Yucuita, an archaeological site of significant historical importance, is situated in the Mixtec municipality of San Juan Yucuita in Oaxaca, Mexico. This site, founded by the Mixtec civilization during the pre-Classic Period, primarily served as a small village with a focus on agriculture and obsidian. Its continuous occupation from the fourteenth century BC to the ninth century AD makes Yucuita one of the most extensively studied Mixtec archaeological sites.
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Location and Description
Yucuita is located in the Sierra Mixteca of Oaxaca, approximately 86 km northeast of Oaxaca City. Despite the Mixtec civilization’s general lack of monumental architecture, Yucuita is home to two significant architectural complexes. These complexes have been the subject of numerous investigations since the 1930s, with the most recent excavations conducted between 1976 and 1980 by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
The first complex served as the living quarters for the governing elite, featuring a platform on a hill slope supporting the remains of residences surrounding a central patio. The second complex, a ceremonial center, retains part of its platform and two long walls, with one wall extending 70 m in length and 4 m in height.
Obsidian Analysis and Interregional Interaction
The site’s significance is further highlighted by the diachronic and synchronous analysis of obsidian procurement in the Mixteca Alta, Oaxaca. A comprehensive study, supported by FAMSI, analyzed 410 obsidian fragments from Yucuita and other sites across Oaxaca. This analysis revealed a variety of obsidian sources, indicating complex interregional interactions and exchange networks.
The Cruz B phase obsidian analysis, in particular, showed that while the majority of households depended on obsidian from Paredón, upper-class households had access to additional, exclusive sources. This diversity in obsidian sources underscores the social complexity and the intricate network of exchanges that characterized the Mixtec civilization.
Diachronic Changes in Obsidian Procurement
The study of obsidian fragments from the Yucuita phase, compared with those from the Cruz B phase, illustrates significant changes in obsidian procurement and economic models during the Late Formative period. While the Paredón source remained important, its dominance decreased, and other sources from the highlands of Mexico gained prominence. This shift reflects broader changes in economic and social structures during this period.
Conclusion
Yucuita stands as a testament to the Mixtec civilization’s ingenuity and adaptability. The site’s architectural remains and the extensive analysis of obsidian procurement offer valuable insights into the social, economic, and political dynamics of the Mixtec people. Through the continuous study of Yucuita, researchers can further unravel the complexities of this ancient civilization and its interactions with surrounding regions.
At a Glance
- Civilization Name: Mixtec
- Country Located: Mexico
- Age of Site/Place: From the fourteenth century BC to the ninth century AD
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