El Conde is an archeological site located at Ozumba Street, El Conde, three block north the Mayo 1 Ave., in the municipality of Naucalpan , Mexico State.
45-472: The site was formally declared a prehispanic historical monument on December 28, 2001. The Valley of Mexico, of which Naucalpan is part of, was inhabited by humans for over 20,000 years. Naucalpan's history begins with a group from the Tlatilco culture It settled the banks of the “Río Hondo” between 1700 and 600 BCE, in the area of the current Naucalpan municipality. Tlatilco archaeological evidence reveal
90-471: A knife stone (obsidian core) which is black like jet and 20 cm or slightly less in length, and they make it cylindrical and as thick as the calf of the leg, and they place the stone between the feet, and with a stick apply force to the edges of the stone, and at every push they give a little knife springs off with its edges like those of a razor." As the distribution of obsidian sources in Mesoamerica
135-609: A small amount of material, greatly contributed to obsidian's widespread use. One example is the presence of Pachuca obsidian from central Mexico, where Mexico City is now, and ostensibly under the control of Teotihuacan, in the Maya area during the Early Classic . While the Maya had access to a number of local obsidian sources more readily available and (relatively) easily obtained, including El Chayal its main source, Pachuca obsidian remained an important trade good. The Olmec , from
180-567: A smaller percentage of the grave goods there. Christine Niederberger Betton , in her landmark 1987 archaeological study of the Valley of Mexico, identified two phases of the Tlatilco culture: The Olmec-style artifacts appear suddenly, abundantly, and pervasively in the archaeological record at the outset of the Ayotla (Coapexco) phase. At the end of the Ayotla, however, around 1000 BCE, there
225-418: A technique employing a pressure flaking -like technique that removed blades from a polyhedral core , was ubiquitous throughout Mesoamerica. Modern attempts to redesign production techniques are heavily based on Spanish records and accounts of witnessed obsidian knapping. Motolinia , a 16th-century Spanish observer, left this account of prismatic blade production: It is in this manner: First they get out
270-567: A tecpan or nobility Palace was built. Apparently, the structure corresponds to Aztec phase III. The structure is one of the last examples of civil architecture from the late Postclassical. The front is a stairway and some embedded rooms that apparently at that time were very common for this type of buildings. Its layout is similar to those drawn in codices as the Quinantzin map, showing the Netzahualcoyotl Palace. The tecpan
315-404: Is another abrupt change in ceramics: figurines of costumed males give way to those of nude females, and Olmec-derived iconography evolves into a more native appearance, changes likely reflective of a change in religious ideas and practices. By 800 BCE, the hallmarks of the Tlatilco culture fade from the archaeological record. By 700 BCE, Cuicuilco had become the largest and most dynamic city in
360-662: Is distinct from Pachuca obsidian because of its internal opacity (e.g., it is a more milky or clouded green). Substantial research has been carried out to decipher the Guatemala region sources. As mentioned earlier, the Guatemalan region includes the El Chayal, Ixtepeque, and San Martin Jilotepeque sources, located in southern/southeastern Guatemala. Obsidian originating from Guatemala was widely used in Mesoamerica and
405-618: Is found as far north as the Yucatán Peninsula , moving via a well-developed long-distance trade network that inter-connected much of the Maya area. Newer and tentative additions to the Guatemalan source area are Jalapa and Sansare . However, the El Chayal area is often seen as subsuming these two into one large source area. The Pre Classic Monte Alto culture and the Olmecs also used the Tajumulco Volcano source, in
450-487: Is found in many of these tombs in addition to evidence of its use in temple dedications, potlaching , or offerings . For example, flakes have been found in association with stelae offerings and related to specific gods at the Maya site of Tikal . Its ritualized use is not, however, restricted to high-status political and religious contexts, and it was clearly used within mundane domestic and household rituals. Most of
495-402: Is generally limited, many areas and sites lacked a local obsidian source or direct access to one. As a result, tool curation through edge-rejuvenation and/or re sharpening was commonly used on larger-mass tools, such as bifaces, to prolong the tool's (and the raw material's) utility. While prismatic blades were generally not curated (in the traditional sense) due to their small size, utility of
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#1732797430518540-451: Is indicated by a lack of production debitage , including polyhedral cores, decortical flakes, and large percussion flakes , among rural occupations. Obsidian was generally transported, where applicable, along coastal trade routes. Of primary importance is the circum-peninsular trade route that linked the southeast Maya area to the Gulf coast of Mexico. Examples of evidence of this include
