DOCSLIB.ORG

Raising the Dead: Mortuary Patterns in Pacific Nicaragua

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Raising the Dead: Mortuary Patterns in Pacific Nicaragua Raising the Dead: Mortuary Patterns in Pacific Nicaragua By Sharisse McCafferty, Geoffrey McCafferty, Celise Chilcote, and Andrea Waters-Rist (University of Calgary) Paper presented in the symposium Re-Conceptualizing Nicaraguan Prehistory for the 2011 meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, Sacramento, CA. Mortuary practices are fundamental expressions of religious ideology and cultural identity. Unfortunately, in Pacific Nicaragua cemeteries are also the principal targets of illegal looting, so relatively few scientific excavations have been conducted. This paper will summarize research on mortuary practices from the recently excavated sites of Santa Isabel, Tepetate and El Rayo, all dating to the Sapoa period (800-1250 CE). While there are some overarching similarities that link the sites, especially through the importance of large, shoe-shaped burial urns, there are also significant differences in mortuary practices. There is also variation among sites in the age, sex and health profiles of interred individuals, which is explored in relation to differences in site function as well as regional mortuary diversity. Finally, these sites provide data for one of the first bioarchaeological analyses of human remains for Pacific Nicaragua, which is hoped to initiate the formation of a regional database. As with most aspects of Nicaraguan prehistory, the relative lack of scientific investigation has impeded detailed interpretation. Mortuary studies are somewhat of an exception to this norm, as several archaeologists have encountered burials and some of these have been published (Figure 1: Map of Nicaragua). The most extensive cemetery was excavated on Ometepe Island, with burials spanning a long time range (Haberland 1992). The Las Placeres cemetery from near the shore of Lake Managua was excavated by Lange as part of his urban survey (Garcia; ). Burials were also recovered from a rescue excavation at Malacatoya (Espinoza et al. 1999). Recently, a Late Tempisque period cemetery, also from Managua, has been partially excavated (Moroney ; Pavon ; Platz). Based on these and other unpublished discoveries a rough outline of changing mortuary patterns has been established (Garcia ). In part due to the poor preservation of osteological remains, however, a detailed bioarchaeological profile of prehispanic populations has not been developed. Recent excavations by archaeologists from the University of Calgary have specifically explored domestic contexts from the Sapoa period, with the research goal of evaluating cultural identities relating to possible migrants to Pacific Nicaragua (McCafferty 2008, 2010). In the process of these investigations numerous burial contexts have been encountered, ranging from isolated urn burials to more dedicated cemetery areas, and possibly a ritual burial ground. This paper will summarize the different burial contexts and contrast mortuary practices from the distinct sites. It will then present detailed osteological data from Santa Isabel and El Rayo. 1 Santa Isabel Santa Isabel is located on the shore of Lake Nicaragua, in the Department of Rivas (Figure 2: Map of Santa Isabel). Previous excavations had established it as an important Postclassic site (Healy 1980), and the regional survey by Karen Niemel (2003) demonstrated that it was the paramount center of a multi-tier settlement hierarchy. Between 2000 and 2005, excavations sampled the site center, including five of the estimated forty low mounds (McCafferty 2008). These consisted of accumulations of domestic debris, including the architectural collapse of wattle-and-daub structures. Seventeen radiocarbon dates established the occupation history for this portion of the site as between 900 to 1250 CE (McCafferty and Steinbrenner 2005; McCafferty 2008). Interspersed on mounds were both burial urns and primary interments; a cluster of burial urns was also discovered north of Mound 5 in an area where shovel testing had indicated very low artifact density. Two distinct mortuary patterns were discovered. One adult male and a sub-adult were buried in primary context, directly in the soil, in extended position with their heads to the east (Figure 3: Adult and child burial); a second sub-adult was also found as a primary interment on Mound 6. The adult and child were likely buried together, based on proximity and parallel orientation; a burial urn with remains of a 6 month old infant was also found near the adult. An unusual miniature urn, decorated with molded faces perhaps representing owls, was found with the adult, as were several bone tools and a finely made chert drill. The sub-adult lacked grave offerings, but was buried with its head resting on a turtle shell. 