Abstract

In the valleys at the foot of the tequila Volcano, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, a civilization developed around circular ceremonial structures: the Teuchitlán Tradition. Its splendor reached its peak during the late formative to early classic periods (350BC-450AC). Although its architecture differed somewhat from that which would later develop in the rest of Mesoamerica, the construction methods were similar, and its ritual practices, while specific to the region, constituted a consistent homogeneity as a Mesoamerican culture. Excavations at buildings E3 and E4 of La Joyita, a residential area adjacent to the main ceremonial centers, demonstrated that they were arises on a small scale but with a high degree of ritual and ceremonial significance. Small, spiral-shaped circular buildings were found containing offerings of human remains. The remains of three children-an adolescent, an infant, and a newborn-were found as offerings among vessels and plates, most likely containing food. The excavations and anthropological analysis together showed that the offerings and rituals in these buildings were intended to invoke elemental forces of fertility, such as wind and water. Their structural and architectural composition, along with evidence of offerings of human remains, particularly children’s teeth, and food offerings-most likely amaranthindicate a ritualistic focus on fertility and abundance, which apparently prevailed during that period of the site’s development. We present a study with a comprehensive archaeological and anthropological analysis.

Keywords: Teuchitlán; Guachimontones; Housing units; Domestic ritual architecture; Rituals; Offerings; Tlaloques; Fertility; Wind and water; Abundance