585-564: Is likewise found most frequently in privileged settings. As the Late Classic period progressed, obsidian became increasingly accessible to the lower classes of Maya civilization. Nevertheless, the Maya upper classes continued to remain in possession of the more prestigious Teotihuacan green obsidian. In the Teotihuacan culture obsidian was perhaps traded at a loss of human effort in transport across long distances. The profit from
630-493: Is obvious considering that the material can be used to make some of the sharpest edges on earth. Obsidian was also used in a variety of non-utilitarian contexts. Objects made of obsidian were used as associated grave goods, employed in sacrifice (in whatever form), and in art. Some non-utilitarian forms include miniature human effigies , ear spools and labrets with gold and turquoise workings, carved animal figurines , beads , vases , and as pieces of masks . Obsidian
675-621: Is relatively easy to work, as it breaks in very predictable and controlled ways via conchoidal fracturing . This contributed to its prolific use throughout Mesoamerica. It is obtained by either quarrying source sites or in nodule form from riverbeds or fractured outcrops. Following the removal of cortex (when applicable), bifacial , unifacial , and expedient flake stone tools could be produced through lithic reduction . The use of pecking, grinding, and carving techniques may also be employed to produce figurines , jewelry, eccentrics , or other types of objects. Prismatic blade production,
720-618: The Olmec influence seen within the culture, and may explain the discovery of Tlatilco-style pottery near Cuautla, Morelos , 90 miles (140 km) to the south. Archaeologically, the advent of the Tlatilco culture is denoted by a widespread dissemination of artistic conventions, pottery, and ceramics known as the Early Horizon (also known as the Olmec or San Lorenzo Horizon), Mesoamerica's earliest archaeological horizon . Specifically,
765-482: The University of Missouri Research Reactor Center at the University of Missouri (which performs neutron activation analysis ), has divided Mesoamerica into nine sub-regions with one or more obsidian sources in each. These subdivisions, while effective at systemizing the source characteristics and allowing for a more easily visualized distribution of sources, are still tentative. They are as follows: Sources in
810-439: The absolute or relative dating of an obsidian sample. The degree of hydration (i.e., water absorbed into the material) observed indicates how long it has been since the obsidian surface was exposed (i.e., through flaking). Obsidian hydration dating is at times, however, unreliable. The rate of hydration can vary tremendously depending on annual rainfall and humidity levels, among other factors, and how these have varied since
855-775: The volcanic regions of the Sierra Madre Mountains as they run through Mexico and Guatemala . These resources, however, are still quite abundant in the archaeological record and their origins can be traced by their physical and geological properties. Before discussing these obsidian sources, a definition of what an obsidian source is must be established, as many of the terms used allow for different and competing interpretations. Sidrys et al. (1976) stated that an obsidian source area includes several outcroppings of obsidian, limited in spatial extent, which may or may not have common chemical features and may or may not have been used by ancient humans. Michael D. Glascock, of
900-493: The 19th century, when a person by the name Manuel Conde lived atop the hill, so the place is known since as " Cerrito El Conde". The site was discovered in 1907 by archaeologist Manuel Gamio , and established that the site was constructed during the Postclassical Period. The El Conde pyramid, is an over 2,00m sq.mt., structure. The archaeological site comprises a rectangular platform, during prehispanic times
945-560: The Gulf coast likewise obtained its obsidian also from El Chayal in Guatemala (Andrews (1990: 13). It is unclear if trade for foreign obsidian contributed to the growth of Maya polities, or if it simply served as a mode for obtaining superior items or human labor. Generally, obsidian came into the Maya area via larger central places, such as Tikal, Uaxactun , and Palenque . Obsidian artifacts and tools were then redistributed to smaller and potentially dependent centers and communities. This
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#1732797430518990-541: The Postclassic period. Earlier depictions of obsidian is usually restricted to their appearance as razors or lancets , and it is commonly believed that the material was not associated with weapons such as clubs or spears until later phases in Mesoamerica. In the Aztec writing system, a curved prismatic blade represents the phonetic value itz (Taube 1991) and results in the term itztli , as mentioned. Obsidian
1035-435: The Tlatilco culture is defined by the presence of: The Olmec influence is unmistakable. One survey of Tlatilco graves found that Olmec-style objects were "ubiquitous" in the earliest upper-middle status burials but were unrelated to wealth. That is, no correlation was found between the markers of high status and Olmec-style objects, and although larger numbers of Olmec-style objects were found in rich graves, they constituted