2 Figure 2: Plan of Santa Isabel excavations Figure 3: Adult and sub-adult burial; vessel found with adult The majority of the burials were found in shoe-shaped urns of the Sacasa Striated type. These are asymmetrical vessels, with a large orifice at one end (Figure 4: Sacasa shoe pot). The opposite end is often decorated with appliqué designs that have been compared to female internal anatomy, prompting art historian Laura Wingfield to term them „womb pots.‟ The urns typically have an inverted bowl covering the orifice. These burial urns were found either as 3 isolated vessels or in clusters. For example, a group of four urns was found west of Mound 5 in an area with very light artifact density (Figure 5: Cluster of burial urns). These urns consistently contained infant remains, and sometimes several individuals were present in a single vessel. Probably because the ceramic vessel retained moisture, skeletal remains were typically poorly preserved, and often teeth were the only evidence found. No obvious grave goods were associated with these burials, although a stingray spine was found in the fill of one urn. Figure 4: Sacasa shoe-pot Figure 5: Cluster of shoe-pots near Mound 5 Based on the demographic pattern of only one adult as opposed to five children and even more infants (no MNI was possible due to fragmentary remains), and informed by the high percentage of adults in the Los Angeles cemetery excavated by Haberland (1992) on Ometepe Island, it was predicted that other unidentified burial areas probably exist away from the site core 4 (McCafferty 2008). The high frequency of infants interred in burial urns, in and around the residential mounds, is consistent with ethnographic and ethnohistorical accounts of infants who died before weaning as being able to be „reborn,‟ much like a seedling that can grow again if replanted. With this in mind, the use of „womb pots‟ decorated with female imagery as a means of „re-planting‟ a fetus is plausible. Tepetate In 2008, investigations shifted north to the site of Tepetate, located on the northern edge of the modern and Colonial city of Granada. Tepetate has long been known archaeologically, though relatively little of the research has been published (Carmack and Salgado 2006). The site represents the Contact period community of Xalteva, a regional center for the Chorotega ethnic group and the name is still associated with the indigenous barrio of Granada. Although Tepetate has been severely looted in recent decades, as well as having been largely covered over by the urban growth of Granada, it was selected for archaeological testing since it was apparently occupied at Contact (Salgado 1996). Excavations were conducted at three loci: Mound 1 is one of the last remaining mounds at the site, while Loci 2 and 3 were identified during the initial shovel test survey. Locus 3 is of particular interest for this discussion due to the discovery of two group burials. Two radiocarbon dates from Tepetate range between 1000 to 1200 CE, so again are consistent with the Sapoa period and are contemporary with the occupation of Santa Isabel. Mound 1 was badly disturbed by recent looting, with the surface covered with mixed architectural rubble and several looters pits filled with modern materials, including skeletal remains of domesticated animals (Figure 6: Mound 1). Reaching a depth of about 1 meter, however, intact remains of stone floors were discovered. While almost no human skeletal remains were recovered, a stone-lined vault probably represents a looted tomb (Figure 7: Stone lined vault); a single human tooth was found in the area. Tombs outlined with vertical stone slabs are known from cemeteries in Costa Rica, and one was recently excavated at the La Chureca site in Managua (Jorge Zambrana, personal communication, 2010); several stone outlines are also visible on the surface at El Rayo but have not yet been excavated. The most extensive burial information from Tepetate was encountered at Locus 3, located about 200 m west of Mound 1. Unfortunately, these group burials were discovered at the end of the planned field season, so actual excavation occurred after most of the team had left the field, and recovery was further hampered by heavy rains. Two clusters of burial urns, including both shoe-shaped urns and large ollas, were found with poorly preserved human remains both within and over the top of the vessels (Figure 8: Burial clusters). The urns themselves were crushed, perhaps due to their proximity to the surface, but were also nested one within another on top of others, as if they had been stacked and then crushed. Associated diagnostic pottery supports the and temporal affiliation with the Sapoa period occupation. At least some of the skeletal remains pertain to adult individuals (Figure 9: Skeletal remains), but due to the extremely fragmentary nature of the bones they could not be removed for analysis. 