The origin of obsidian in the valley of Maltrata, Veracruz México

Five archaeological sites have been selected for a study of the precedence of obsidian from the Valley of Maltrata, Veracruz, Mexico: Teteles de la Ermita and Barriales de las Besanas (pre-Classic, 1,500 B.P. 100 A.P.), Rincón de Aquila (pre-Classic and Classic, 1,500 B.P.–650 A.P.), Tepeyacatitla (Classic, 100–650 A.P. and Rincón Brujo (post-Classic 900/1,000–1,521 A.P.). For this investigation, 51 artifacts were analyzed by neutron activation analysis. The statistic analysis of the chemical compositions allowed us to identify the places of origin of the obsidian sources: Sierra de Pachuca, Pico de Orizaba, Zaragoza-Oyameles, Otumba and Paredón. Based on these results it can be affirmed that the settlements of the valley of Maltrata actively participated in the interregional trade routes of obsidian from the pre-Classic period to the post-Classic period, and maintained relations with the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Cantona and Mexica cultures, among others.