Economía Política y Bienes de Prestigio de los Mayas Antiguos (800-1000 D.C.)

The general purpose of this article is to provide a broad review, from a political economy perspective, of the circulation and restriction of certain archaeological materials among the Maya populations of the northern lowlands of Yucatán, Mexico, during the Terminal Classic period (800–1000 AD). This documentary examination aims to highlight recent advances in research on the Mexican Maya region, based on the analysis of archaeological materials recorded over the past three decades. Following the principles of political economy, it is emphasized that access to and control over specific materials shaped a highly hierarchical and specialized social structure. In general terms, archaeological studies on political economy and prestige goods in ancient societies have contributed to understanding the social dynamics of elite groups, existing political configurations, and the exchange and trade networks between the inhabitants of northern Yucatán and other regions of Mesoamerica during the Terminal Classic period.