5 Figure 6: Mound 1 excavations Figure 7: Possible looted burial crypt in Mound 1 Figure 8: Burial clusters from Tepetate, Locus 3 6 Figure 9: Primary adult burial associated with urn cluster In addition to the burial vessels themselves, some associated objects were likely included as offerings (Figure 10: Grave goods): a greenstone bead, an elaborate ceramic earspool, bowls, and miniature vessels were recovered. Figure 10: Earspool and miniature vessel from burial cluster While the remains found at Tepetate were not useful for osteological interpretation, the burial contexts do expand the corpus of Sapoa mortuary practices.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ometepe Island Is a Fascinating Geographic Point of Interest, Not to Mention the Interesting Culture of Its Towns Which Are Increasing in Popularity Among Tourists
    MORGAN’S ROCK Activities In their own words Ometepe Ometepe Island is a fascinating geographic point of interest, not to mention the interesting culture of its towns which are increasing in popularity among tourists. The island has a unique hourglass shape, as it was formed by two volcanoes rising out of the waters of Lake Nicaragua. The name Ometepe means “two hills” in the local Nahuatl language. The two volcanoes are conjoined by a thin strip of land, created by lava flow after an eruption long ago. Visitors reach the island via ferry, arriving in a UNESCO declared “Biosphere Reserve.” To add to its credentials, Ometepe is the largest volcanic island within a freshwater lake in the world. A fascinating natural formation, coupled with interesting local culture and longstanding history of indigenous civilization makes an excursion to Ometepe truly rewarding. Much of the island is protected, and rich in unique plant and animal species, making Ometepe a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors can hike to the top of either volcano, or to various points along the way as the trek to the summit is quite demanding. Hikers can explore many other areas on the island, passing by lagoons, unspoiled beaches, outstanding lookouts, lush jungle teeming with wildlife, and impressive stones engraved with ancient carvings. Things To Do on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua Ometepe Island is one of the most impressive sights in Nicaragua. The two volcanoes that emerged from the waters of Lake Nicaragua to form what is now Ometepe Island are called Concepción and Maderas. Adventure seekers can climb the still active Concepción volcano, though it is a grueling ten hour trek to the top.
    [Show full text]
  • ERES UN UNIVERSO DE UNIVERSOS You Are a Universe Of
    ERES UN UNIVERSO DE UNIVERSOS you are a universe of universes Reconnecting with the human aspects of medicine through field experiences on La Isla de Ometepe Nicaragua—la isla de Ometepe Nicaragua—the island of Ometepe el 16 de julio al 29 de julio, 2007 July 16—July 29, 2007 Lauren Kelly Dr. Pamela B. Kleiber University of Georgia “Ama tu ritmo . .” Ama tu ritmo y ritma tus acciones bajo su ley, así como tus versos; eres un universo de universos y tu alma una fuente de canciones. La celeste unidad que presupones hará brotar en ti mundos diversos, y al resonar tus números disperos pitagoriza en tus constelaciones. Escucha al retórica divina del pájaro del aire y la nocturna irradiación geométrica adivina; mata la indiferencia taciturna y engarza perla y perla cristalina en donde la verdad vuelca su urna. RUBEN DARIO 2 “Love Your Rhythm . .” Love your rhythm and rhythm your actions in obedience to its law, and your poetry as well; you are a universe of universes, and your soul a fountain of song. The celestial unity that you presuppose will make varied worlds germinate within you, and, as your scattered poems resound, philosophize like Pythagoras among your constellations. Listen to the divine rhetoric of the bird in the air, and divine the geometric radiation of the night; slay silent indifference and slay pearl on crystalline pearl there where truth pours out her urn. RUBEN DARIO translated by STANLEY APPLEBAUM Darío, Rubén. Cuentos y Poesías/Stories and Poems. Ed. and Trans. Stanley Appelbaum. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 2002.
