Tlaxcalteca warrior identity of the late post-classic

Abstract

 The objective of this work is to present the results of the contextual and osteological analysis of three primary burials found in Tepeticpac, Tlaxcallan, whose offerings refer to certain attributes of the Tlaxcalteca warrior and hunter identity of the Late Postclassic (AD 1250/1300-1519). We compare the archaeological evidence of burials with local historical descriptions that describe a social stratum known as the yaotequihuaque or “war captains.” The Yaotequihuaque were particularly important within the Tlaxcallan hierarchy during the Late Postclassic as they were the result of socioeconomic mobility promoted by war merits. This work explores if Tlaxcalteca warrior identity applied only to those individuals who participated in war, or if such identity was adopted as a metaphor to persons who were not directly involved in military events. We also address the possible identification of prominent individuals within the Tlaxcallan hierarchy and their relationship with processes of socioeconomic mobility promoted by war merits within a society based on a collective government.