Pottery production of Saujil vessels from the early period (Catamarca and La Rioja provinces), Northwestern Argentine region: An evaluation through neutron activation analysis

Abstract Pottery production during the Early Period at Northwestern Argentine region has been characterized by the existence of a Grey-Horizon involving vessels fired under extreme reducing conditions, probably using some kiln-based firing structures. Neutron activation (NAA) and technological analysis were carried out on the Early Period pottery from 12 archaeological sites geographically located mostly at southwestern Catamarca and northern La Rioja provinces. Ceramic fabrics analysis suggests that several technological choices were implemented by potters as different regional potteŕs recipes to produce the vessels. Geochemical groups as defined by NAA indicate that at least three local production areas were working during the Early Period in these two geographical areas. Potters used local clays to produce most types of vessel forms.