A prehispanic Maya pit oven? Microanalysis of fired clay balls from the Puuc region, Yucatán, Mexico

► We report a category of artifact in the Puuc Maya area used as heating elements. ► Results suggest that fired clay balls served as culinary equipment. ► Ceramic petrography reveals preparation techniques and clay source information. ► FTIR and experimental data illuminate thermal properties of fired clay balls. ► Context and microanalyses suggest that the fired clay balls were used for cooking.