Coxcatlan
In the Coxcatlan Phase (7000-5400 BP), the inhabitants of the Tehaucan
Valley of Mexico were seasonal nomads
who divided their time between small hunting encampments and
larger temporary villages. The villages were used as bases for collecting
plants such as various grasses and maguey and cactus fruits. Maize (Zea mays),
a wild grass, first came under cultivation at this time, probably as early as
7000 BP. Avocados, chili peppers, amaranth, zapothes, tepary beans and squash
were also primitive cultigens. During this phase the diet of the inhabitants
consisted of 52% wild produce, 34% meat, and 14% agricultural products.
Horticulture on steep slopes was evident.
Coxcatlan cave has revealed
28 occupational layers or zones. Each layer was considered to have
a distinct deposit, laid down during a single time interval.
A small corn cob found during the excavation is
shown alongside of an ink pen. The cob compares to that of a popcorn cob, and
this type of corn was estimated to have grown in the Tehuacan Valley around
5000 BC. The excavation revealed objects used by humans prior to ceramics.
Hardy, Karen. Current Anthropology, 37, 4, August - October 1996,
700 - 716.
Click here for Spanish version
who divided their time between small hunting encampments and
larger temporary villages. The villages were used as bases for collecting
plants such as various grasses and maguey and cactus fruits. Maize (Zea mays),
a wild grass, first came under cultivation at this time, probably as early as
7000 BP. Avocados, chili peppers, amaranth, zapothes, tepary beans and squash
were also primitive cultigens. During this phase the diet of the inhabitants
consisted of 52% wild produce, 34% meat, and 14% agricultural products.
Horticulture on steep slopes was evident.