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The mirrors from Chiapa de Corzo: an early example for the Classic pyrite mirrors?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 September 2023

Emiliano Gallaga Open the ORCID record for Emiliano Gallaga [Opens in a new window] ,
Emiliano Melgar Open the ORCID record for Emiliano Melgar [Opens in a new window]  and
Lynneth Lowe
Emiliano Gallaga*
Affiliation:
Licenciatura de Gestión Turística, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Terán, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico
Emiliano Melgar
Affiliation:
Museo del Templo Mayor, Mexico City, Mexico
Lynneth Lowe
Affiliation:
Centro de Estudios Mayas, Instituto de Investigaciones Filológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
*
Corresponding author: Emiliano Gallaga; Email: gallagam@gmail.com
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Abstract

Smith and Kidder (1951:44) were among the first to highlight pyrite pre-Hispanic mirrors as “marvels of painstaking craftsmanship.” These mirrors present reflective surfaces consisting of 20–50 pyrite tesserae with beveled edges, perfectly cut, and average 2 mm in thickness. The first known examples of mirrors in Mesoamerica were the “Olmec” type—a concave mirror created from a single hematite piece developed during the Middle Preclassic period. Later, in the Classic period, pyrite mosaic mirrors replaced them. Unfortunately, we do not understand the changes from one type to the other. In this work, we present two pyrite mirrors found at the site of Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico, dating around 700–500 b.c., as possible forerunners of Classic pyrite mirrors. Also, we present traceological analysis of their manufacturing process using experimental archaeology and scanning electron microscopy. Based on these examinations, we identify likely materials and techniques employed in crafting them. We posit that production of these mirrors could have been the result of the development of specialized artisans at distinct workshops, increasing the complexity and labor investment in the lapidary objects as prestige goods.

Resumen

Resumen

Smith y Kidder (1951:44) fueron de los primeros en mencionar que los espejos prehispánicos de pirita eran “una maravilla de una minuciosa artesanía.” Estos espejos presentan una superficie reflectante hecha de entre 20 y 50 teselas de pirita, perfectamente cortadas con bordes biselados y un grosor medio de 2 mm. Se sabe que los primeros espejos mesoamericanos eran del tipo “olmeca”, un espejo cóncavo de una sola pieza de hematita surgido durante el período preclásico; posteriormente, en el período clásico, son reemplazados por los espejos de mosaicos de pirita. Pero poco sabemos sobre la transición entre ambos tipos. En este trabajo se presenta una descripción de dos espejos de pirita encontrados en el sitio de Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, México, fechados alrededor de 700–500 a.C., como posibles ejemplos de la versión temprana de los espejos de pirita del clásico. Además, mostraremos el análisis traceológico de sus procesos de fabricación a través de la arqueología experimental y la microscopía electrónica de barrido. Con base en ello, identificamos los materiales y técnicas empleados para su manufactura. Los diferentes patrones tecnológicos encontrados podrían ser el resultado del desarrollo de artesanos especializados en distintos talleres, aumentando la complejidad y la inversión laboral en los objetos lapidarios como bienes de prestigio.

Type
Special Section: Recent Research on Iron Ore Mirrors in Mesoamerica and Central America
Information
Ancient Mesoamerica , Volume 35 , Issue 1 , Spring 2024 , pp. 131 - 148
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press

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