Stone Tools and the Elite Political Economy at Epiclassic (A.D. 650-900) Xochicalco
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Research Year:  2002
Culture:  Aztec
Chronology:  Epi-Classic
Location:  State of Morelos, México
Site:  Xochicalco

Table of Contents

Abstract
Introduction
The Assemblage
Discussion
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
Tables
List of Figures
Sources Cited

Abstract

This project examined the flaked stone artifacts from the elite zone of Xochicalco to explore (1) whether stone tools were produced in elite contexts, and if so, (2) what kinds of items were produced and (3) what does this tell us about the structure of Xochicalco’s stone tool craft economy? The technological analysis of these artifacts did not indicate that they were made in the elite zone. To the contrary, most of the artifacts in the collection were probably made in Xochicalco’s commoner core-blade workshops. It is most likely that the elites acquired these items, predominantly for domestic uses, in the central market or via tribute arrangements. Consequently, Xochicalco’s stone tool economy was primarily oriented towards the production of utilitarian tools in workshops relatively independent of elite control. The size and character of the elite collection also supports earlier conclusions that obsidian was a scarce resource at the site. This may be why the elites did not invest in the production of non-utilitarian implements related to ritual or social status. In sum, the craft production of stone tools does not appear to have been an important component of the elite political economy at Epiclassic Xochicalco.

Submitted 11/24/2002 by:
Bradford Andrews
Department of Anthropology
The Pennsylvania State University
bdand101@yahoo.com

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