First Advisor

Sarah Sterling

Date of Award

2-27-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Anthropology and University Honors

Department

Anthropology

Subjects

Obsidian -- Central America, Mayas -- Antiquities, Physical distribution of goods -- Central America, Central America -- Antiquities

DOI

10.15760/honors.672

Abstract

Obsidian was an important resource throughout Mesoamerica, and found at nearly all sites. Sources of obsidian were located in the Mexican Highlands and Guatemalan Highlands, often being transported over hundreds of kilometers for distribution. In this paper I chose four Maya sites--El Ceibal, Tikal, Xtobo, and Actun Uayazba Kab--and used three obsidian distribution models previously published by De León et al. in 2009, to infer possible distribution methods used in the Maya Lowlands. Though limitations existed the results from this proof-of-concept analysis indicate that distribution models derived for central Mexican contexts are suitable for Maya regions, and that the Maya were engaged in multiple forms of blade trade depending on location.

Note: At the time of writing the author was known as Alex D. Tischler.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/27956

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