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Abstract
The Early Ecuadorian Formative is noted for the development of ceramic technology in that part of South America. Ceramic materials are recovered from the lowest levels of the cultural occupation known as Valdivia, an occupation predated so far only by the preceramic Las Vegas culture. The eight-phase Valdivia temporal span is subdivided into three periods of Early, Middle, and Late Valdivia, that make up the Early Formative period. Ceramic style and design can be seen to evolve throughout this period, as do the ceramic figurines of the Middle and Late periods. The Early Valdivia Period is notable for the presence of stone carved figurines and the lack of ceramic figurines at a time when ceramic vessels became widespread. The development of stone figurines, and their eventual replacement by ceramic figurines occurs at the transition from Early to Middle Valdivia. This is a time when a major shift occurs in Valdivia settlement patterns, agricultural intensification, and ritual performance, although the changes in ceramic vessels are consistent with long term development. This dissertation will show that it is through the changes in figurine use and material of manufacture that these changes in cultural activity can best be identified. The move from figurines of stone to ceramic indicates a change in ideology that may be the result of external influence or internal growth, but which definitely is represented in the artifact record through stylistic modification.
