74 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. 146 
burials show evidence of having been used for cooking, although it 
could be argued that this consisted in the ritual preparation of food 
to be deposited as an offering in the grave. 
There appear to have been no important advances in agricultural 
technology accompanying this increase in population density. As per- 
haps happened on the Orinoco, the wild plant and animal food sources 
were sufficiently abundant to provide a food surplus without intensi- 
fication of agricultural production, so that there was no incentive for 
the people to look for ways of improving their dominion over nature. 
Ceramic Period IV. — The protohistoric period in western Vene- 
zuela is marked by the appearance of a group of archeological phases 
characterized by painted decoration in highly standardized geometric 
motifs arranged in panels or bands. Negative painting is sometimes 
associated. Plastic techniques like incision, modeling, applique, and 
corrugation occur but are of minor importance. Vessel shapes in- 
clude tripod, tetrapod, pedestal and ring-and-leg bases, as well as 
large jars, probably used for storage. 
The Carache (Trujillo) and Guadalupe (Valley of Quibor) Phases, 
representing this late horizon in the Andean region, show considerable 
cultural unity, particularly in the sharing of a well-polished, fine, 
black type of pottery. The Dabajuro Phase, occupying the north- 
western coast, has strong affiliations with both in polychrome decora- 
tion, and is also related to pottery complexes from the islands of 
Aruba and Bonaire. 
A slightly greater degree of social and cultural stability during this 
period seems to be indicated by the widespread occurrence of habita- 
tion mounds. These continue the urbanization begun in the Lake Va- 
lencia region during the preceding period, and perhaps reflect a fur- 
ther development of social stratification or other increases in social 
complexity. The pottery, which is characterized by standardization of 
form, great elaboration in decoration, and an abundance of non- 
utilitarian wares, is also indicative of division of labor, at least in the 
pottery-making craft. 
Agricultural production becomes considerably intensified. Tech- 
niques such as terrace construction and irrigation make their appear- 
ance, implying well-organized group efforts toward increasing crop 
yield. This is paralleled by innovations in ceremonialism. Numerous 
caves in the mountains were apparently the focus of cult activities, 
judging from the quantity of ceremonial pottery and the large slate 
pectorals in the form of a bat that have been found in them. Also 
typical are seated or standing pottery figurines. The greatest elabora- 
