Geochemical Characterization of Obsidian Subsources in Highland Guatemala
Open Access
Author:
Carr, Sean Peter
Graduate Program:
Anthropology
Degree:
Master of Arts
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
None
Committee Members:
Kenneth Gale Hirth, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Keywords:
Obsidian Guatemala X-Ray Fluorescence Geographic Information Systems GIS XRF
Abstract:
This thesis geochemically and geographically identifies obsidian subsources in the Valley of Guatemala and the surrounding region. It particularly focuses on the major source systems of El Chayal, San Martin Jilotepeque, and Ixtepeque. Geochemical trace-element characterizations are made using Portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry. The subsources are then mapped onto the landscape using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The characterization of these subsources increases our understanding of the possible sources from which pre-Hispanic Mesoamericans obtained obsidian. Obsidian subsources are archaeologically significant because the resource had an important role in the ancient economy of the region.