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New book features research of CAR’s Dr. Daniel Pierce

January 13, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

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.

Click book cover image to learn more.

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.

Man demonstrating archaeological equipment to group
Dr. Daniel Pierce demonstrates obsidian analysis to university students from Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit in Tepic, Mexico. Photo credit: Maurico Garduño Ambriz.

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Filed Under: Community Engagement, Cultural Competence, Faculty Accomplishments, Faculty Research, RCASH Highlights, Research Tagged With: Bernice S. Warren Center for Archaeological Research, Daniel Pierce

Dr. Daniel Pierce joins Center for Archaeological Research

September 27, 2023 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Man using archaeology equipment

When a research archaeologist position recently opened at Missouri State University, Dr. Daniel Pierce jumped at the chance to return home.

Pierce, the newest member of the archaeological research team at the Bernice Warren Center for Archaeological Research (CAR), learned of the position while working at a Florida university.

The timing was perfect, Pierce acknowledged, as he was ready to “move on.”

“Missouri State is a homecoming of sorts,” the St. Louis native said. “I never expected to end up back in my home state. But I am glad to be back.”

[Read more…] about Dr. Daniel Pierce joins Center for Archaeological Research

Filed Under: Faculty Accomplishments, Faculty Research, Feature, RCASH Highlights, Research Tagged With: Bernice S. Warren Center for Archaeological Research, Daniel Pierce, Kevin Cupka Head

Archaeologist to present research on West Mexican Aztatlán Tradition Sept. 6

September 1, 2023 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Photo of archaeological tools on table

The Missouri Archaeological Society (MAS) will launch its 2023-2024 event season with a presentation by Dr. Daniel Pierce Sept. 6 at the Bernice S. Warren Center for Archaeological Research (CAR).

Pierce will present over ten years of research findings during his talk “Shards and Sherds: A decade of research with the West Mexican Aztatlán Tradition.”

[Read more…] about Archaeologist to present research on West Mexican Aztatlán Tradition Sept. 6

Filed Under: Announcements, Event News, Faculty Research, Research Tagged With: Bernice S. Warren Center for Archaeological Research, Brandon Ives, Daniel Pierce, Lisa Haney, Missouri Archaeology Society

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