essay

Middle formative lithic industries at Chalcatzingo

ancient chalcatzingo • Austin • Published In 1987 • Pages: 305-320

By: Burton, Susan Sassé.

Abstract

Utilizing the data presented in Document 38, Burton attempts to analyze intrasite variability in the chipped stone tool assemblage at the Olmec-influenced highland site of Chalcatzingo, despite difficulties presented by stratigraphic mixing and a rather simple, standardized toolkit for the Middle Formative period. Contexts analyzed include: domestic terraces and structures including associated activity areas, some with specific uses; the area of an 'altar' on a public terrace; and an obsidian workshop (see Burton, Document 22). All contexts are Middle Formative period Cantera phase in date, with the exception of a domestic structure from the preceding, initial Middle Formative period Barranca phase. No change is detected in the basic toolkit over time, and statistically discovered groupings do not conform to initial hypotheses of functional variability according to context. Ceremonial space appears ordinarily domestic, and a high-status household is more average than some common domestic contexts. A few of the domestic and special purpose areas do stand out in particular aspects of their assemblages, perhaps reflecting the relative integrity of the deposits more than any tendency toward craft specialization at the household level.

HRAF PubDate

2000

Region

Middle America and the Caribbean

Sub Region

Central Mexico

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Leon G. Doyon ; 2007

Field Date

1972-1976

Coverage Date

3100 BP-2500 BP

Coverage Place

Chalcatzingo, Morelos State, Mexico

Notes

Susan S. Burton

For bibliographical references see Grove: 1987 (Document 3)

LCCN

85022673

LCSH

Olmecs