Page 72 - Encyclopedia Of World History Vol V

trading patterns, ancient american 1849

goods include at least ten types of native copper orna- Mesoamerica
ments, finely-made stone bifacial tools, obsidian objects, Mesoamerica is a cultural area whose numerous peoples
mica mirrors, smoking pipes of clay and stone, orna- and cultures shared a variety of traits and practices. The
ments of human bone and bear’s teeth, tools of deer commonalities that defined Mesoamerica were sustained
bone, quartz crystal, shell beads, and silver objects. by systems of long-distance interaction that included
The emphasis on ornaments among the imported exchanges of both goods and ideas. Although long-
goods of the Hopewell and other North American cul- distance trade goes back to the earliest inhabitants of
tures suggests that social factors were more important Mexico and Guatemala, the distinctive exchange systems
than strictly economic factors as stimuli for trade. Elab- that created and defined Mesoamerica as a distinctive
orate ornaments and exotic goods were most likely used area developed after the start of the Formative period (c.
in ceremonies and at other public gatherings (before 1600 BCE). In cultural terms, the Formative period saw
being deposited in offerings) to communicate informa- the spread of a way of life based upon agriculture, seden-
tion about social identity and status. They probably tism (year-round villages), and pottery. Chiefdoms soon
served as sources of prestige for high-ranking individuals. developed in several parts of Mesoamerica, including the
This pattern continued in the most politically complex Pacific coast, the Valley of Oaxaca, central Mexico, and
and spatially expansive North American culture, the Mis- along the Gulf of Mexico (home of the Olmec culture).
sissippian culture of southeastern and midwestern North The rulers of these polities exchanged a number of
America (c. 1000–1550). goods, including jadeite, serpentine, and other precious
Archaeological sites of the Mississippian culture are stones; obsidian tools; ceramic vessels; iron ore mirrors;
larger and more numerous than those of earlier cultures. shell ornaments; and various animal products used in rit-
The largest Mississippian site—Cahokia—was a true ual, such as stingray spines and turtle shells. As in the
urban center with a substantial population, monumental case of Hopewell and Mississippian exchange in North
architecture, powerful rulers, and various types of craft America, most trade goods were luxury goods used in
specialists. Many archaeologists classify Cahokia as an social display and ceremonial performance, and the pro-
example of the chiefdom form of political organization. duction, exchange, and consumption of these goods was
Cahokia was located in the American Bottoms (in Illinois, probably under the control of chiefs and elites.
across from St. Louis), the largest expanse of rich alluvial The Classic period in Mesoamerica (c. 250–900) was
floodplain along the Mississippi River. This region had marked by the rise of powerful states in most regions.In the
numerous Mississippian settlements, all engaged in agri- jungle lowlands of Guatemala and Mexico, Mayan kings
cultural production and many with active craft industries. ruled city-states from urban centers with abundant monu-
Exchange was extensive on both the regional level (link- mental architecture. Imported luxury goods were essential
ing the sites in the American Bottoms area) and the elements in the elaborate public performances and lavish
macroregional level, as evidenced by a variety of exotic lifestyle of these rulers. Kings often adorned themselves
imported goods found in excavations. Although some with imported precious stones (such as jadeite and obsid-
utilitarian goods were widely traded—particularly agri- ian) and headdresses of tropical bird feathers.They spon-
cultural hoes produced from high-quality chert—most sored exclusive elite feasts at which foodstuffs such as cacao
Mississippian trade goods were ornaments, ritual items, and other delicacies were served from elaborate painted
and the raw materials used to produce such goods (includ- pottery vessels. Obsidian had to be imported from distant
ing copper,marine shell,and a variety of precious stones). sources, and most Classic Maya obsidian objects func-
The organization of Mississippian trade probably tioned in the realm of social display and rituals.
included down-the-line trade,gifts among localized elites, The contemporary Teotihuacán state of central Mexico
and exactions of taxes or tribute from subject populations. presents a cultural and economic contrast to the Maya