GUACHIMONTONES By Kay Davis Difficult word for most gringos, the Guachimontones (gwa-chi-mon-tone’-es) is a ceremonial site discovered in 1970 but not developed until 1998. It is located just north of the town of Teuchitlán (Tay-oosh-eet-lahn’). This 100-acre site is close to Tequila, a day trip for those from lakeside communities. Teuchitlán means “place dedicated to divinity.” Hence, we gain a clue to the purpose of this ancient site. Beginning in the early Christian era, this civilization reached it peak period between 200 – 400 AD, disappearing around 900 – 1000 AD. Who were they? Where did they come from? Are these rounded structures like other pyramids? The Caxcan Indians are the most likely candidates. They probably originated in the Chalchihuites (Cahl-chi-wheet’-es) area of northwestern Zacatecas. Then, following the collapse of their culture around 900 – 1000 AD, they appear to have begun a prolonged period of southern expansion into central parts of Jalisco. It appears that the Caxcanes were highly competitive, possessed of well-developed social hierarchies, monumental architecture and military brotherhoods. They are believed to have built peñoles (fortifications) and religious centers. The guachimontones were circular túmulos (mounds) used for religious ceremonies in honor of their god of the wind. The ceremony included raising a post at the peak of these circular túmulos to award honors to the divinity. Once the priests sat around the post, the post was swung from one side to the other to simulate flight. It appears that a society existed here more complex than that previously assumed. Evidence exists not only in the presence of these túmulos with staggered circular levels but also in the remains of mining operations and agricultural fields. Their crafts and sculptures demonstrated specialized uses of obsidian, mined from volcanic areas and used for cutting tools, for decorative pieces or jewelry, and most importantly for weapons. They mined other materials as well, gold, silver, malachite and sources of precious dyes for paintings and weavings. This civilization was also tied to agriculture, using irrigation systems. The Guachamontones is the largest and most complex, but not the only site of its type which includes 34,658 hectares between the foot of the Tequila Volcano and the Grande River. The túmulos are found in a complex of at least 10 conical pyramids, the largest about 30 meters, or 100 feet, high and 200 – 300 feet in diameter. They are like a small steep hill as evidenced by the presence of one túmulo that has not yet been excavated. Other identified structures include at least two ball courts, one of which is 260 feet, or 80 meters. There are also numerous courtyards, stone walls, staircases and avenues. There are, in aggregate, at least two dozen separate ceremonial complexes. One of the most intriguing finds was of a four-pound (1.4 kg) meteorite which seems to have been enshrined, placed atop one of the ceremonial platforms. Over the course of this site’s history, there were two fires that razed the community, the first early in its history and the second around the time the site was abandoned. The latter may have contributed to its demise since debris indicates that repairs were not undertaken. The ball courts, like those of other meso-americana cultures, were central to the life of the people. This game focussed on use of a rubber ball that had to be struck with a player’s hip. Scoring was based on which team had the ball in their end of the field or whether it was in the opponent’s end. The game was used for political aims, territorial division, inheritance questions, and other similar issues. Some of the stone walls are filled with dirt to the top edge, like a dirt terrace. These had held wooden structures, like homes and shops. All that remains are the walls, identifying locations within the community. One thing that has not been found within the Guachimontones is evidence that they had been used as tombs, so it is assumed at this point that this was not one of the purposes. In this they differ from many typical pyramidal shapes. These were strictly ceremonial. Much has been learned but much is yet to be learned about the resident Indians who lived among the Guachimontones. Only 50 miles west of Guadalajara, this site invites you to a visit at the Teuchitlán Casa de Cultura which will enhance your experience. The center is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Take Highway 15 toward Nogales, then the fork to Ameca and Teuchitlán. For more information, call the Jalisco Tourism Secretariat at (333) 668-1610.