    [Show full text]
  • Range-Wide Population Assessment of the Endangered Yellow-Naped Amazon (Amazona Auropalliata)
    diversity Article Range-Wide Population Assessment of the Endangered Yellow-Naped Amazon (Amazona auropalliata) Molly K. Dupin 1,*, Christine R. Dahlin 2 and Timothy F. Wright 1 1 Biology Department, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA; [email protected] 2 Biology Department, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Johnstown, PA 15904, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-717-887-1577 Received: 7 September 2020; Accepted: 27 September 2020; Published: 30 September 2020 Abstract: Yellow-naped amazons, Amazona auropalliata, have experienced a dramatic population decline due to persistent habitat loss and poaching. In 2017, BirdLife International changed the species’ status from threatened to endangered and estimated that between 10,000 and 50,000 individuals remained in the wild. An accurate estimate of the number of remaining wild individuals is critical to implementing effective conservation plans. Wright et al. conducted roost count surveys in Costa Rica and Nicaragua during 2016 and published their data in 2019; however, no population data exists for the rest of the range. We conducted roost counts at 28 sites across Mexico, Guatemala, and the Bay Islands in Roatan during 2018 and 2019. We counted 679 birds and combined our data with the published Wright et al. (2019) data for a total of 2361 wild yellow-naped amazons observed across the species’ range. There were fewer roosts detected in the northern region of the range than in the southern region. We found that roosts were most likely to occur in built-up rural and pasture habitat, with 71% found within 100 m of human habitation.
    [Show full text]
  • Facts About Nicaragua, “Land of Fire and Water”
    Facts about Nicaragua, “Land of Fire and Water” ◦ Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. Its area is about 50,000 square miles, which is close in size to the state of Virginia (Virginia is about 43,000 square miles). ◦The capital of Nicaragua is Managua. ◦ Nicaragua is known as the land of fire and water because it has numerous volcanoes and lakes, as well as two coastlines. ◦There are 19 active and extinct volcanoes on the Pacific side of the country. See web cam images and animations of some of Nicaragua’s volcanoes: http://web- geofisica.ineter.gob.ni/webcam/ Locations of some of Nicaragua’s volcanoes ◦ Spanish is the official language and is spoken by most people in Nicaragua. English and some native languages are spoken on the Caribbean coast. ◦ Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Americas. Most people in the country work hard, but many struggle to have enough to take care of all their basic needs. ◦The school year in Nicaragua is from early February through late November. Because of a limited number of teachers, schools, and resources, the school day is divided into two shifts and all students attend either in the morning or the afternoon. 1 ◦About 4 out of every 10 children in Nicaragua stop attending school by the age of 15, most often because they need to work to help support their families. ◦The country flag has three horizontal stripes: a white stripe in the middle with a blue stripe above and below it. In the center is the national seal, consisting of a triangle which represents equality and justice.
    [Show full text]
  • Ometepe , Nicaragua
    Emergency Medicine Rotation Hospital Heroes y Martires de Ometepe Isla Ometepe, Nicaragua in cooperation with Doctors for Global Health and Natural Doctors International Applicants This is a rotation in a rural emergency department and small hospital in a resource-poor area. It would be appropriate for a second or third year emergency medicine, obstetric- gyncecology, or family practice resident. Spanish proficiency would greatly enhance the experience, but Spanish instruction is available by tutor or school. Background Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the western hemisphere after Haiti, and home to six million people. The Sandanista revolution and Contra war occurred 1979-1987, where a the dictator family Samoza was overthrown. Lasting social effects are pronounced, and as a result of an aggressive literacy campaign, Nicaraguans have one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America. The current government is Sandanista by democratic election, with Daniel Ortega as president, a recent change from twelve years of a Liberal government. Located in Lake Cocibolca, Ometepe Island is the largest freshwater island in the western hemisphere. 35,000 people live on the island, with the primary industries of fishing, cotton, tobacco, and coffee. The only known freshwater sharks in the world swim in Lake Cocibolca, which has depths to more than one mile. It has a few healthposts, usually with a doctor every fourteen days or so, and two medical centers, one of which provides 24/7 emergency care. Definitive care is usually not available on the island, and people who need intensive care or surgery must cross the lake to the mainland.