1080-817: The Valley of Mexico, eclipsing Tlatilco and Tlapacoya. Obsidian use in Mesoamerica Obsidian is a naturally formed volcanic glass that was an important part of the material culture of Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica . Obsidian was a highly integrated part of daily and ritual life, and its widespread and varied use may be a significant contributor to Mesoamerica's lack of metallurgy . Lithic and contextual analysis of obsidian, including source studies, are important components of archaeological studies of past Mesoamerican cultures and inform scholars on economy, technological organization, long-distance trade, ritual organization, and socio-cultural structure. Due to its glassy internal structure, obsidian
1125-408: The Valley of Mexico, which fell under Teotihuacan control during the Early Classic , were Pachuca , Otumba , and Chicoloapan . Obsidian from Pachuca is notable because of its unique green-gold color and its internal purity which makes it one of the highest quality obsidian sources in Mesoamerica. It was much sought after and widely traded. Green obsidian is also found in the area of Tulancingo, but
1170-521: The blade's ends. Unfortunately, the majority of the material record is out of context yet the implications and interpretations that are drawn from artwork are substantial and reflect a corpus of beliefs and ideology involving obsidian. Some of the more significant portrayals of obsidian use involve blood-letting and warfare. One example includes the macuahuitl , a broad–faced club studded along its edges by obsidian prismatic blades. These weapons are predominantly used in ritual warfare and generally date to
1215-505: The evidence that supports the many theories about obsidian use in Mesoamerica comes from the artwork of the region. This artwork is seen in many forms including the aforementioned obsidian figurines, ear spools, beads, and vases. Stele and large carvings, sculpture, and murals on architecture also depict obsidian. Typically, the material's visual depiction in artwork is generally associated with autosacrifice and other types of sacrifice, including images of prismatic blades with bloody hearts on
1260-411: The experience of the researcher, visual sourcing has a number of advantages. Primarily, it is a cheap method that allows for the analysis of an entire obsidian assemblage. This is in comparison to trace element analysis which, due to high costs, allows for the analysis of only a small sample , preferably one that is statistically representative. Obsidian hydration dating is a method that allows for
1305-431: The four quarters" or "in the four quarters", but according to the etymological roots means "in four houses". Phonetic components are: Nau, grammatical contraction of nahui, means "four"; "cal derived calli, which means "House" and not "quarter" and pan, it should be interpreted, in this case, as "on" or "place": "in four houses" or “place of four houses". The Tlatilca civilization –as called by later Nahuatl speaking groups-
1350-491: The higher quantities of obsidian found among coastal sites, such as small island occupations off the coast of Belize , then at sites located in-land. Obsidian, called itztli in the Nahuatl language , has been found at nearly every Mesoamerican archaeological site . Items made from this material had both utilitarian and ritual use. In many areas, it was available to all households regardless of socio-economic status, and
1395-511: The major Tlatilco culture sites . Tlatilco culture shows a marked increase in specialization over earlier cultures, including more complex settlement patterns, specialized occupations, and stratified social structures. In particular, the development of the chiefdom centers at Tlatilco and Tlapacoya is a defining characteristic of Tlatilco culture. This period also saw a significant increase in long distance trade, particularly in iron ore, obsidian , and greenstone , trade which likely facilitated
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1440-490: The origins of an artifact's material can be determined. It is clear that obsidian was a critical material in Precolumbian Mesoamerican economies; it is ubiquitous throughout the region, and found in the material record of all cultures and time periods. The low bulk of obsidian in transport , which therefore required less effort in trade, and the large quantity of useful items that could be produced from
1485-418: The piece was first produced (or how they vary if the piece moved from one ecological zone to another). Due to the nature of the geological formation of obsidian, and the impact that each unique formation incidence has on the appearance and geochemical properties of each source, the material serves as an excellent medium by which long-distance trade can be studied. In performing trace-element or visual analyses,
1530-605: The place between 1000 and 1200 CE, and settled near where the Aztecs would later build (Postclassical) the structure known today as El Conde. In 1428 the territory was claimed by Azcapotzalco tepanecs, but after being defeated by the Triple Alliance (Mexico), the territory was ceded to the Tlacopan Altepetl , who later called the place Tacuba . The original name is unknown, El Conde retains this name since
