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Tikal Obsidian: Sources and Typology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Hattula Moholy-Nagy ,
Frank Asaro  and
Fred H. Stross
Hattula Moholy-Nagy
Affiliation:
Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Frank Asaro
Affiliation:
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
Fred H. Stross
Affiliation:
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
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Abstract

The obsidian industry of Classic period Tikal, Guatemala, is discussed with regard to geological source determinations and behavioral typology. The potential of these two approaches for cultural reconstruction is greatly extended when they can supplement each other. Recent source determinations of obsidian artifacts from Tikal indicate (1) a behavioral link between locally-produced prismatic blades of Highland Guatemalan stone and ceremonial incised obsidians and eccentrics, and (2) a Central Mexican origin for a seemingly large portion of Tikal's obsidian projectile points and knives.

Type
Reports
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 49 , Issue 1 , January 1984 , pp. 104 - 117
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for American Archaeology 1984

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References

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