A Diachronic Analysis of Obsidian Use at Chaco Canyon and the Influence of Social Factors on Obsidian Procurement

Chaco Canyon in New Mexico was the center of an extensive regional cultural system. The strength Chaco's interactions has been partly defined by presence non–local goods including obsidian. We take a diachronic look at obsidian use from AD 500–1250 using largest sample XRF sourced available to date and combine this with technological analyses identify significant changes where how Chacoans obtained used In 700s more distant Jemez Mountains began supplant closer Mt. Taylor is roughly equal quality, suggesting shift relates social factors not raw material constraints. find variation over time source acquisition strategies than previously noted. patterning appears relate local diversity, organizational heterogeneity, development new exchange networks.