1575-755: The social development of that culture, prior to the Teotihuacan, Toltec, Chichimeca, and certainly the Aztec. In the Mesoamerican Preclassical period (1300 to 1400 BCE), an Olmec group arrived and had a significant influence on the Tlatilca domain. Later, the Tlatilca were also heavily influenced by the Teotihuacan civilization. Between 1000 and 1200 CE, the Chichimeca conquered the Tlatilca and deposed their monarchy. The pyramid of El Conde
1620-547: The southwest of Guatemala, a source that was almost forgotten during the Classic and Post Classic periods. Obsidian , a volcanic glass , comes from several geological sources in Mesoamerica, as listed above. Each of these sources has a distinctive “fingerprint” of trace elements that proportionally vary due to the individual circumstances of each source's formation. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) are two analytical methods used to identify
1665-494: The tools may have been maintained by changing their function. In other words, as the edge of a blade lost its sharpness after long-term use, the blade may have been used in scraping activities, which does not require a very sharp edge, than as a cutting implement. Other curation techniques of prismatic blades involve reshaping them into other tool types, such as projectile points and awls . Obsidian sources in Mesoamerica are limited in number and distribution, and are restricted to
1710-406: The trade lay in prestigious high-status items received in return. Obsidian has both been seen as a key element to Teotihuacan's rise to power and as a side trade element that simply augmented their already developing wealth. Obsidian forms part of many high-status items, such as valuable ear-spools , but these obsidian ear-spools have also been discovered in exclusively lower-status settings. Thus
1755-499: The types and amounts of trace elements. These data are then statistically compared to data already available for the known sources. Visual sourcing is the process by which the source of obsidian artifacts are determined by the analysis of not only their visual appearance (e.g., color, inclusions, etc.) but also their physical attributes, such as surface texture, light reflection , internal opacity , and so on. While not as reliable as trace element analysis, and completely dependent on
1800-469: Was a high population center in the early Preclassical period. The Tlatilco population reached the lands of current Naucalpan between 1700 and 600 BCE. Around 1400 BCE, the área had a large influence and presence of Otomí groups, and was called Otocampulco (Place of the Otomi). In Naucalpan, ancient “tlatilquenses” from the “Cerro Tepalcate” were attracted by the Teotihuacan development stream. It arrived at
1845-521: Was built during this time, located in what is now the El Conde neighborhood. Subsequently, the area was ruled by Tlacopan and ethnically came to be dominated by the Otomies . As of 1428 CE, the area was under Tepanec from Azcapotzalco domain, which was later conquered by the Triple Alliance, who named them Naucalpan. Naucalpan is a Nahuatl name; some authors interpret its meaning as "the place of
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1890-476: Was frequently used in ritualized autosacrifice (blood-letting) activities, serving as a substitute for stingray spines. Its association with that act of bloodletting is important, as it is argued by some researchers that obsidian was seen as a type of blood originating from the earth – its use in autosacrifice is therefore especially symbolic . Objects made of obsidian were often buried in upper class tombs as special deposits or caches. Obsidian debitage
1935-601: Was one of the most important buildings on mesoamerican communities, because they served as government seats, where administrative activities and meetings of local councils took place, where political decisions were taken. Tlatilco culture Tlatilco culture is a culture that flourished in the Valley of Mexico between the years 1250 BCE and 800 BCE, during the Mesoamerican Early Formative period . Tlatilco , Tlapacoya , and Coapexco are
1980-427: Was used in hunting , agriculture , food preparation, and for many other daily activities. Morphologically, obsidian was worked into a variety of tool forms, including knives, lance and projectile points , prismatic blades , general bifacial tools , and utilized flakes . Blades have been found in situ with rabbit , rodent , and mollusk remains, indicating their use in butchery . The practical use of obsidian
2025-527: Was widely distributed throughout Mesoamerica by trade. Its importance to Mesoamerican societies has been compared to the value and importance of steel to modern civilization. However, archaeology provides varied evidence of the individual value placed on obsidian. For example, during the Preclassic period , obsidian was a rare item in the lowland areas, found predominantly in high-status and ritual contexts. In many Maya excavations evidence of obsidian
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