Mexico - Loma Alta

The site of Loma Alta (near the town of Zacapu in the State of Michoacan)—completely unknown until its fortuitous discovery in 1983—has become a point of reference not only for local archaeology (Tarascan or Purépecha) but also for Western and Northern Mexican archaeology. A long and continuous occupational sequence lasting over 1600 years (150 B.C.- A.D. 1500) has been documented, which in fact corresponds to the origins and subsequent history of the Tarascans.

Based on the decorated ceramic indicative of the Loma Alta tradition (150 B.C- A.D. 350), similarities were established with the old ceramic tradition of Chupicuaro (characterictic of the state of Guanajuato from 500 to 100 B.C.) as well as with that of the Chalchuihuites ceramic (A.D. 500-800), which develops in the northern states of Zacatecas and Durango. Surprinsingly, similarities were also noted in connection with the Hohokam ceramic of the southwestern United States, some 1800 kilometers north of Loma Alta. Likewise, the recent discovery of a group of sculptures further indicated the existence of relationships with other regions of Mesoamerica and Central America.

Recently, modern methods of archaeological prospection (magnetic and electrical prospection) revealed the monumental size and the layout of a very intricate architectural complex completely buried in 4 m of man-made fills. One of the revealed patterns is typical of the famous mesoamerican platform/sunken patio/central altar pattern. This compound is both the first and the oldest ever reported in this region (A.D. 250-350).

After 15 years of investigations, this site is recovering and revealing part of its history. Built on an centrally located ancient island amongst others in the lacustrin basin of Zacapu (artificially drained in the beginning of our century), it has been, since the beginning of its utilization and throughout all the time of its occupation, the priviligiated point of all the surroundings: a funerary island and a very important ceremonial center.