essay

An emerging Early Formative chiefdom at Paso de la Amada, Chiapas, Mexico

formation of complex society in southeastern mesoamericaBoca Raton • Published In 1991 • Pages: 27-46

By: Blake, Michael.

Abstract
This study looks at the architectural changes during the Early Formative of one structure at the site Paso de la Amado on the coastal plain of Chiapas, Mexico. Blake and his team uncovered three floors to discover that the structure was rebuilt and expanded at least twice. The structure could be an elite residence or public building. However, Blake argues that the structure was a chiefly household, because of the pattern of increase labor investment and evidence of increased use of decorative serving vessels, between the Barra and Cherla phases. According to Blake, the evidence points to an increasing social differentiation between chiefs and commoners and the emergence of a chiefdom.
Subjects
Dwellings
tradition
Preclassic Maya
HRAF PubDate
2001
Region
Middle America and the Caribbean
Sub Region
Maya Area
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2000
Field Date
1985
Coverage Date
3550-3000 BP
Coverage Place
Paso de la Amada, Chiapas, Mexico
Notes
Michael Blake
Revised papers from the 86th Annual Meeting of the American Anthropological Association, Chicago, Nov. 1987, and additional material
Includes bibliographical references (p. 44-46)
LCCN
91010478
LCSH
Mayas--Antiquities