Mesoamerican Obsidian Blades

Timeline

1. -2000–600Pachuca and Teotihuacan · MexicoCivilizations such as the Olmec and Teotihuacan systematically exploited the green obsidian of Pachuca; flaking artisans produced prismatic blades that were exported by long-distance trade to the Maya region and the Gulf Coast.
2. 900–1427Valley of Mexico and Maya region · MesoamericaIn the Postclassic period, obsidian workshop clusters formed in many regions; standardized blade production met demand for ritual knives, scrapers, and inlaid tools, with trade networks linking the valley with southern quarry regions.
3. 1491–1500Tenochtitlan · Valley of MexicoThe Aztec Empire controlled sources such as Pachuca through tribute; large quantities of obsidian blades circulated in the capital's markets, used for sacrificial offerings, everyday cutting, and as blades inset into macuahuitl clubs as weapons.
4. 1521–1600Mesoamerica · MesoamericaAfter the introduction of Spanish metal knives and axes, everyday use of obsidian blades declined sharply, but they were retained in remote communities and ceremonial contexts; abundant blade layers at archaeological sites provide evidence for studying pre-Columbian trade and craft.