El Pueblito in La Corregidora, Querétaro, Mexico — The Central Highlands (North America)
Obsidian Altar
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, March 3, 2019
1. Obsidian Altar Marker
Basamento de planta rectangular de 31 metros de largo por 20 metros de ancho. Es una estructura muy deteriorada sobre la cual existieron cuartos cuya fachada principal observaba al oriente. En su alrededor fueron encontradas numerosas esculturas en piedra, coronamientos del tipo dardos cruzados y clavos chalchihuite, de esta forma se puede reconstruir su fachada principal decorada con estas esculturas.
Tiene una sola escalinata de acceso en su cara oriente. Tal escalinata se alinea sobre un eje en dirección de oriente a poniente, coincidiendo con las escalinatas de acceso a la Plaza de la Danza y de la Pirámide.
Recibe su nombre del hallazgo de abundantes concentraciones de astillas y polvo de obsidiana encontrados en los cimientos de los cuartos antes descritos. La obsidiana fue el desecho de la talla de artefactos y herramientas, sin embargo debió tener un valor simbólico por el cual se decidió ofrendar a la construcción de este gran altar, alrededor del año 1,000 d.С.
Pie de dibujos:
Reconstrucción del Altar de Obsidianas
Cuchillas, raspadores y
this page online
Perspectiva del altar y sus cimientos
Obsidian Altar
It has a rectangular foundation that is 31 meters long and 20 meters wide. It is a very deteriorated structure which included rooms whose main façades faced the east. In its surroundings were found numerous stone sculptures and ornamental features that included “cross-darts” and “chalchihuite nails”. The main façade’s reconstruction can be imagined to have had these types of sculptures and decorations.
It has a single access staircase on its eastern side. This stairway is aligned on an axis in the direction from east to west, coinciding with the access stairs to the Plaza de la Danza (The Plaza of the Dancers) and the Pyramid.
It receives its name from the finding of abundant concentrations of chips and obsidian dust found in the foundations of the rooms described above. The obsidian was the scrap for the carving of artifacts and tools, however it must have had a symbolic value due to the construction of this great altar, built around the year 1000 AD.
Captions:
Reconstruction of the Obsidian Altar
Blades, scrapers and projectile tips of obsidian found at El Cerrito
A reconstruction of the altar and its foundations
Erected by
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, March 3, 2019
2. Obsidian Altar Marker
The altar is towards the right in this view, behind the marker. As the marker mentions, the altar was very deteriorated and is basically a low platform protected by stone work.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Native Americans.
Location. 20° 33.073′ N, 100° 26.51′ W. Marker is in El Pueblito, Querétaro, in La Corregidora. Marker can be reached from Camino al Cerrito just west of Capitán Pedro Urtiaga, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located while walking up to the Pyramid at the El Cerrito Archaeological Site, soon after entering the site by foot from the entrance and parking area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: El Pueblito QUE 76900, Mexico. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Earth and its Cosmic Paths (within shouting distance of this marker); El Cerrito ("The Little Hill") (within shouting distance of this marker); The Plaza of the Dancers (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Plaza of the Sculptures (about 120 meters away); The Building of the Four Altars (about 150 meters away); The "Little Fort" (about 150 meters away); Platform and Pyramid (about 150 meters away); The Altar of the Skulls (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in El Pueblito.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
