Paso de la Amada: An Early Mesoamerican Ceremonial Center

This monograph reports on large-scale excavations at Paso de la Amada, an archaeological site in Mexico, which was among the earliest sedentary, ceramic-using villages of Mesoamerica. The site was abandoned 600 years later during a period of local political turmoil, and the decline of Paso de la Amada corresponded with a rupture in local traditions of material culture and the adoption of the Early Olmec style. Excavations have revealed significant earthen constructions from as early as 1700 BC, including the earliest known Mesoamerican ball court and traces of high-status residences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 670 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2021
Publisher: Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA

This monograph presents a comprehensive account of extensive excavations conducted at Paso de la Amada, an archaeological site located in the Soconusco region of the Pacific coast of Mexico. It sheds light on the remarkable history of this early sedentary, ceramic-using village, which stood as one of the largest communities of its era during the 1600 BC period. The site, which was initially settled around 1900 BC, experienced a decline and eventual abandonment approximately 600 years later, coinciding with a period of local political turmoil. The decline of Paso de la Amada is closely linked to a disruption in local traditions of material culture and the adoption of the Early Olmec style.

Stylistically, the material culture found at Paso de la Amada predominantly aligns with the pre-Olmec Mokaya tradition. The excavations at the site have uncovered significant earthen constructions dating back to as early as 1700 BC. These include the earliest known Mesoamerican ball court and traces of a series of high-status residences. The monograph comprehensively covers all aspects of the excavations, including the excavation of Mounds 1, 12, and 32, as well as soundings in other locations. It provides detailed descriptions and analyses of the artifacts discovered, encompassing a wide range of materials such as ceramics, stone tools, and sculptures.

In addition to the archaeological findings, the monograph includes three lengthy interpretive chapters that delve into the primary research questions related to subsistence, social inequality, and the organizational history of the site. These chapters offer insightful perspectives on the daily lives, social structures, and economic activities of the Paso de la Amada community. The monograph is a valuable contribution to our understanding of Mesoamerican archaeology and provides valuable insights into the early development of civilization in the region.

Weight: 2680g
Dimension: 288 x 228 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781950446155