Characterization of traces of manufacturing lapidary objects obsidian the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan

Abstract

This paper is part of a broad research project about characterizing manufacturing traces of lapidary objects found in offerings at the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan, through experimental archaeology as well as optical and scanning electron microscopy. The technological analysis of 184 obsidian pieces resulted in the identification of two technological patterns: the earlier one, from Stage II (AD 1375–1427), showed a great diversity in the tools employed. In contrast, the later one, from Stages IVb to VII (1469–1521 d.C.), revealed a strong standardization of the tools; these pieces might have been produced by specialized artisans living in the palaces of Aztec rulers during the time of the Triple Alliance.