TEORÍA, INFERENCIA Y DATO EMPÍRICO DEL MODO DE VIDA EN LOS SITIOS DE CACAXTLA-XOCHITÉCATL Y EN XOCHIMILCO

Abstract

Based on the fundamental categories of Ameroiberic Social Archeology, this text aims to establish the correlation between the identified life style of prehispanic society established in Xochimilco in Mexico’s Basin during the late Postclasic period (1325-1521 d.n.e.) and the one established in Cacaxtla-Xochitecatl, systematically and continuously studied at the north region of the Puebla-Tlaxcala valley. The intention is to establish the most plausible elements that allow to corroborate that the denominated intensive lake farming life style had also been present as a precedent in Cacaxtla-Xochitécatl through the Epiclasic Period (650- 950 d.n.e.). The result, once the particularities of each case have been pointed out and their characteristics described, establishes a diachronic frame related to the life forms of ancient Mesoamerican societies whose main activities and work styles allowed them their social and biological reproduction. Continuity of this life style since the Epiclasic period is explained through the presence of the clearly established class division among these societies, and the elite’s interest in its promotion in order to obtain a higher asset accumulation; an element closely related to the chinampa farming system and the work-produced object, whose main characteristic is a high revenue level.