The Economics of Pottery at Tikal, Guatemala: Models of Exchange for Serving Vessels

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Abstract
Alternative models for the exchange of serving vessels at Late Classic Lowland Maya sites are presented. These models are examined in the light of evidence on serving vessel distribution from peripheral and central Tikal, Guatemala, and adjacent intersite areas. Multidimensional scaling analysis is used to demonstrate patterning in area assemblage similarities. The revealed patterning most closely fits a model of distribution based on a fairly centralized marketing system. Changes in the organization and scale of the system between Ik and Imix complexes are examined in the light of other evidence of internal site dynamics.