| At the end of the Late Classic period (A.D. 500-800), the Rio Viejo polity on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, collapsed and a weakly hierarchical community arose. Early Postclassic (A.D. 800-1100) site residents engaged in a thriving domestic economy. This is indicated by artifacts recovered from low-status, household areas which were linked with a variety of production, consumption, and exchange practices. Residents produced craft goods such as ceramics and textiles, imported obsidian from several sources, and participated in day-to-day household maintenance. This thesis not only explores the daily economic routines of Rio Viejo residents, but also investigates their ceremonial practices. I conclude by examining how commoners may have used material culture to respond to the social changes linked to the Late Classic collapse. Evidence indicates that commoners had far-reaching ties to sites such as Cholula and Tula. Furthermore, Rio Viejo residents creatively incorporated outside ideas into social practice. |
