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Aztec Obsidian Trade Network Revealed Through 788 Artifacts
Analysis of 788 obsidian artifacts from Tenochtitlan reveals the Aztecs' vast trade network, sourcing volcanic glass from both allied and rival regions, showcasing a complex economic system that transcended political borders and influenced their societal evolution.
- What does the diversity of obsidian sources in Tenochtitlan reveal about the Aztec economic system and its reach?
- A study of 788 obsidian artifacts from Tenochtitlan reveals the Aztecs' extensive trade network, sourcing materials from both allied and rival regions. The use of portable X-ray fluorescence identified diverse obsidian sources, highlighting a complex economic system extending beyond political boundaries.
- What future research avenues could further illuminate the complexities of the ancient Mesoamerican obsidian trade networks and their impact on Aztec society?
- The findings suggest that the Aztec Empire's economic influence and control were directly linked to their access to and control over obsidian sources. Fluctuations in obsidian diversity over time correlate with periods of political stability and instability within the empire, highlighting the integral role of trade in shaping Aztec society.
- How did the Aztec Empire's political changes impact the sourcing and distribution of obsidian, and what does this say about the relationship between politics and trade?
- The research demonstrates the Aztecs' preference for green obsidian from Sierra de Pachuca for ritual objects, yet their reliance on various obsidian types for everyday tools reveals a vast trade network encompassing both allied and rival territories. This suggests a sophisticated economy that transcended political control.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the study's findings positively, emphasizing the scale and sophistication of the Aztec obsidian trade network. The headline and introduction highlight the vastness of the trade network and the innovative research methodology. This framing could potentially lead readers to focus more on the positive aspects of the Aztec empire and its economic prowess rather than any potential negative aspects associated with its expansion or control of trade routes.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, relying on factual reporting and quotes from researchers. However, phrases like "problematic tlatoani" to describe the Aztec ruler Tízoc could be considered slightly loaded, implying a negative judgment not explicitly supported by the study's findings. More neutral phrasing might include "the reign of Tízoc, a period of instability." Similarly, "the most valuable obsidian" could be modified to "the obsidian most valued by the Aztecs," reducing an implicit assertion of inherent value.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the obsidian trade and its implications for Aztec society. While it mentions the broader context of Mesoamerican obsidian use and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, it doesn't delve deeply into other aspects of the Aztec economy or society that might provide further context. There is no discussion of other materials used for tools or ornaments, or a comparison of the obsidian trade to other forms of trade. Omission of these details might limit a complete understanding of Aztec life and economy, although the focus on obsidian is understandable given the study's scope.
Sustainable Development Goals
The research highlights the vast trade networks of the Aztecs, encompassing even rival societies. This extensive trade network facilitated the distribution of obsidian, a valuable resource, across a wide geographical area, suggesting a relatively equitable access to essential materials, at least for tool production, across different social groups within the Aztec empire and beyond. The study also reveals that the same obsidian materials were used by people in both rural and urban areas, further suggesting a degree of equitable distribution.