Pedro Guillermo Ramon Celis

This study examines the relationship between the migrant population of Guiengola, a fortified Zapotec city from the Late Postclassic period (1250-1521 C.E.) located in the Southern Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and their homeland in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. Additionally, it explores the challenges encountered by commoners as they adapt to a new environment, moving away from their traditional homelands. Based on non-destructive pXRF study, the project will analyze typologically and mineralogically artifact assemblages from 65 residences in Guiengola and seven contemporary Postclassic Zapotec sites. While my previous research addressed elite control of urban spaces, this study examines the role of commoners in shaping their neighborhoods. By challenging elite-centric views, the project aims to uncover varying degrees of commoner agency, offering new insights into Mesoamerican urban life. This research is designed in collaboration with the Zapotec descendant community and the site’s communal landowners. All data are collected using non-invasive methods that align with the cultural values of today’s Tehuantepec community. Artifact analysis and mapping are conducted with respect to sacred sites, following local protocols. The project not only preserves the community’s heritage but also encourages public outreach and educational initiatives, ensuring that knowledge generated from the research benefits the local population.