It seems like Maya people used Obsidian for more than just a medium of exchange. While it's true that the Maya imported green obsidian from Teotihuacán, the significance of these artifacts may have been more symbolic than purely economic. But as it turns out, the economic significance of green obsidian artifacts may not have been as straightforward as initially thought. Like a sort of money system.Īfter all, green obsidian is a beautiful and durable material that was highly prized by the Maya, and it makes sense that they would want to get their hands on it however they could. When archaeologists first discovered green obsidian artifacts at Maya sites, they initially thought that they were being traded only in an exchange of goods such as Cotton between the Maya and Teotihuacán people. The city was a major center of trade and commerce, and it was known for its advanced architecture, engineering, and urban planning. Teotihuacán was one of the largest and most influential cities in the ancient world, and it is believed to have been founded around 100 BC. This demand was mostly fuelled by expats from the city of Teotihuacán and Mayan elites. The city of Teotihuacán in what is now known as Mexico, was a major producer of obsidian which was used to make a variety of tools and artifacts and played a central role in its distribution to the Maya region. How did the Mayans obtain Green Obsidian? Art -, Green Obsidian Market, Maya people - Illustration 2023 They had a rich tradition of art and craftsmanship, and their artifacts made from materials such as gold and obsidian, are highly prized by collectors and museums around the world. The Maya civilization was organized into city-states, each with its own ruler, and they developed a sophisticated system of trade and commerce.
They also built impressive structures such as pyramids, palaces, and temples, which remain well-preserved today and demonstrate the Maya's skills as architects and builders. They were renowned for their achievements in mathematics and astronomy, particularly for their development of a sophisticated system of calendar-keeping that allowed them to accurately predict celestial events such as eclipses. The Maya civilization was a complex and sophisticated culture that flourished in what is now Central and South America from approximately 2000 BC to 1500 AD. Okay before we dive into the relationship between the Mayans and Green obsidian crystals, it makes sense to give a brief overview on who the Mayans were. Who were the Mayans? Art -, Maya Civilisation - Illustration 2023
That's where Teotihuacán comes in – this ancient city in central Mexico was known for its obsidian industry, and it's believed that the Mayans imported green obsidian from Teotihuacán. But did you know that green obsidian artifacts have also been found at a number of Mayan sites in Central America, and they may have had more significance than just being practical objects? Green obsidian is characterized by its distinctive green color and can be shaped into all sorts of tools and objects, from blades and knives to needles and sequins. Check out our Part 2: Guide on everything Green Obsidian here You may have heard of green obsidian before – it's a type of volcanic glass that was highly prized by the Maya for its strength and durability. In this post, we're going to dive into the fascinating world of Mayan culture and explore the symbolic significance of green obsidian artifacts.
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