    [Show full text]
  • Nicaragua! Volume 20, Issue 1 By: Mirka & Ben Newsletter Date February 2015
    Page 1 Xavier University Solidarity Welcome to Semester Nicaragua! Volume 20, Issue 1 By: Mirka & Ben Newsletter Date February 2015 NICA UPDATE STILL TO COME…. ¡HOLA! Now that tiful country. So far and fellow group we have finally set- we have climbed members. Granada tled into this amaz- volcanic craters in Although we are en- Atlantic Coast ing country and cul- Masaya, have ex- joying ourselves we Matagalpa ture, we wanted to plored the cathe- are still adjusting to San Jacinto reach out to all our drals of Leon, and the 6:30AM shouting friends, family, alum- have swum in the Nindiri vendors in the barrio, ni, and Xavier faculty fresh waters of the crowing of the Family Week to update you all on Ometepe Island. roosters at the break Sandino Concert our experiences so Not only have we of dawn, and the un- far! It has only been gone on these amaz- bearable heat. Our 3 weeks of learning: ing trips but we are Spanish is slowly im- from trying to sur- also experiencing proving with each vive our morning the daily life of a laugh that we create bus rides to becom- Nicaraguan, helping for our families. ing a part of our the community in We’re excited for Insight into Group new Nicaraguan our different ser- more sweaty bus families. We have Dynamics: vices sites, and con- rides, ice cream already learned so necting while reflect- cones, and dancing Group Theme Song: Hips much about the rich ing with our families that are still to come! Don’t Lie By: Shakira history of “We would want Martín this beau- on our side in the Apoca- lypse.” - Group Hora Nica = At least 30 minutes– 1hr late If it doesn’t flush the first time, pour more water Meet the Group Page 2 Alex Fath Soph.
    [Show full text]
  • August in GCE Mesoamerica CHE Region
    SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 August in GCE Mesoamerica CHE Region By August 10 through 12, Global CHE Enterprises & Hispanics for Christ (based in Oregon) were beginning to partner in the Kingdom or God by coordinating the First CHE Vision Seminar to Church Leaders in the Yucatan Mexico Area. A dozen trained leaders from the Izamal area plus Quintana Roo are now praying to receive confirmation from the Holy Spirit as to decide when to continue on to Training of Trainers 1 Seminar TOT1. We pray with them too, Would you join all of us? Pray and let us know you do, please. *********************************************************************** 1Mission (based in Phoenix) and GCE are growing in partnership too. Besides the CHE work going on in Puerto Penasco Sonora (Rocky Point) Mexico, we are expanding to Nicaragua and traveled together to assess how to implement housing projects among CHE villages to empower people to solve their need for decent housing. The need is as urgent as you can see in the following pictures. Fatima and children, a very fruitful volunteer CHE Woman MasterTrainer has already qualified by meeting more than the 200 hours of community volunteer service, so the local CHE Committee (below) has approved to have the first house assigned to Fatima's family at El Limonal village in Chinandega Nicaragua. But many more like widow Argentina (below) on a CHE village on the Island of Ometepe is gladly working to meet the requirement and qualify for a house too. Argentina says the Lord's answer to her prayers is approaching soon. She realizes through CHE God is bringing His Kingdom among them also.
