Hundreds of obsidian artifacts have revealed the secrets of Aztec trade networks, showcasing their vast connections, including with rival societies. A study of 788 pieces, the largest sample of obsidian artifacts ever analyzed for Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital city, has provided valuable insights into the Aztecs’ economic system and cultural evolution.
The Aztecs prized green obsidian, using it to produce ritual items, while everyday objects were made from different types of obsidian. Researchers used portable X-ray fluorescence to identify the geochemical fingerprints of the artifacts, confirming that nearly 90% of the obsidian came from the Sierra de Pachuca mountain range. The remaining 10% originated from seven other locations, including Otumba, Tulancingo, Ucareo, and El Paraíso.
The discovery highlights the complexity of the Aztec economy, which encouraged long-distance trade with rival societies beyond their political borders. According to lead study author Diego Matadamas-Gomora, “Although the Mexicas preferred green obsidian, the high diversity of obsidian types, mainly in the form of non-ritual artifacts, suggests that obsidian tools from multiple sources reached the capital of the Empire through market.”
Obsidian’s Significance in Aztec Culture
Obsidian was a crucial material for the Aztecs, used in various aspects of their lives, including:
- Tools and Weapons: Obsidian was shaped into sharp instruments like blades, knives, and spear tips.
- Ritual and Ceremonial Objects: Green obsidian was prized for its hue and used to create highly polished ornaments and religious objects.
- Everyday Life: Obsidian knives were commonly used for food preparation, and its reflective properties made it ideal for crafting mirrors.
The study also sheds light on how the Aztec society evolved over time, introducing more standardized religion and control before the empire fell in 1520. As John Millhauser, associate professor of sociology and anthropology, notes, “It’s a powerful reminder of how robust and far-reaching the economy of central Mexico was 500 years ago, with commodities like obsidian circulating widely to meet the needs of communities across the region.”