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August 13, 2026Latin American AntiquityOpen Access

Source to Site: Geochemical Analysis of Obsidian Artifacts from Three Maya Sites in the Southeastern Three Rivers Adaptive Region, Belize

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Overview

Randomized trial analyzes obsidian sources in ancient Maya settlements, highlighting trade networks and social changes.

Key Points

  • The aim is to link obsidian artifacts to their sources to understand ancient Maya trade networks.
  • Conducted geochemical analysis via energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence on over 500 obsidian artifacts
  • Analyzed artifacts from three Maya sites: Chan Chich, Gallon Jug, and Kaxil Uinic
  • Examined changes in source attribution over time for trade network insights.
  • In the Late Preclassic and Early Classic, Chan Chich sourced obsidian mainly from San Martín Jilotepeque and Ixtepeque.
  • During the Late Classic, all TRR sites primarily consumed El Chayal obsidian, indicating a shift in trade.
  • First Mexican obsidian sources appeared at Chan Chich by the Late Classic, reflecting changing trade dynamics.

Cite This Study

A 2026 study studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a7d75c72b0e0cff3f63ea1ehttps://doi.org/10.1017/laq.2026.10197
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