Sources of obsidian raw material by Mexica Empire identified in a compositional study

 

A geochemical study on obsidian artifacts was conducted by Tulane University and the Proyecto Templo Mayor in Mexico to identify the source of obsidian. 788 obsidian artifacts unearthed from the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan were studied. The research represents the largest compositional study of obsidian ever conducted at the site.

Obsidian is a volcanic glass used as a raw material for tools and ceremonial objects in pre-Columbian America. The analysis showed that 90% of the raw obsidian was obtained sources at Sierra de Pachuca, 60 miles north-east of the city. The other 10% were from distant sources including regions beyond the political borders of Mexicas (Aztecs).

The findings suggest that Aztecs had a sophisticated economy that relied not only on conquest but on active long-distance trade, even with rival polities.

The research was published in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences.