Archaeology of Teotihuacan, Mexico
A
complete wood baton or scepter (Photo) was found in a disturbed layer of
Grave 13. The curved end depicts a Feathered Serpent head. Although stratigraphic
data were not certain about its original provenience, the antiquity (about
A.D.70: calibrated date indicated by accelerator mass spectrometry C14
dating) suggests that the baton was part of the original burial offering,
probably of Grave 13.
Textiles
During
the excavation of Grave 14, remains of textiles were uncovered at several
spots. In some cases, textile remains were attached to other kinds of organic
materials, including paper-like pieces, apparently folded (Photo). Certain
types of offerings were located around these textile remains, indicating
that the objects were associated with, if not wrapped by, textiles.
Plants and Animals
In addition to wood baton and textiles, Grave 14 contained rich organic materials. Abundant remains of plants were recovered from the central zone of Grave 14. Because of the strong concentration of stem remains there, they appear to have been offerings of plants, possibly including flowers. Fragments of wooden sticks were also found frequently in Grave 14. They could have been parts of wood artifacts. Remains of fibers were recovered near the cranium of individual 14-I. Canid bones in anatomical relation were discovered near individual 14-F. Compared with the central grave, Graves 12 and 13 contained much less evidence of organic materials. This may due to the looting activities. As one of few clear evidence of organic offerings, the remains of fiber forming a possible basket were found on the floor of Grave 13. A large amount of plants and faunal remains were discovered, although they have not been identified to date, except for some samples of animal bones.
