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Research Year:  2002
Culture:  Uncertain
Chronology:  Late Postclassic
Location:  Guerrero, México
Site:  El Manchon

Table of Contents

Abstract
Interim Report
Final Report
List of Figures

Abstract

The research money provided by FAMSI was used to excavate Las Fundiciones, the only unambiguously prehispanic copper smelting site yet identified in Mesoamerica. The site is located at 1400 meters above sea level in the Sierra Madre del Sur in Guerrero. In previous work, I had documented Mesoamerican copper fabrication methods, metals and alloys, the chronological sequencing of these developments, relations among South American and Mesoamerican metallurgy, and the overall sumptuary emphasis of this technology. What we have lacked is evidence regarding metals production technology (smelting regimes, mining techniques, metals processing regimes, etc.) and the identity of the peoples responsible for these activities. We excavated the badly eroded remains of a furnace that consisted of worked stone, copper ore, slag, prehispanic potsherds, and two features that look like very small furnaces or crucibles. Subsequent work shows that the ore is malachite and cuprite in a quartz matrix. We also tested several structures in the habitation area (the surfaces of which had been badly disturbed by cattle and burros) two of which we investigated through horizontal excavations. Neither of these showed evidence of either domestic or craft activities, although we recovered two caches of potsherds. The analysis of the potsherds (which are highly eroded and fragmented) suggests that we are dealing with globular and other jar-shaped fragments, vases, cups with an annular base, and possible incense burners. Many present a white wash, paint, or slip, with red designs. This project will constitute a very long-term undertaking.

Submitted 12/22/2003 by:
Dr. Dorothy Hosler
hosler@MIT.EDU

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