Tikal Obsidian: Sources and Typology
- 20 January 1984
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in American Antiquity
- Vol. 49 (1), 104-117
- https://doi.org/10.2307/280515
Abstract
The obsidian industry of Classic period Tikal, Guatemala, is discussed with regard to geological source determinations and behavioral typology. The potential of these two approaches for cultural reconstruction is greatly extended when they can supplement each other. Recent source determinations of obsidian artifacts from Tikal indicate (1) a behavioral link between locally-produced prismatic blades of Highland Guatemalan stone and ceremonial incised obsidians and eccentrics, and (2) a Central Mexican origin for a seemingly large portion of Tikal's obsidian projectile points and knives.Keywords
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