueblo Alto Complex, Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, 1975-1978: Volume III, Part 1: Artifactual and Biological Analysis, edited by F. J. Mathien and T. C. Windes, 19-230. Publications in Archaeology 18 F, Chaco Canyon Series, National Park Service, Santa Fe.

Related Photos

Chaco Black-on-white jar sherds

Chaco Black-on-white bowl

Chaco Black-on-white jar

Chaco Black-on-white pitcher

Chaco Black-on-white

Chaco Black-on-white bowl

Chaco Black-on-white bowl