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Research Year:  2003
Culture:  Chatino (uncertain)
Chronology:  Terminal Pre-Classic
Location:  Río Verde Valley, Oaxaca, México
Site:  Yugüe

Table of Contents

Abstract
Introduction
Research Methods
Operation 1
Operation 2
Conservation of a Formative Period Incised Bone Flute from Oaxaca
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
List of Figures
Sources Cited

Abstract

This report summarizes the results of excavations undertaken at the site of Yugüe, in the lower Río Verde valley of Oaxaca, México. The Yugüe excavations were undertaken from February to April of 2003 as part of the Proyecto Río Verde 2003 (PRV03). The PRV03 was designed as a study of early state organization on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, focusing on elite activities in the lower Río Verde valley’s first regional polity. A second goal of the PRV03 was to obtain as much archaeological information as possible from the threatened site of Yugüe, where ongoing construction is causing irrevocable damage to a Terminal Formative Period (150 B.C.–A.D. 250) archaeological site. The Yugüe excavations were very successful, providing the first primary deposits related to Terminal Formative elite public activities such as burial, feasting, and other rituals.

An addendum is included with this report summarizing the results of conservation efforts undertaken to conserve and restore a late Terminal Formative Period (A.D. 100–250) incised bone flute from the site of Yugüe. The object was discovered during the Proyecto Río Verde 2003. At the time of its discovery, the flute was in extremely fragile condition due to compaction, seasonal changes in humidity, and bioturbation in the form of root and insect activity. Mireya Olvera Sánchez consolidated, reconstructed, and restored the object. It is now in the collection of the Centro Cultural Santo Domingo, Oaxaca City, México.

Submitted 03/08/2004 by:
Sarah B. Barber
University of Colorado at Boulder
Sarah.Barber@colorado.edu

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