A Middle Archaic Archaeological Site on the West Coast of Mexico

• DOI: 10.2307/971913
• Publication Date: 2006-04-17T23:44:30Z
• Authors: Barbar Voorhies; Douglas J. Kennett; John G. Jones; Thomas A. Wake
• Keywords: Phytolith; Middle Paleolithic; Ephemeral key; Mesoamerica

The Cerro de las Conchas shell mound, located on Mexico's south Pacific coast, was formed between 7,500 and 6,000/5,500 years ago, during the Middle Archaic period. Few Mesoamerican coastal sites are as early or have been studied so intensively. Limited diversity in artifact assemblage faunal origins, presence of bedded strata, absence features associated with permanent residency indicate that site used intermittently a processing station for aquatic foods. Seasonality studies clam shells suggest this occurred year round. likely situated initially adjacent to brackish water lagoon near tropical rainforest because strong focus lagoonal taxa, whereas forested environment is indicated by phytoliths. Toward end Archaic, however, an increase richness, emphasis fauna tolerance marine conditions, phytolith evidence more disturbance vegetation compared earlier times, may be due transgression. Later, pottery-using agricultural peoples farming possibly residency. This example human adaptation Mesoamerica permits corrective previous research weighted heavily favor upland settings.