Clays of Contention: An Ethnoarchaeological Study of Factionalism and Clay Composition

TLDR: In this paper, the authors examined the sociopolitical constraints on traditional pottery production in Paradijon, southern Luzon, the Philippines, and found that the potters became involved in elite competition and dictated that the two potting factions acquire clays from sources controlled by elite alliance partners.

Abstract: This ethnoarchaeological study examines sociopolitical constraints on traditional pottery production in Paradijon, southern Luzon, the Philippines. Factionalism divided the potting community as it became involved in elite competition and dictated that the two potting factions acquire clays from sources controlled by elite alliance partners. This study examines patterning in instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) data in relationship to the involvement of independent craft specialists in elite competition. Patterning of INAA data at community and regional levels is found, illustrating the middle-range links between sociopolitical behavior of potters and patterns in clay composition. INAA patterning among clay preparation areas appears dependent on whether a preparation area is in public or private space. Regionally, primary markets express INAA signals from both factions, whereas secondary markets reflect potter participation of a particular faction.