Book

The Chantuto people: an archaic period society of the Chiapas Littoral, Mexico

New World Archaeological Foundation (41) • Published In 1976 • Pages: xvi, 147

By: Voorhies, Barbara.

Abstract
Voorhies excavated along the coast of Chiapas, Mexico at three sites (Cs-6, Cs-7, and Cs-8) with Archaic components. The sites are shell middens located in what is now mangrove swamp. This preceramic component was discovered in the 1940s when Philip Drucker excavated the Chantuto site (Cs-3). Voorhies refers, "to this sociocultural system as the Chantuto society," (page 1). In the Archaic component Voorhies mostly found unworked shell and stone tools. The shells were identified as species which are found in estuarine environments. The stone tools included some that were made from obsidian. Obsidian is only found in the highlands so this indicates some form of exchange was occurring during the Archaic. Voorhies speculates that dried fish and shell fish meat might have been exchanged for the obsidian. She also speculates that the Chantuto people were catching shrimp in the lagoon and the shrimp might also have been used for exchange and subsistence. Also found during the excavations was a clay layer with a burial in it. Voorhies interprets the clay layer as a possible house floor.
Subjects
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Organization and analysis of results of research
Fauna
Diet
Lithic industries
General tools
Cultural stratigraphy
tradition
Lowland Mesoamerican Archaic
HRAF PubDate
2001
Region
Middle America and the Caribbean
Sub Region
Maya Area
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry; 1999
Field Date
1971, 1973, 1974
Coverage Date
5,000 BP-4,000 BP (3,000 B.C.-2,000 B.C.)
Coverage Place
Chantuto phase; Chiapas, Mexico
Notes
by Barbara Voorhies
Includes bibliographical references (p. 143-147)
LCCN
78111552
LCSH
Indians of Central America--Antiquities/Indians of