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FAMSI © 2002: Timothy E. Scheffler |
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El Gigante Rock Shelter: Archaic Mesoamerica and Transitions to Settled Life
Research Year: 2001 Table of Contents
Abstract The Mesoamerican prehistoric Archaic period is little studied. During this period (between 10,000 and 4,000 years ago) fundamental cultural adjustments were made to the varying physical environments of Mesoamerica. These set the stage for the florescence of complex societies of more recent periods. The Proyecto El Gigante was targeted at the elaboration of the unknown cultural history of the Highlands of Southwestern Honduras. Extensive excavations were carried out in a rock shelter that contained very well preserved archaeological material, especially botanical remains. Based on the initial analysis of the excavations, we have reached several conclusions. First, there is an undeniable Paleoindian component to the site that dates to 9220-8750 B.C. (2-sigma, calibrated date). Second, there is significant evidence of a generalized hunting and gathering pattern of behavior throughout the Archaic. The suite of plant remains recovered from these levels indicates a heavy reliance on tree fruits, maguey, and both large and small game. Third, the transition from this hunting and gathering mode of subsistence to one of farming apparently occurs very late as compared to other sites described for the period in México (e.g. Coxcatlán and Guila Naquitz). Maize is not adopted until perhaps the mid 1st millennium B.C. Once present, maize morphology exhibits a wide diversity and indicates either significant local manipulation of the crop or experimentation with many imported varieties. The Proyecto El Gigante has completed the fieldwork phase. There is much laboratory analysis to be completed.
Submitted 07/03/2002 by: |
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