Obsidian Core from Mexico

Today we are highlighting this obsidian core from Mexico! Cores are byproducts of the flint knapping process, in which flakes are removed from the lithic source (core) by striking it with a hammerstone (Wallace, “Flintknapping”). Once flakes are removed, they can then be crafted into tools, such as projectile points and knives (Wallace, “Flintknapping”). Once the source material is depleted and no more flakes can be produced, the core may be discarded or modified into another tool, such as a hand axe (“Exploring Spring Lake”).

            Obsidian was a valuable stone for many Meso-American cultures and was widely traded throughout North America for its unique qualities. Obsidian is only formed near specific volcanic sources (including many in Central America) and occurs when lava cools rapidly, allowing for the stone to develop a glass-like structure (National Parks Service 1). Although obsidian is often referred to as volcanic glass, it is a rock and was used by Indigenous flintknappers to make several tools and ornaments (National Parks Service 1). Likewise, because this stone does have a glass-like structure, tools made from obsidian are incredibly sharp and precise (National Parks Service 1-2). These unique qualities made this stone valuable to the Aztecs, Mayans, and many other communities.

Works Cited

“Exploring Spring Lake: The Archaeology and Culture of One of America's Oldest Communities: Cores and Debitage.” Texas State, https://www.springlakearchaeology.txst.edu/sldr2014/artifacts/lithics/sldrdebcores.html, accessed 19 April 2023.

National Parks Service. “Obsidian Sourcing.” Feb. 2015, https://www.nps.gov/sagu/learn/histor https://www.nps.gov/sagu/learn/historyculture/upload/Obsidian-Sourcing-Brief.pdfyculture/upload/Obsidian-Sourcing-Brief.pdf. Accessed 19 April 2023.

Wallace, Martha. “Flintknapping.” Green River Preserve, 25 Jan. 2021, https://greenriverpreserve.org/blog/2021/1/flintknapping#:~:text=Flintknapping%20is%20a%20reduction%20process,edges%20and%20thin%20a%20tool, accessed 19 April 2023.

 Credit to Liley Bozard and Olivia Lee