    [Show full text]
  • African Tilapia in Lake Nicaragua Author(S): Kenneth R
    African Tilapia in Lake Nicaragua Author(s): Kenneth R. McKaye, Joseph D. Ryan, Jay R. Stauffer, Jr., Lorenzo J. Lopez Perez, Gabriel I. Vega, Eric P. van den Berghe Source: BioScience, Vol. 45, No. 6 (Jun., 1995), pp. 406-411 Published by: University of California Press on behalf of the American Institute of Biological Sciences Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/1312721 . Accessed: 29/08/2011 17:58 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected]. University of California Press and American Institute of Biological Sciences are collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to BioScience. http://www.jstor.org African Tilapia in Lake Nicaragua Ecosystem in transition Kenneth R. McKaye, Joseph D. Ryan, Jay R. Stauffer Jr., Lorenzo J. Lopez Perez, Gabriel I. Vega, and Eric P. van den Berghe L ake Nicaragua contains more (1.17 x 105 km2) flow into the Car- than 40 species of fish, in- ibbean Sea and discharge an im- cluding 16 recognized spe- Swift, aggressive mense amount of fresh water (ap- cies (Thorson 1976) of native management of tilapia proximately 2.6 x 1011 m3) and cichlids and additional undescribed suspended sediments along the 450 cichlids.1 The lake is also inhabited is needed to mitigate km of coast.
    [Show full text]
  • Preliminary Geodetic GPS Studies at Concepcion Volcano, Ometepe
    Preliminary Geodetic GPS studies at Concepción volcano, Ometepe Island Nicaragua J. A. Saballos, C. Connor, R. Malservsi University of South Florida PASI workshop, UCR Costa Rica, Jan-2011 [email protected] Motivation of this research Is Concepción volcano spreading by the action of gravity? E-W radial spreading should be the fastest according to Borgia and van Wyk de Vries, 2003. Motivation of this research Is Concepción volcano spreading by the action of gravity? E-W radial spreading should be the fastest according to Borgia and van Wyk de Vries, 2003. Is Concepción volcano sinking by its own load in the lake sediments? The volcano’s load should sink the island, which should be detectable by high accuracy geodetic data (Borgia and van Wyk de ries, 2003). Motivation of this research Is Concepción volcano spreading by the action of gravity? E-W radial spreading should be the fastest according to Borgia and van Wyk de Vries, 2003. Is Concepción volcano sinking by its own load in the lake sediments? The volcano’s load should sink the island, which should be detectable by high accuracy geodetic data (Borgia and van Wyk de ries, 2003). The short-term hazards heavily rely on these facts and current volcanic activity Geological setting § Ometepe Island rests on top a 1 Km-thick Quaternary lake sediments (silt & clay) From: Borgia, A. and van Wyk de Vries, B., 2003. The volcano-tectonic evolution of Concepción, Nicaragua. Bull Volcanol, 65:248-266 Geological setting § Ometepe Island rests on top a 1 Km-thick Quaternary lake sediments (silt & clay) § The eastern limb of the Pliocene Rivas Anticline lies on W edge of the Ometepe Island From: Borgia, A.
    [Show full text]
  • The Neotropical Variegated Squirrel, Sciurus Variegatoides (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Nicaragua, with the Description of a New Subspecies
    THE NEOTROPICAL VARIEGATED SQUIRREL, SCIURUS VARIEGATOIDES (RODENTIA: SCIURIDAE) IN NICARAGUA, WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SUBSPECIES HUGH H. GENOWAYS AND ROBERT M. TIMM ABSTRACT The Neotropical variegated squirrel, Sciurus variegatoides, is represented in Nica- ragua by five known subspecies—adolphei, belti, boothiae, dorsalis, and underwoodi. Analyses of morphometrics, color, and color patterns of 394 specimens from throughout the country and all available literature support the retention of these subspecies, but also reveal the presence of a sixth population of these squirrels, which is worthy of description and recognition as a new subspecies. This new subspecies is confined to Isla de Ometepe in Lago de Nicaragua. Variegated squirrels on Ometepe are on aver- age the smallest variegated squirrels in the country in most cranial measures; however, in postorbital breadth, the island population averages larger than the samples from the surrounding mainland. This island population is the smallest and most distinctive of any population of variegated squirrels from throughout the species’ geographic range. The baculum is distinct in size, shape, and angle of the disc. Ometepe variegated squirrels have a distinctive albeit a highly variable color pattern. Although there are some color differences between the populations found on the north island (Volcán Concepción) and the south island (Volcán Maderas), all specimens from Ometepe are regarded as belonging to a single subspecies because there are no discernable differences in cranial measures. Throughout Nicaragua’s Pacific lowland dry tropical forest region, there is no evidence of integration between S. variegatoides dorsalis with S. v. adolphei, the subspe- cies occurring to the north; between S.
