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Mesa Verde Mug

Namemug

DateA. D. 1150-1300

Mediumclay, paint

DimensionsOverall: 4 5/16 x 4 13/16 x 4 1/8 in. (10.9 x 12.2 x 10.4 cm)

Credit LineBequest of Dorothy Zama May

CultureMesa Verde | Anasazi

Markings"456" on base

Object numberA1996-1-217

ClassificationsMay Collection

DescriptionHand coiled and scraped mug; flat, circular base, straight wall, gradually constricting to open mouth and rolled rim, wide strap handle; restricted vessel; light gray-white ground with black decoration; design consists of checkerboard pattern over all, with diamonds on handle, and gray fire cloud near handle; double cross design painted on exterior base.

InterpretationsEight Mesa Verde mugs, to be examined by chemical analysis to see if there is evidence of theobromine in them. This would mean that the mugs were used to drink cocoa, and probably traded with people in Mexico. Paula Cepeda is an Anthropology and Chemistry major, and she is doing the research in the laboratory and under supervision of Dr. David De Haan in the Chemistry Department of USD. Paula Cepeda borrowed the Mesa Verde mugs to conduct chemical anaylsis to find out if there is evidence of theobromine in the mugs. The research was conducted and supervised by Dr. David De Haan in the Chemistry Department at USD.

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