Shell-Working at Prehispanic Ejutla: An Archaeological Analysis

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In 1984 and 1985, Dr. Feinman, with support from the National Science Foundation, conducted archaeological survey in the Ejutla Valley which is located in South Central Mexico to the south of the Valley of Oaxaca. This latter, with its prehistoric capital of Monte Alban, saw the rise of a centralized state which likely controlled a large hinterland. After many years of archaeological research the prehistory of Oaxaca is fairly well known. As a result of the Ejutla survey, Dr. Feinman was able to begin an examination of the interaction between this marginal area and the center at Monte Alban. In this follow-up project Dr. Feinman and his colleagues will initiate excavation at a site located on the edge of the modern town of Ejutla. Large surface scatters of shell fragments indicate that this area served as a factory in which shells brought from the Pacific coastline were turned into finished objects and then presumably traded to Monte Alban. Excavation should provide information on the time interval covered and the social context in which this work took place. It will also reveal whether stratified deposits are present and whether detailed chronological information is available. These results, if positive, will set the stage for a larger excavation project. These data will provide insight into the interactions between the core area of Monte Alban and the Ejutla periphery. This research is important for several reasons. First, it will provide insight into how complex societies arise and are maintained. Secondly, it will increase our understanding of the interactions between core and peripheral areas and how these develop and change over time. Finally, it will aid in the training of a graduate student.