Obsidian Reflections: Symbolic Dimensions of Obsidian in Mesoamerica

340 Pages·2014·2.665 MB·English

by  David M. Carballo, Marc Levine

Obsidian
Reflections

Obsidian
Reflections
Symbolic Dimensions of
Obsidian in Mesoamerica
edited by
Marc N. Levine and David M. Carballo
UniveRsity PRess Of COlORadO
Boulder
© 2014 by University Press of Colorado
Published by University Press of Colorado
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by Adams State University, Colorado State University, Fort Lewis College, Metropolitan
State University of Denver, Regis University, University of Colorado, University of Northern
Colorado, Utah State University, and Western State Colorado University.
∞ This paper meets the requirements of the ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 (Permanence of Paper).
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Obsidian reflections : symbolic dimensions of obsidian in Mesoamerica / edited by Marc N.
Levine, David M. Carballo.
pages cm
ISBN 978-1-60732-300-6 (hardback) — ISBN 978-1-60732-301-3 (ebook)
1. Obsidian implements—Mexico. 2. Obsidian implements—Central America. 3. Indians of
Mexico—Implements. 4. Indians of Central America—Implements. 5. Indians of Mexico—
Antiquities. 6. Indians of Central America—Antiquities. I. Levine, Marc N., author, editor of
compilation. II. Carballo, David M., author, editor of compilation.
F1219.3.I4O26 2014
972.8’01—dc23
23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Cover illustration: Obsidian eccentrics from La Laguna, photograph by David M. Carballo.
For Ronnie (ML) and Jenny (DC)

Contents
List of Figures ix
List of Tables xv
Introduction
Chapter 1 Reflections on Obsidian Studies in
Mesoamerica: Past, Present, and Future 3
Marc N. Levine
Section I. Ethnohistorical and
Ethnographic Perspectives
Chapter 2 Ethnohistorical Evidence for
Obsidian’s Ritual and Symbolic Uses among
the Postclassic Tarascans 45
Véronique Darras
Chapter 3 The Symbolism of Obsidian in
Postclassic Central Mexico 75
Alejandro Pastrana and Ivonne Athie
Chapter 4 Machetes and Meaning: Some Notes
on Cutting Tools in a Contemporary Mixtec
Community 111
John Monaghan
Section II. Symbolic Dimensions of Obsidian
Production and Exchange
Chapter 5 Symbolic and Ritual Dimensions of
Exchange, Production, Use, and Deposition of
Ancient Maya Obsidian Artifacts 127
Kazuo Aoyama
Chapter 6 Obsidian Obsessed? Examining
Patterns of Chipped-Stone Procurement at
Late Postclassic Tututepec, Oaxaca 159
Marc N. Levine
Section III. Interpreting Obsidian in Ritual
Offerings and Use
Chapter 7 Obsidian Symbolism in a Temple
Offering from La Laguna, Tlaxcala 195
David M. Carballo
Chapter 8 Ritual Use of Obsidian from Maya
Caves in Belize: A Functional and Symbolic
Analysis 223
W. James Stemp and Jaime J. Awe
Chapter 9 Obsidian and Household Ritual at
Xochitecatl-Cacaxtla 255
Mari Carmen Serra Puche, Jesús Carlos
Lazcano Arce, and Mónica Blanco
García Méndez
Conclusion
Chapter 10 Reflections on Reflections 279
William J. Parry
List of Contributors 319
Index 321
viii CONTENTS
Figures
1.1. Map of Mesoamerica, including major
obsidian sources 22
2.1. Tarascan region of West Mexico 48
2.2. “Los sacrificadores” and the “Petamuti” 59
2.3. Tariácuri’s daughter uses a blade to slit the
throat of a man from Curinguaro 61
2.4. Detail from Plate XXVI, RM, Ms.ç.IV.5. de
El Escorial, 1541 62
2.5. Tariácuri distributes part of his god, Curicaueri 63
3.1. Representations of projectile points 76
3.2. Reproduction of an obsidian scepter
associated with the Mexica culture and
dating to the Late Postclassic period
(1300–1521 CE) 77
3.3. Anthropomorphic sculpture of Ehecatl-
Quetzalcóatl 81
3.4. Pottery fragments with Itzpapalotl imagery 82
3.5. Image of Tlatlauhqui Tezcatlipoca from the
Codex Borgia 86
3.6. Reproduction of an obsidian mirror associated
with the Mexica culture and dating to the
Late Postclassic (1300–1521 CE) 89
3.7. Deities incorporating butterfly imagery in
their portraits 103
3.8. Deities associated with the obsidian
procurement and production process 104
4.1. Uictli/yata; man holding a yata in the Codex
Nuttall; uictliaxoquen 115
4.2. Costa Chica machete purchased in the
Sunday market in Santiago Nuyoo 115
4.3. Flint blades from selected codices 117