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Finding Class from the Glass: Obsidian source as a costly signal (2016)
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Obsidian is abundant at nearly every Post-Classic Mesoamerican site. The obsidian typically is derived from multiple sources, including distant, "costly" sources. Given that the obsidians’ utility is similar regardless of source, one possible explanation for such "wasteful" consumption uses costly signaling theory. In this model, behavioral displays indicate a hidden quality. Here, use of distant obsidians reflects status by demonstrating access to trade networks and the ability to absorb the...