Research archaeologist Dr. Daniel Pierce of the Bernice S. Warren Center for Archaeological Research (CAR), has published his findings on Aztatlán culture in a new book from University of Utah press.

Edited by Michael D. Mathiowetz and John M. D. Pohl, “Reassessing the Aztatlán World: Ethnogenesis and Cultural Continuity in Northwest Mesoamerica” presents the work of leading West Mexican scholars. The book provides a broad perspective of Aztatlán culture through a variety of different studies, Pierce said.

Pierce’s chapter, “Obsidian Usage and Trade in Postclassic West Mexico,” examines the Aztatlán culture’s obsidian trade. Obsidian is a volcanic glass used to make stone tools such as blades, knives and spear points.

“This book has been in the works for nearly a decade, so it is exciting that it has finally seen the light of day,” Pierce said. “I think it will be the go-to text for anyone interested in West Mexican archaeology, as it is the first volume of its kind.”

The book was published in 2024.

Examining Aztatlán culture

According to Pierce, scholars believe that Aztatlán society, especially its trade activity, helped shape Mesoamerican culture in the American Southwest, including religion, culture and exotic goods.

“The Aztatlán culture of West Mexico dominated western Mexico during the Post Classic period (AD 900-1350),” Pierce said. “Though it is less well known than other Mesoamerican cultures, the Aztatlán were seemingly the link that connected the great cultures of the American Southwest with those in Mesoamerica.”

“They even brought things like chocolate and macaws into the deserts of the southwest,” he added.

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