Archaeology of Teotihuacan, Mexico
One type of shell pendants consists of complete or
semicomplete shells with one or more holes near the edges. They were
only found in the central grave and in front of the principal facade
of the Feathered Serpent Pyramid. The present page only deals with
this type of pendants. Another type of shell pendants consists of
smaller pieces made with shell that have holes near the edges. Their
original natural forms were completely transformed into plaque,
cylinder, or tooth shapes. As they were mainly found as parts of the
maxilla necklace complexes, they are discussed separately in the
following page.
The general spatial
distribution of shell pendants indicates that they were dispersed
widely in the grave with three spots of concentration. (Photo left)
Although the association of shell pendants of certain types with
other kinds of offerings can be suggested, the functions of the
pendants in Grave 14 are not clear.
In Grave 14, six
different kinds of shell pendants were found. Type 1 consists of
worked Oliva with holes. Type 2 was formed from worked Conus with
holes. The lower parts of these two types were usually cut off. Type
3 consisted of entire Pecten shells that usually have two holes
(Photo right). Type 4 were entire Spondylus shells with two holes.
Type 5 designates the so-called trumpets, Turbinella angulata, that
had one hole near one end. Type 6 consists of 6 Siliqua worked into a
chili-shaped form with two holes near the top (photo
left).
