Cathy L Costin
Research Associate
Ph.D., UCLA, 1986
E-mail:
cathy.l.costin@csun.edu
Position and Home Institution
Professor of Anthropology, California State University Northridge
Research Interests
Craft specialization (ceramic and textiles), division of labor, gender, complex societies, protection of cultural heritage, Andean South America
Research Summary
The Symmetry Analysis Of Inka-Style Ceramics uses symmetry design analysis to help ascertain the organization of production of Inka-style (ca. 1400-1530 C.E.) ceramics. Historical texts indicate that the potters were recruited by the state and worked in special state facilities; they document different types of workers: local skilled artisans, working part-time to fulfill their labor obligations; local potters acting as full-time retainers of the state; and highly specialized, specially trained members of a non-local workforce. Standardized analysis of technology and style can provide insight into the recruitment and organization of labor. Both design structures and manufacturing techniques may be culturally specific. Ethnic potter recruited by the Inka might be expected to bring to their conscious copying of Inka forms, designs, and over-all design layout their "traditional" techniques and the unconscious design-structures of their own local style.
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