Identifying New World majolica from 16th-18th Century sites on Peru's north coast

This study presents the results of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and thin-section analysis of 74 majolica sherds from 16th-18th Century sites in the Zaña Valley and Magdalena de Cao Viejo, Peru, and Panama Viejo, Panama. The majority of majolica samples from Peru are chemically associated with Panamanian reference groups, indicating their production in Panama; however, the remainder appears to be Andean-made, based on their distinct chemical signatures. These latter vessels seem to have been produced in Peru and build upon our understanding of colonial majolica manufacture in South America. Furthermore, the presence of blue-series decoration makes important contributions to our understanding of the Andean sphere of loza production.