Volcán las Navajas: The chemical characterization and usage of a West Mexican obsidian source in the Aztatlán tradition

Pierce, Daniel E.

doi:10.1016/j.jasrep.2016.03.041

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 7 publications

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“…To the south in the Acámbaro Valley (about AD 50–320), blades from Ucareo were found in caches (Darras and Faugère 2010) and were also widely used (e.g., Pollard 2008). Procurement patterns of blade importation and local source utilization have been similarly reported at Postlassic Aztatlán sites with Volcán las Navajas (Pierce 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 61%

Use of the Little-Known Local Obsidian Source of Ojo Zarco at La Magdalena in Guanajuato, Mexico

2022

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Excavations conducted by Beloit College in 1958 and 1960 identified the site of La Magdalena in the Bajío of Mexico. Investigators have since highlighted three primary phases of occupation at La Magdalena, two of which were proposed to have been culturally influenced by Teotihuacan or Tula. Modern research in the Bajío mostly diverges from those postulations of distant connections, supplanting them with local patterns that hold much more explanatory power. Archaeometric studies are pivotal in this regard but have thus far been infrequently used. This research analyzes the obsidian assemblage from La Magdalena and finds a nearly ubiquitous utilization of a local obsidian source known as Ojo Zarco. These findings merit a reevaluation of obsidian in the eastern Bajío and argue for more archaeometric studies that elucidate local procurement patterns.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 61%

Use of the Little-Known Local Obsidian Source of Ojo Zarco at La Magdalena in Guanajuato, Mexico

2022

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A History of Cacao in West Mexico: Implications for Mesoamerica and U.S. Southwest Connections

Mathiowetz¹

2018

J Archaeol Res

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A Regional Assessment of Obsidian Use in the Postclassic Aztatlan Tradition

Pierce

2021

Ancient Mesoam

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Of the many items that were traded throughout the Postclassic (A.D. 850/900–1350) Aztatlan network, obsidian was perhaps the most prevalent. In this study, large assemblages of obsidian from five Aztatlan centers on the coastal plain are discussed: San Felipe Aztatan, Chacalilla, Amapa, Coamiles, and Peñitas. In total, over 12,000 obsidian artifacts were analyzed macroscopically and through handheld portable X-ray fluorescence. The results of these analyses illustrate regional patterns of obsidian use that appear consistent across the coastal plain. Generally, only three obsidian sources were used with frequency. The most proximal source was utilized for generalized reduction and probably acquired directly, while more distant obsidians from the Jalisco highlands are commonly found in the form of prismatic blades. These trends in obsidian use indicate an increase in source diversity concurrent with the development of the Aztatlan trade networks despite the local availability of quality obsidians. Finally, synchronic patterns of source distribution further indicate that sources were unevenly distributed as certain individuals likely had greater access to imported blades. In conclusion, this large study provides a regional perspective of obsidian use in Western Mexico on the coastal plain and showcases the pervasiveness of the obsidian trade during the Postclassic.

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Volcán las Navajas: The chemical characterization and usage of a West Mexican obsidian source in the Aztatlán tradition

Cited by 3 publications

References 7 publications

Use of the Little-Known Local Obsidian Source of Ojo Zarco at La Magdalena in Guanajuato, Mexico

Use of the Little-Known Local Obsidian Source of Ojo Zarco at La Magdalena in Guanajuato, Mexico

A History of Cacao in West Mexico: Implications for Mesoamerica and U.S. Southwest Connections

A Regional Assessment of Obsidian Use in the Postclassic Aztatlan Tradition

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