Mortuary practices in Rio Verde, San Luis Potosi. An examination through the underwater human remains of Media Luna

Abstract

Introduction: The relationships that Mesoamerican communities maintained with their deceased have been analyzed through the behaviors that address the human body from the moment of death until its final destination. The discovery of human remains at the Media Luna spring has unveiled the existence of the only known underwater mortuary context in the Rio Verde region of San Luis Potosi. This provides an opportunity to examine how these groups deal with death.

Objective: This paper aims to discuss the mortuary ritual practices performed at the Media Luna site by the communities of Rio Verde during the Classic and early Postclassic periods (500-1000 AD).

Method: The investigation of the underwater human remains was conducted through a combination of osteobiographical, taphonomic, and contextual analysis. This included a detailed examination of the aquatic environment where the remains were deposited, as well as the material culture associated with them.

Results: Based on the analysis of two primary archaeological deposits, I argue that funerary rituals were one of the mortuary practices performed in the body of water. Additionally, the documentation of scattered bone elements throughout the spring suggests the possibility of certain sacrificial practices within this context.

Conclusion: The intentionality of the bones deposits is examined, alongside the actions and behaviors surrounding the human remains within the aquatic context of Media Luna. This analysis enhances our understanding of mortuary practices in Rio Verde during the prehispanic period.