Instruction
Length: 3-4 pages (typed, double-spaced, 10-12 pt. font).
Cite references in abbreviated form within the text, and include a bibliography at the end of the essay, including only cited references (not part of the 3-4 pages…). Use your textbook and additional readings as sources, but also do some outside research (at least 3 outside resources). Be sure to answer all of the above questions for full credit, if you cannot address them, explain why (Many times you can't!
1) What raw materials (e.g., plants, animals, stones) were used to produce this artifact? Were these resources locally available, or were they imported from a distance? How do we know this?
2) What steps were involved in making this artifact? Was this artifact easily produced, or did it require elaborate processing? How do we know this?
3) What special skills were required to make this artifact, and how were these skills developed? Did everyone engage in this form of production? Why or why not? How do we know this?
4) How was this artifact used? Did all members of society use this artifact? Why or why not? How do we know this?
5) How does this artifact relate to your chosen research topic? How is the use of this artifact or resource unique to your topic AND/OR common to many topics?
6) Has your research for this assignment changed your ideas about natural resources, technology, production, consumption, Mesoamerican culture, our own culture, human nature, or the human condition?