The Origins of Mesoamerican Agriculture: Reconnaissance and Testing in the Sayula-Zacoalco Lake Basin
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Research Year:  2000
Culture:  Tarascan
Chronology:  Pre-Classic, Classic, and Post Classic
Location:  Jalisco, West México
Site:  Sayula-Zacoalco Lake Basin

Table of Contents

Abstract
Introduction
Regional Survey and Sondage Testing
Test Excavation
Abrigo Atotonilco 1 (CS-A17)
Abrigo Moreno 3 (CS-A12)
Abrigo Moreno 5 (CS-A14)
El Tepehuaje (CS-183)
Abrigo El Salto (CS-A32)
Summary and Conclusion
Acknowledgements
List of Figures
Sources Cited

Abstract

Archaeological reconnaissance and testing in rockshelters and open archaeological sites in the Sayula lake basin of western México was carried out in search of evidence to document the transition from hunting and gathering to agricultural food production. The local archaeological collectors have amassed a rich collection of cultural artifacts that document human occupation of the Sayula Lake Basin since terminal Pleistocene times. Botanical collecting during reconnaissance yielded collections of squash that may potentially represent a new cucurbit taxon. A total of 36 rockshelters were visited to evaluate their potential for yielding evidence of Archaic Period occupation. Fifteen open archaeological sites were also located and evaluated for their potential in providing evidence of the early stages of agricultural development. We tested three rockshelters and a single open site. Evidence of preceramic occupation was unearthed in one shelter dating 4780±60 radiocarbon years B.P., a second shelter provided evidence of possible Preceramic occupation, the third rockshelter provided evidence of Classic Period occupation only. The fourth archaeological site, this one an open site, was excavated to ascertain whether the earliest yet identified ceramic-bearing sediments in the valley might be located on top of preceramic occupation. A fifth site, a hardly accessible rockshelter, containing abundant evidence of Formative, Classic and Postclassic Period deposits, could not be test-excavated. A single radiocarbon date on a carbonized corncob obtained at the shelter by looters measured 1760±60 radiocarbon years B.P.  Testing of this potentially rich rockshelter should be undertaken in the future. Continued excavation in the rockshelter-designated Moreno 5 will undoubtedly produce additional evidence of the Archaic in the Sayula-Zacoalco lake basin.

Submitted 07/01/2001 by:
Bruce F. Benz
benzb@txwes.edu

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