Obsidian exchange networks in the Jovel Valley, Chiapas, Mexico: A compositional analysis approach

• Published in: Journal of archaeological science, reports Vol. 35; p. 102773
• Main Authors: Paris, Elizabeth H., López Bravo, Roberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2021
• Subjects: Chiapas; Compositional analysis; Exchange; Maya; Obsidian; X-ray fluorescence; Exchange; Maya; Obsidian; X-ray fluorescence; Chiapas; Compositional analysis
• ISSN: 2352-409X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2020.102773

•XRF analysis is an important method for reconstructing obsidian exchange networks.•Obsidian artifacts from Jovel Valley sites show differences in dominant sources.•Most artifacts were related to prismatic blade production, including a notched eccentric. This article presents an analysis of obsidian artifacts from Maya archaeological sites in the Jovel Valley of highland Chiapas. The sites were all occupied during the Late Classic (AD 600–900) and Early Postclassic (AD 900–1250) periods, and include Moxviquil and CV-38, two small monumental centers on opposite sides of the valley, and Huitepec, a residential site on the southwest edge of the valley. 165 artifacts excavated by the Proyecto Económico de los Altos de Chiapas in 2009 and 2015 (164 obsidian artifacts and 1 glass) were analyzed using x-ray fluorescence spectrometry and the results were compared to known volcanic sources in Mesoamerica. The results indicate a significant bifurcation of dominant sources between sites on both sites of the valley, which, we conclude, also had a temporal aspect. Artifacts from CV-38 were predominantly from the San Martín Jilotepeque source, and were primarily associated with Late Classic period occupation, while artifacts from outlying areas at Moxviquil and Huitepec were predominantly from the El Chayal source and a small number of Central Mexican sources, and were primarily associated with Early Postclassic period occupation. Most artifacts in the study sample were 3rd series prismatic blade sections, originating from multiple obsidian sources. A unique notched prismatic blade eccentric recovered at Moxviquil likely represents an effigy stingray spine, and was likely a ceremonial object used by the site’s residents.