Abstract

BACHAND, Bruce R.. Formative Stages in Chiapa de Corzo: New Evidence and Interpretations. Estud. cult. maya [online]. 2013, vol.42, pp.11-52. ISSN 0185-2574.

New discoveries at Chiapa de Corzo are refining our understanding of the site's Formative period development. This essay compares the latest evidence with past archaeological interpretations and ongoing work in neighboring regions. A more detailed understanding of Chiapa de Corzo is emerging, and with it comes a clearer view of the origin of one of Mesoamerica's more ancient cultures, the Zoque. The following contribution is more descriptive than theoretical. It gives priority to matters of chronology and the culture-historical entailments of that chronology. Clarified or presented for the first time are: (1) the beginnings of the Central Depression censer tradition, (2) the nature of the critical Chiapa II-B phase at Chiapa de Corzo, (3) new insights concerning the extraordinary axe deposits that were contemporaneous with Mound 11's Tomb 1, (4) critical observations on the origin and dispersal of Nicapa Orange-resist pottery, (5) contexts associated with a newly identified Chiapa III-B phase, and (6) the re-dating of the Chiapa IV Francesa phase cemetery.

Keywords : Formative Period; Chiapas; Zoque; Olmec; Maya.