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A New Archaeological Chronology for Aztec-Period Calixtlahuaca, Mexico

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Angela C. Huster  and
Michael E. Smith
Angela C. Huster
Affiliation:
School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 872402, Tempe.AZ 85287-2402, ([email protected]; [email protected])
Michael E. Smith
Affiliation:
School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 872402, Tempe.AZ 85287-2402, ([email protected]; [email protected])
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Abstract

We describe the development of a new chronology for the Postclassic site of Calixtlahuaca, Toluca, Mexico. We identify three ceramic phases using discriminant analysis of decorated and plainware types. These phases are consistent with excavated stratigraphy, as well as a series of 54 radiocarbon dates. We then assign absolute dates to the phases using Bayesian analysis of radiocarbon dates and historical information on the date of site abandonment. The resulting chronology identifies three phases at the site: Dongu (A.D. 1130-1380), Ninupi (A.D. 1380-1450), and Yata (A.D. 1450-1530). We then discuss the local and regional implications of the chronology. More broadly, our results demonstrate the utility of using multiple, complementary methods for developing more precise chronologies.

Resumen

Resumen

Describimos el desarrollo de una cronología nueva para el sitio Poscldsico de Calixtlahuaca, Toluca, México. Identificamos tres grupos cerámicos por medio de la clasificación automática tipo k-means y del análisis discriminante de tipos sencillos y decorados.Los grupos se definieron con base en la semejanza de los tipos cerámicos. Investigamos las relaciones estratigráficas entre los grupos, y nuestro análisis confirmó que hay una secuencia cronológica entre ellos; es decir, los grupos son fases cronológicas. Luego presentamos 54 fechas de radiocarbono procedentes de nuestras excavaciones que también confirman las relaciones estratigráficas entre las fases. Proponemos fechas absolutas para cadafase con base en el análisis bayesiano de lasfechas de radiocarbono y datos históricos sobre lafecha de abandono del sitio. La cronología resultante identifica tres fases para el sitio: Dongu (1130-1380 d.C), Ninupi (1380-1450 d.C.) e Yata (1450-1530 d.C). Comparamos esta cronología arqueológica con la cronologia histdrica de Calixtlahuaca y el Valle de Toluca. Finalmente, analizamos las implicaciones locales y regionales de la nueva cronología. Los resultados iluminan el desarrollo cultural en el Valle de Toluca en la época Postclásica. Más ampliamente, nuestros resultados demuestran la utilidad del uso de varios metodos complementarios para el desarrollo de cronologías más precisas.

Type
Special Section: Rethinking Ceramic Chronologies, Part II
Information
Latin American Antiquity , Volume 26 , Issue 1 , March 2015 , pp. 3 - 25
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 2015

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