Human caravans of Mesoamerica

Clarkson, Persis B.; Fowler, William R.

doi:10.4324/9781003229810-13

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…2; Johansen 2016; Shokoohy 1983). Many were commonly known destinations along principal (formal) or less-travelled (informal) long-distance routes (Bryce et al 2013; Clarkson & Fowler 2021; Trombold 1991) since people seeking hospitable stopovers required rest and crucial information on where they could safely venture. Importantly, religious shrines united the travellers in collective ritual due to the uncertainties and dangers of rural travel (Bryce et al 2013; Johansen 2016; Shokoohy 1983).…”

Section: Stopover Sites In Comparative Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Long-distance travel for trade and pilgrimage with human caravans in Mesoamerica was widely documented following the Spanish conquest (Berdan et al 2003; Chapman 1957; Clarkson & Fowler 2021). Large numbers of people travelled along routes through mountains and forests across political boundaries.…”

Section: Mesoamerican Trade Caravans and Stopover Sitesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Chiapas, Aztec and Maya merchants crossed the region exchanging their wares and travel information. These merchants organized human caravans and negotiated trade in foreign areas as part of their specializations (Chapman 1957, 115; Clarkson & Fowler 2021).…”

Section: Mesoamerican Trade Caravans and Stopover Sitesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Small Rural Travel Stopover at the Late Postclassic Maya Site of Mensabak, Chiapas, Mexico: Overland Trade, Cross-Cultural Interaction and Social Cohesion in the Countryside

Palka¹

2023

CAJ

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A small rural stopover along overland Maya and Aztec trade and travel routes was identified in surveys and excavations at adjacent settlements and shrines at Mensabak, Chiapas, Mexico. This collection of Late Postclassic to Spanish conquest-era (c.ad 1350–1650) Maya sites are similar in function to rural Old World and Andean caravan stopovers, such as caravanserai and way stations, where travellers and traders obtained supplies, trading partners, safety, solidarity through ritual and travel information along long-distance land routes. These sites are similar to trading ports and pilgrimage centres, but they are smaller, located in the countryside, not often managed by regional states, and have scaled-down economic exchange with fewer exotic trade items. Stopovers often include landscape and rock-art shrines for collective ritual among foreign travellers and local populations. While investigators have researched the anthropological importance of overland routes, caravans and trade centres, less attention has been given to stopover sites in the countryside. This article discusses the archaeological signatures and outlines the comparative social, economic and ritual implications of small rural stopover sites that united people on the road.

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