CHEMICAL AND MINERALOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ANCIENT MOCHICA AND CAJAMARCA SLIPS FROM JEQUETEPEQUE VALLEY (PERU) AND THEIR ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

In Andean archaeology, the study of vessel forms and slips is essential. The study of slips begins with macroscopic and microscopic observations on ceramic surfaces or sections and these observations can be complemented with the determination of colors applying one or more standardized systems of measure. These technical practices are executed in order to have a better knowledge about the palette de couleurs used by craftsmen in the past. Recently, with the new technologies applied to archaeology, it is possible to have a better knowledge of the recipes used in the elaboration of the slips, and thus, it is possible to contribute to the interpretation of social-economic dynamics regarding the ceramic production process.
Following these premises, in this research we present the results of the chemical and mineralogical characterization, by means of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and Raman spectrometry, of ancient Mochica and Cajamarca slips (San José de Moro archaeological site, Jequetepeque Valley, La Libertad, Peru).