New archaeological research led by Tulane University and Mexico’s Proyecto Templo Mayor has unveiled the extensive trade networks of the Aztec Empire, known as the Mexica, through the study of ancient obsidian artifacts.
Obsidian, a volcanic glass highly valued for its sharp edges and symbolic significance, was a crucial material for tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the largest of its kind ever conducted at the Templo Mayor, the main temple of Tenochtitlan, which is now Mexico City.
Researchers analyzed 788 obsidian artifacts found at the Templo Mayor, discovering that the majority of the material—nearly 90%—came from the Sierra de Pachuca, a region famous for its green obsidian.
This particular type of obsidian held special significance due to its symbolic connection to Tollan, a mythical city of great importance in Mesoamerican culture.
Most of the ceremonial objects unearthed at Templo Mayor, such as miniature weapons, jewelry, and decorative inlays, were crafted from this green obsidian, indicating its importance in religious rituals.
However, the study also revealed that the Mexica sourced obsidian from at least seven other regions, including places beyond their political control.
Notably, obsidian was found from Ucareo, a region in West Mexico controlled by the Purépecha, rivals of the Mexica.
This suggests that the Aztec Empire engaged in complex trade networks that extended far beyond its borders.
According to Diego Matadamas-Gomora, the study’s lead author and a Ph.D. candidate in Tulane’s Department of Anthropology, these findings illustrate that the Mexica did not rely solely on conquest to obtain resources. Instead, they actively traded with neighboring regions, acquiring various types of obsidian through local markets.
Interestingly, the research showed that different types of obsidian served distinct purposes.
The prized green obsidian from Sierra de Pachuca was mostly reserved for ceremonial artifacts, while other types of obsidian from places like Otumba, Tulancingo, Ucareo, and El Paraíso were commonly used for everyday tools.
These materials, found mainly in construction fills, indicate that they were accessible to the general public, not just the ruling elite. This access suggests that local markets played a significant role in distributing resources across the empire.
The study also tracked changes in obsidian use over time, from Tenochtitlan’s early days in 1375 CE to its fall in 1520 CE. In the beginning, there was greater diversity in the types of obsidian used for both ritual and daily life.
However, after the Mexica solidified their power around 1430 CE, there was a noticeable shift toward using only Sierra de Pachuca’s green obsidian for religious purposes. This shift hints at increasing political control and religious standardization as the empire grew stronger.
This research was made possible through a partnership between Tulane University and Mexico’s Proyecto Templo Mayor, with support from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
Using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), a non-destructive method, the team identified the geochemical fingerprints of the artifacts, revealing their origins.
According to Jason Nesbitt, co-author of the study and associate professor at Tulane, the findings not only highlight the complexity of the Mexica’s trade networks but also demonstrate how modern scientific techniques can provide insights into ancient cultural practices.
These discoveries paint a clearer picture of how the Aztec Empire managed its economy, trade, and religious traditions through the strategic use of obsidian.
Source: Tulane University.
