THE ROJO GRAFITADO CASE: PRODUCTION OF AN EARLY FINE-WARE STYLE IN THE ANDES

Abstract

During the first millennium B.C. finely decorated Cupisnique Rojo Grafitado bottles appeared in small numbers on different sites of north-central Peru. Petrographic and portable digital microscopy of the paste, chemical analysis of the pigments, and stylistic studies point to a production in the hands of specialized potters sharing similar paste recipes and technology of manufacture, but not resources, and working independently in different workshops. Mineral composition and granulometry are similar for vessels found on different sites, pointing to the use of crush rock temper or sediments rich in intrusive rock fragments probably derived from outcrops in the northern coastal batholith. Shiny black designs over a highly polished red slipped surface gave the name to the style but recent analysis showed that not all designs were done with graphite. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis revealed that, at least in one case, the black pigment used for surface decoration was manganese, while in seven other cases high C peaks, low Fe peaks, and no Mn were detected. For these wares, this suggests surface carbonization in reduced conditions. In Kuntur Wasi, the Cupisnique Grafitado style was imitated on other forms and style variants.