Lithic Analysis of the Postclassic Maya Site, Isla Cilvituk: Utilizing Microwear and Experimental Approaches to Evaluate Anthropological Problems at a Regional Scale

Author(s): Richard L. Burleson

Year: 1999

Summary

The goal of any microwear analysis is to reconstruct as completely as possible the site economy. Once accomplished, such lithic data can then be incorporated into more complex interpretations concerning economic, social, and political organization. This research focuses on the obsidian and chert assemblage from the Postclassic Maya site Isla Cilvituk (AD 900-1545). A replica set of obsidian prismatic blades have been

subjected to a full range of activities associated with prehispanic Maya behavior in order to create use-wear patterns of a known origin. These known use-wear patterns were compared to the archaeological assemblage via high resolution microscopy in an attempt to determine specific stone tool function. Microwear analysis of the obsidian, macro wear analysis of the chert, and a spatial analysis utilizing the contextual data have been utilized to provide interpretations concerning household/site organization, socio-political stratification, and the economic role that Isla Cilvituk played during the Postclassic period. All of this data will be incorporated into an assessment of whether or not Isla Cilvituk functioned as a port of trade, or a refugee area selected for its

diverse resource base in the wake of the Classic Maya collapse.

Cite this Record

Lithic Analysis of the Postclassic Maya Site, Isla Cilvituk: Utilizing Microwear and Experimental Approaches to Evaluate Anthropological Problems at a Regional Scale. Richard L. Burleson. Masters Thesis. New Mexico State University (NMSU), Anthropology. 1999 ( tDAR id: 501749) ; doi:10.48512/XCV8501749

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

URL: https://nmsu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma99677427...


Keywords

Culture
LOWLAND MAYA

Material
Building Materials • Ceramic • Chipped Stone • Dating Sample • Fauna • Ground Stone • Macrobotanical • Metal • Pollen • Shell

Site Name
Isla Cilvituk, Campeche, Mexico

Site Type
Agricultural Field or Field Feature • Ancient Church / Religious Structure • Ancient Governmental Structure • Ancient Structure • chultun • House • House Mound • Platform Mound • Plaza • Pyramid • Stairway • stelae • Temple • Terrace • Town / City • Water Control Feature

Investigation Types
Archaeological Overview • Data Recovery / Excavation • Historic Background Research • Methodology, Theory, or Synthesis • Reconnaissance / Survey • Site Evaluation / Testing

General
Household Archaeology • Lacustrine settlement • Postclassic Lowland Maya • Resilience • Settlement Ecology • Terminal Classic-Postclassic transition

Geographic Keywords
Northern Maya Lowlands

Temporal Keywords
Terminal Classic through Late Postclassic period (AD 600-1500)

Temporal Coverage

Radiocarbon Date: 1324 to 387 (14C Age BP, 9 radiocarbon dates from animal bone)

Calendar Date: 600 to 1500 (Architecture and Ceramics)

Spatial Coverage

min long: -90.312; min lat: 18.608 ; max long: -90.26; max lat: 18.655 ;

Individual & Institutional Roles

Principal Investigator(s): Rani T Alexander

Record Identifiers

Consejo de Arqueologia, Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (INAH)(s): Oficio #: C.A. 401-36/492, C.A. 401-36/188, C.A.401-36/427

New Mexico State University, Institutional Review Board, Human Subjects Research(s): Permit 5711 (expedited) 2003

Notes

General Note: This archaeological project was not born digital.

File Information

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