Identification of Cochineal Dye in Spinning Vessels from the Aztec Period in Xochimilco, Basin of Mexico Berenice Jiménez González 2026, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

Identification of Cochineal Dye in Spinning Vessels from the Aztec Period in Xochimilco, Basin of Mexico Berenice Jiménez González 2026, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports https://www.academia.edu/169999180/Identification_of_Cochineal_Dye_in_Spinning_Vessels_from_the_Aztec_Period_in_Xochimilco_Basin_of_Mexico?email_work_card=title Organic residues and dyes are rarely preserved in archaeological contexts of wetland environments, although their recovery and identification are fundamental for understanding the technologies, raw materials, and production processes developed by women weavers in lacustrine communities. Using minimally invasive analytical techniques based on High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QToF), this study analyzes a set of spinning bowls recovered from chinampa domestic units in Xochimilco (Basin of Mexico), dating to the Late Postclassic period (1400-1500 CE). The results confirm the presence of cochineal dye (Dactylopius coccus) through the identification of carminic acid and related organic compounds, providing direct material evidence for pigment use in vessels traditionally associated with textile production. These findings offer new insights into textile decoration practices and pigments management within domestic contexts in the southern Basin of Mexico, and suggest a multifunctional use of spinning vessels, both for spinning activities and for the preparation or storage of dyes.