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An Unexplored Realm in the Heartland of the Southern Gulf ... - Famsi

An Unexplored Realm in the Heartland of the Southern Gulf ... - Famsi

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Figure 5.50. Examples <strong>of</strong> stones thought to be used as polishers<br />

were also used to burnish ceramics to achieve luster and smooth blemishes or<br />

imperfections on <strong>the</strong> vessels’ surface (Santley et al. 1989; S<strong>in</strong>opoli 1991:25-27).<br />

Ethnohistoric and ethnographic evidence also demonstrates <strong>the</strong> uses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se stones <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> ceramic wares (Druc 2000:82).<br />

The analysis <strong>of</strong> obsidian and o<strong>the</strong>r lithic material recovered at El Marquesillo<br />

<strong>in</strong>forms us as to <strong>the</strong> participation <strong>in</strong> long-distance exchange or acquisition networks by<br />

<strong>the</strong> site’s occupants. The apparent consistency <strong>of</strong> obsidian sources <strong>in</strong>dicates a stable,<br />

long-term relationship with suppliers or a consistent method <strong>of</strong> direct procurement (c.<br />

1500 BC-AD 400). The presence <strong>of</strong> prismatic blades <strong>in</strong> Early Formative period contexts<br />

suggests <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> elites who may have controlled portions <strong>of</strong> El Marquesillo’s<br />

political and economic activities.<br />

The scenario surround<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> importation, production, and use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r lithic<br />

material is more ambiguous. It is currently unknown if <strong>the</strong> acquisition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> materials<br />

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