The Archaeology of Early Formative Chalcatzingo, Morelos, México, 1995

Conclusion: Significance of Research and Future Plans

Excavations conducted in 1995 were successful in accomplishing the research objective of uncovering the platform mound. Investigations reveal that the platform mound on Terrace 6 at Chalcatzingo was a complicated structure with a long history of use and occupation. To date, the excavation data indicate that the platform measures at least 5.5 m long, 3 m wide, and 1.5 m in height. It was constructed during several building episodes which added lower stages and additions to the main structure. Analysis of the stratigraphic sequence and the ceramics indicate an Early Formative date for the platform. However, they have also revealed a long sequence of occupation of this area which both preceded and postdated the platform mound.

Whether it was built through voluntary communal effort or under the direction of a particular individual, the platform mound indicates the existence of a centralized authority who could amass the necessary materials and coordinate the labor of numerous individuals. Thus, the platform points to the emergence of complex society during the Early Formative Period at Chalcatzingo. Analysis of the ceramics, figurines, and other artifacts associated with the platform demonstrates close correspondence with similar materials from other sites in the Valley of México during this period of time (Vaillant, 1930; 1931; 1935). This indicates autochthonous development of sociopolitical complexity at Chalcatzingo and contradicts previous theories which postulated that cultural development at this site was the result of contact with the Olmec culture of the Gulf Coast (Bernal, 1969; Coe, 1965; Pina Chan, 1955).

Most importantly to this research project, the remains of buildings were detected on the summit of this platform mound. Although no definitive shape for the building was found to date, it nevertheless indicates that important structures had once been erected on the platform mound. This observation has accomplished the objective of determining the nature and role of monumental architecture at Chalcatzingo. It was determined that the purpose of platform mounds was to serve as substructures for the erection of important structures. This structure may have functioned as a public building due to the scarcity of artifacts, the inability to locate middens, trash pits, or other domestic refuse, and the lack of subfloor burials within or near its confines. However, at this early date, structures were most probably multiple-purpose facilities which served as both temples and chiefly residences. Thus, further research is necessary to clarify this issue.

The identification of monumental architecture and important buildings on their summits is significant to the understanding of sociopolitical development during the Early Formative of Mesoamerica. These structures have been excavated and analyzed in many regions of Mesoamerica such as Paso de la Amada, Chiapas (Blake, 1991; Lesure, 1997); San José Mogote, Oaxaca (Flannery and Marcus, 1976; 1983; 1994); San Lorenzo, Veracruz (Coe and Diehl, 1980; Cyphers Guillen, 1994); Teopantecuanitlán (Martinez Donjuan, 1985; 1986; 1994); and possibly at Tlatilco (Porter, 1953). Scholars have indicated that some of the buildings on the platforms served as chiefly domiciles while others functioned as public buildings such as men’s houses. There is no clear dichotomy of function for these structures, however, they indicate the appearance of an inegalitarian social organization which marked its status and power through monumental constructions.

Additional excavations on Terrace 6 have fulfilled the research objective of understanding the nature of Early Formative life at Chalcatzingo. Most notably, a house floor was discovered and partially excavated. This find is significant because it will provide much information on the domestic life of the ancient inhabitants of Chalcatzingo. Investigations of the house will provide insights concerning the domestic architecture, subsistence practices, food-preparation techniques, refuse disposal patterns, level of technology, economic practices, craft production, and other aspects of daily life. This will serve as an excellent contrast to the types of activities that were occurring on the platform mound which presumably concern administrative and elite matters.

The discovery of the house structure is also significant since only a handful of Early Formative houses from Central México have been excavated to date at sites such as Nexpa, Morelos (Grove, 1974), Zohapilco, México (Niederberger, 1976; 1987), and Coapexco, México (Tolstoy, 1989; Tolstoy and Fish, 1975). The data from this Chalcatzingo project will contribute to a better understanding of the nature of household level organization during the Early Formative. This data can then be compared to other regions of Mesoamerica where household data for this period of time already exist.

Future investigations at Chalcatzingo will focus on completing the research that was begun in this project. First, excavations of the platform mound on Terrace 6 will concentrate on exposing the complete surface of the platform mound, as well as gathering additional data on its associated building, features, and artifacts. Second, excavations of the house floor will also be completed. This structure was discovered during the final week of field work. Consequently, only a small portion was excavated for testing. Additional data will be gathered on its size, construction technology, occupational history, and any associated artifacts and features. Third, other areas of Terrace 6 will be explored to locate other zones of Early Formative activity. Finally, another Early Formative platform mound at Chalcatzingo will be excavated to provide comparative data to the one on Terrace 6 that was explored by this research project.

Previous Page  |  Table of Contents  |  Next Page

Return to top of page