METALWORKING AT MAYAPAN, YUCATAN, MEXICO: DISCOVERIES FROM THE R-183 GROUP

Abstract This article presents a compositional analysis of metal artifacts from the Postclassic period ( a.d. 1100–1450) city Mayapan, Yucatan, Mexico. We document metallurgical production at R-183, an elite residential group and one most significant archaeological contexts associated with metalworking Mayapan. Salvage excavations in 1998 recovered small cache containing 282 copper bells, two miniature ceramic vessels filled metal, debris including loose casting sprues miscast bells. Metallographic bell wire fragments reveals lost-wax techniques. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) provides insight into range metals used by R-183 metalworkers, which included copper-lead, copper-tin, copper-arsenic alloys, how these alloys compare to assemblages other city. Our findings strongly suggest use remelting techniques, likely utilizing remelted both West central Mexican origin, together imported goods made alloys.