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- All Subjects: Anthropology
- Creators: Arnold III, Philip J
- Creators: Barton, C Michael
- Member of: Theses and Dissertations
- Resource Type: Text
The Central Highland capital of Teotihuacan had variable influence throughout Mesoamerica. One pronounced occurrence of this influence has been identified at Matacapan, which displays strong material culture and architectural connections to Teotihuacan. This research therefore employs a modified world-systems framework which removes the assumption of hierarchy and instead focuses on regional interaction within the periphery. It views the establishment of regional distribution networks centered at Matacapan that articulate with the two neighboring polities as a form of incorporation, the process wherein external groups are brought into a system.
To assess incorporation, four potential Matacapan-centered networks are analyzed. These networks consist of the distribution of two ceramic types and obsidian blades produced from two sources. Artifacts from survey, surface collection, and excavation were subjected to ceramic analysis, lithic analysis, petrography, neutron activation analysis, and X-ray fluorescence analysis to identify source, form, and production technology. These data aid in determining network participation in each polity. By assessing importation in these local polities, the form and degree of their incorporation will be identified.
Incorporation of indigenous polities into regional networks was not uniform within the Western Tuxtlas Region. Two Matacapan-centered networks were identified, and they differ in form and extent. One indigenous polity, Teotepec, participated in both networks while the other, Totocapan, participated in one. I argue that Teotepec’s incorporation into a second network was strategic in that it was mutually beneficial to both involved parties. Additionally, indigenous Tuxtlas’ polities were able to negotiate interaction with their Teotihuacan-affiliated neighbor for desired goods without forfeiting political or cultural autonomy.
One of the best ways to learn about an ancient society is to examine their architecture. Form imitates and is limited by utility and this can especially be seen in how humans set up their communities. However, with house structures, a new social dimension is added and can create many factors in its making. Social complexity and hierarchies can be reflected through the communal structures and layout and provide insight into how people organize themselves. In this paper, over 400 Hohokam structures from the Preclassic and Classic periods were compiled into a general dataset and 322 of which had sufficient data relevant to the research questions were used to determine any notable characteristics. The organization of the structures in this way provided a measurable process in determining these social and cultural aspects. The shapes of the Hohokam homes seemed to stay consistent over time with only the location and size of the entrance varying from site to site. Structures made in the Preclassic period had a smoother distribution of sizes than that of the Classic period structures. However, the changes in individual houses was not statistically significant. There is evidence that supports the notion that, as the Hohokam civilization developed, hierarchies began to form in their social complexity. Yet, it is not great enough to make any broad claims. The information derived from this paper can support further implications of growing social inequalities and the formation of classes within this community.