Archaeology of Teotihuacan, Mexico

Excavations in 2000-2001

During the 2000-2001 field seasons a residential complex on the west side of the Pyramid of the Moon was explored to gain an understanding of the complex itself and the nature of activities that were carried out in the immediate vicinity of the pyramid. (photograph taken from the Pyramid of the Moon).

The data gathered from the excavations in this area indicate the possible presence of an obsidian workshop. We know that obsidian, or volcanic glass, was a highly valued material in the Mesoamerican world used for making cutting tools, and that a major source of this volcanic glass was located very close to Teotihuacan. The location of this workshop in close proximity to the monument that was of such importance in the religious and political sphere of the city is interesting and leads us to believe that obsidian had a value and significance over and above that of an every-day utilitarian material.

In 2000 the excavation of a new tunnel in the upper part of the pyramid was begun. A pit was first excavated in the northeast corner of the Intermediate Platform on the southern façade of the pyramid (left). From there a horizontal tunnel was excavated in an easterly direction in order to locate the upper portion of Building 5, which had been previously identified at the plaza or ground level (diagram, lower left). The east façade and the upper floor of Building 5 were located (photograph lower left) and found to be well-preserved. Subsequently, the excavation continued toward the central axis of the pyramid. We plan to continue the exploration in the central part of Building 5 in the next few years.