Abstract

MELGAR, Emiliano; GALLAGA, Emiliano  and  SOLIS, Reyna. Pyrite and Manufacturing: Analysis of Four Mesoamerican Contexts. Estud. cult. maya [online]. 2014, vol.43, pp.41-68. ISSN 0185-2574.

Several pyrite inlays that shaped Prehispanic mosaic mirrors have been recovered in many Mesoamerican sites. Recent researches on these objects have been focused on their symbolic meaning, morphology, trade and use, with few studies that address their manufacturing techniques and production organization. In this paper we present the technological analysis we applied to different pyrite inlays from four Mesoamerican sites, supported by experimental archaeology and technological instruments such as scanning electron microscope. In this way it has been possible to identify quite precisely the type of tools used in its manufacture, enabling us to distinguish different technological styles.

Keywords : pyrite mirrors; tools; workshops; Mesoamerica; experimental archaeology.

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