A Behavioral Model for the Obsidian Industry of Chiapa de Corzo

Abstract

This paper discusses the reanalysis of the obsidian artifacts from the site of Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico. The artifacts were recovered during 6 years of excavation and investigation of the site by the New World Archaeological Foundation. The artifacts have been described previously (Lee, 1969); however, since the time of their description a new system for classifying chipped stone artifacts has come into being. This new system is the behavioral or technological typology (see Sheets, 1975a). The chipped obsidian artifacts from Chiapa de Corzo were reevaluated in the light of this general system. In the following discussion, the basic concepts of behavioral typology, as it has been employed in Mesoamerica, will be presented as well as an example of its application to the Chiapa de Corzo obsidian artifacts. Two models for the obsidian industry will be presented; one for the Preclassic period and one for the later periods (mainly Classic).