Local and long-distance ceramic exchange in early Puerto Rico: A comparative sourcing study

This study reports the results of recent neutron activation analysis (NAA) of 60 ceramics recovered from the Santa Elena and Toita sites in Puerto Rico. Both are large village sites with long occupational histories (circa AD 400–1500s). Data are evaluated using bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify trends in compositional variability, style, potential source areas, and trade routes. These results are also compared to data from a previous NAA study on the island, from the sites of Maisabel and HU-7, as well as from previous studies of eastern Dominican Republic and St. Croix assemblages, resulting in nearly 500 ceramics evaluated here. These sites together cover a broad range of ceramic styles, occupational histories, and diversity of settlement types, ultimately representing a comprehensive evaluation of eastern Puerto Rico, and its connections to the broader region. Results indicate that intraisland exchange was happening at greater levels than previously assumed, and connections between islands may have been prolific as well. The importance of open data and reevaluating prior analyses is also emphasized.