képetl

Képetl is a Mesoamerican term, primarily associated with the Nahuatl language, referring to a type of obsidian or volcanic glass. It specifically denotes the raw, unworked material as it is found in nature, often in the form of nodules or fragments. This obsidian was a highly prized resource in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, valued for its sharp conchoidal fracture, which allowed it to be flaked into extremely thin and cutting edges.

The utility of képetl extended to the creation of tools such as knives, projectile points, and scrapers, as well as decorative items and mirrors. Its characteristic dark, glassy appearance made it visually appealing. Major obsidian sources, like those found in Pachuca and Teotihuacan, were significant trade centers, and the distribution of képetl artifacts across vast distances indicates extensive trade networks. The process of extracting, shaping, and trading this material played a crucial role in the economic and technological development of many Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Maya, Aztec, and Teotihuacanos. The term képetl itself is a reminder of the fundamental importance of this volcanic glass to ancient life and culture in the region.