Author:
Burger Richard L.,Asaro Frank,Michel Helen V.,Stross Fred H.,Salazar Ernesto
Abstract
We have examined the role of long-distance trade in Prehispanic Ecuador using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and neutron-activation analysis (NAA) of obsidian artifacts from the archaeological sites of El Inga, Chobshi Cave and Site OGSE-46 on the Santa Elena Peninsula. Results indicate that two geological sources east of Quito, Yanaurco-Quiscatola and Mullumica, were the principal source of raw obsidian at these sites. We situate our findings within a broader archaeological context through a review of the literature and a discussion of an earlier provenience study undertaken by us. We express concerns about recent attempts to apply ethnohistoric models to early periods of Ecuadorian prehistory, and argue that despite early exploitation of the principal obsidian sources, long-distance trade in obsidian was initiated at a relatively late date and remained at a surprisingly low level in southern Ecuador during most of prehistory.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Archaeology,History,Archaeology
Reference109 articles.
1. Stothert K. 1988 La prehistoria temprana de la Peninsula de Santa Elena: Cultura Las Vegas. Miscelanea Antropológica Ecuatoriana Serie Monográfica 10.
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