    [Show full text]
  • The Expanding Southwestern Frontier of Mesoamerica: Research on Previously Excavated Pacific Coastal Nicaraguan Collection: Peabody Museum
    FAMSI © 2002: Silvia Salgado González The Expanding Southwestern Frontier of Mesoamerica: Research on Previously Excavated Pacific Coastal Nicaraguan Collection: Peabody Museum Research Year : 1996 Culture: West México and Veracruz Chronology : PreColumbian Location : Tepetate, Department of Granada, Nicaragua Site: Tepetate Table of Contents Introduction Analysis and Results The Cocibolca Phase The Xalteva Phase Conclusions Sources Cited Introduction The research herein reported was conducted with artifactual collections, mainly ceramics, from the site of Tepetate in the region of Granada. This site was first described and dug by Albert Norweb and Gordon R. Willey in 1961 (Willey and Norweb, 1961). Three test pits were excavated by them in a nucleated area where approximately twelve low stone-faced mounds were recorded. A regional research conducted by Salgado (1996; Salgado and Zambrana, 1994) indicated that Tepetate was the main settlement of a three-level regional hierarchy during the last six centuries before the Contact in Granada. The site was almost completely destroyed in its nucleated area by urban construction in the early 1970’s. The collection dug by Willey and Norweb was an important source to gain some understanding on the sequence of occupation, and the activities developed in the nucleated area of the site. The analysis of the collection stored at the Peabody Museum yielded important results. First, it showed that the site, at least in its nucleated part, was not occupied before A.D. 900. Second, it helped refine the ceramic complexes of the two later periods of precolumbian occupation in the area of Granada. Third, it provided evidence for specialization in the form of pottery production.
    [Show full text]
  • The Volcano-Tectonic Evolution of Concepción, Nicaragua
    Bull Volcanol (2003) 65:248–266 DOI 10.1007/s00445-002-0256-8 RESEARCH ARTICLE Andrea Borgia · Benjamin van Wyk de Vries The volcano-tectonic evolution of Concepcin, Nicaragua Received: 20 December 2001 / Accepted: 15 October 2002 / Published online: 20 February 2003 Springer-Verlag 2003 Abstract We describe the evolution of Concepcin located at the density contrast between the lake sediments volcano by integrating regional geology, eruptive activity, and the Tertiary flysch). During the next three episodes morphology, stratigraphy, petrology, structure and active the weak sediments below the volcano started to rupture deformation data. This Nicaraguan volcano is set close to and yield under its increasing load, beginning a thrusting/ the back limb of the northwest-trending Tertiary Rivas diapiring phase of volcano evolution. Because of outward anticline, a regional structure that bounds the southwest thrusting, vertical and horizontal stresses above the side of Lake Nicaragua. Concepcin rises 1,600 m above chamber were reduced, allowing magma to erupt more a 1-km-thick sequence of Quaternary lacustrine mud- easily and to reach a lesser degree of evolution. If we stones. There is no record of volcanism in the lake prior to consider the future evolution of Concepcin, the differ- Concepcin. In addition, the only nearby volcano, entiation in the shallow reservoir has probably generated a Maderas volcano, has not deposited material on Concep- cumulitic complex, which eventually will start to deform cin because of the trade winds. Thus, Concepcin (and and spread, beginning another, this time plutonic, spread- Maderas, too) can be considered as pristine volcanic ing phase. This phase, which may be beginning now, environments, unaffected by other centres.
    [Show full text]