Brokering time and place: The piedras rayadas of El Tigre, Honduras
Abstract
Material ontological approaches have the potential to expand the understanding of precolonial stone monuments. Grooved boulders (known locally as p iedras rayadas ) seem to be a monumental form unique to El Tigre Island, Honduras. This article focuses on the 30 piedras rayadas documented at the archaeological site of La Tigüilotada in the context of lithic ontologies. By examining their spatial relationships and their material biographies, we shed light on the various social engagements of the boulders and their participation in other-than-human assemblages through cycles of renewed material engagements. From this analysis emerges a dynamic picture of the boulders' role in emplacement processes through time, highlighting their participation in the local ritual landscape, in celebrations, and in marking the passage of time.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Archaeology and ancient environmental studies
Amazonian Archaeology and Ethnohistory
Historical Studies in Central America
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Social Archaeology
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 93–112
- Publication date
- 10 February 2026
- Language
- EN