Research
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The Origin of Mesoamerican Obsidian Craft Production

The Origin of Mesoamerican Obsidian Craft Production

Statue head of Olmec

Obsidian prismatic blades were one of Mesoamerica’s most highly specialized craft industries.  When and how this level of specialization developed is a topic of considerable interest and speculation among active archaeologists.  Recent field research conducted during 2012 at the early Olmec site of San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan has uncovered the remains of Mesoamerica’s earliest specialized obsidian blade workshop.   Research during 2013 and 2014 will explore and clarify the form of obsidian procurement used to provision on-site production, how blade production was organized at San Lorenzo, and how finished goods were distributed throughout San Lorenzo and its surrounding region.