Ceramic: Mesa Verde Black-on-white, bowl, AMNH 29.0/6750

Mesa Verde Black-on-white, bowl, AMNH Accession 29.0, Catalog #6750, Morris FS 360. Analyzed by Lori Reed 2004. Temper is granular igneous rock indicating local production at Aztec. Bowl is almost 100% restored with unknown adhesive. Measurements: 22 cm orifice diameter, 10.8 cm height. Image AMNH 29.0/6750 A: view of interior design. Image AMNH 29.0/6750 B: view of exterior base showing intensive hard surface wear. Image AMNH 29.0/6750 C: closeup of hard surface wear on exterior base. Image AMNH 29.0/6750 D: closeup of exterior design. Image AMNH 29.0/6750 E: interior view showing design and rim decoration. Image AMNH 29.0/6750 F: closeup of interior design. Recovered from Earl Morris excavation of Kiva D, Aztec West Ruin. Morris describes Kiva D as having “been burned before its original contents were removed….Quantities of charcoal covered the floor. The adobe from the roof was fused in places and in others burned to the consistency of brick. The space above was filled by fallen masonry” (Earl Morris 1916-1923 unpublished “Kiva Notes”; on file at Aztec Ruins National Monument, Aztec, New Mexico). Morris (1924:212) also indicates that the bodies of four individuals were in the kiva at the time of burning. “Pottery vessels and other objects were scattered about on the floor and on the banquettes as if left where convenience dictated by those accustomed to frequent the chamber” (Morris 1924:212). Reference: Earl Morris, 1924, Burials in the Aztec Ruin and the Aztec Ruin Annex, Anthropological Papers of the American Museum of Natural History Vol. XXVI, Parts III and IV, American Museum of Natural History, New York.