The Petate and the Cosmic Order

Discoveries From a Classic Period Residential Grave in Michoacán, Mexico

Datos Bibliográficos

ID7629072
AutoresVéronique Darras (0000-0002-8336-9086, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, autor de correspondencia)
Año2023
Volumen34
Número1
Páginas68-84
Fecha de publicación2023-01-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaAncient Mesoamerica (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0956-5361 • E-ISSN: 1469-1787
EditorialCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0956536121000067
OpenAlexW3168674519
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas39

This article explores the symbolism of the petate in light of an unprecedented archaeological discovery. Excavations carried out in a Classic context in northern Michoacán revealed the impression of a petate marking the location of a burial. In addition, the lower section of the burial pit was covered over with andesite slabs, including one with grid-like and spiral incisions. After a brief overview of the ancient and modern uses of the petate and relevant archaeological evidence, I present the data that allow the testing of different hypotheses, in particular the symbolization of power through the petate . Contextual analysis suggests that both the woven mat and the incised slab served as thresholds, if not barriers, between the world of the living and the underworld. I propose that the petate was placed over the grave to serve as a regulator, ensuring that entities were properly separated and that they remained in their respective places. As such, it was an object protecting the cosmic order. I further suggest that the petate may have acted as a temporal gate, guaranteeing the continuous exercise of authority and argue that it was, as a finished object, endowed with power

Aesthetics · Archaeology · Art · Excavation · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · Computer Science · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · History