Shell objects from the tombs Site Beach, Nayarit

Abstract

This article is a result of the research carried out by Proyecto Arqueológico Presa Hidroeléctrica El Cajón, in Nayarit, Mexico. The project, under the aegis of the Salvage Archaeology Department of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, was carried out between 2003 and 2005. This project recorded, catalogued, and classified the archaeological materials obtained from different sites. The collection, described below, is composed of shell objects from thirteen shaft tombs at the site of La Playa in Nayarit. Almost all of the objects are shell ornaments, such as beads and pendants (possibly forming necklaces), as well as bracelets and other objects. Among the results of biological and archaeological identification, it was noted that some species were the product of specialized collecting, while others display complex workmanship, so that an analysis of manufacturing traces must be carried out. Shell objects in pre-Hispanic West Mexico were highly important because they were markers of sociopolitical status that today enable us to infer possible trade routes based on their distribution. In the future, we will have the oportunity to know all La Playa collection art.