With contributions by Gregory Tyndall, Bruce Benz, Sarah Jennings, Kathy Beekman, and Bruno Calgaro.

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Research Year:  2003
Culture:  Teuchitlán
Chronology:  Late Pre-Classic
Location:  Jalisco, México
Site:  Navajas

Table of Contents

Abstract
Project Background and Goals
Navajas
Fieldwork
Results
Conclusions
List of Figures
Sources Cited

Abstract

The Teuchitlán tradition was a regional complex society centered in the lake basins of Jalisco, México, defined by the use of concentric circular public architecture. Survey and piecemeal excavations have unfortunately dominated archaeological research into this society. The project carried out a horizontal exposure excavation of Circle 5 at the site of Navajas, with associated soil sampling for macrobotanical analysis. Data recovered has allowed a closer comparison of the different components of an entire small circle. We evaluate current models suggesting that feasting accompanied social competition between the different kin groups believed to be associated with the circle, and that agricultural ritual may have been a central component of an ideology that justified the actions of elites.

Submitted 05/20/2004 by:
Dr. Christopher Beekman
cbeekman@carbon.cudenver.edu

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