EN ESPAÑOL

This new book, published in August of 2016, tells the story of the wholly forgotten nation which--2000 years ago-- ruled a territory in West Mexico the size of Guatemala. Unlike the Aztecs and Mayas, their name was never known, but today they are called the people of the Teuchitlán Tradition, after the site where many of their trademark "circular pyramids" were excavated and studied during the last twenty years.

A Guide to West Mexico's Guachimontones and Surrounding Area, The Lost Civilization of Teuchitlán by John Pint, was published by Acento Editores, Guadalajara, Mexico. This slim volume has 68 pages, 87 color photos and six maps and sketches. The text is in English and Spanish, side by side.

The book costs 130 pesos (US$6.63) plus postage and handling and can be purchased from ranchopint@hotmail.com.

It is for sale at the Guachimontones Interpretive Center atTeuchitlán, at Gonvil Librerías in Guadalajara and at La Perla Records & Books, Pedro Moreno 1530, Tel (33) 1525 3015, Guadalajara.

EXCERPT FROM  A GUIDE TO WEST MEXICO'S GUACHIMONTONES BY JOHN PINT:

Three-dimensional Clay Models, 2000 Years Old

I had no clue what the Guachimontones represented until one day in 1997, when I heard rumors about an American archaeologist living in the town of Etzatlán, 26 kilometers northwest of Teuchitlán. Tracking down a foreigner in a small Mexican town is easy and this is how I first met Phil Weigand. One of his many endearing characteristics was his total lack of pretentiousness and his willingness to share his discoveries—at length, I might add—with anyone who would listen, and I do mean anyone, even the humblest rancher or laborer.

“Look at these clay models of people gathered around the Guachimontones,” he said. “I've just had them made. Each one is a faithful copy of a 2000-year-old original found right here in this part of Jalisco. Aren't they amazing?”


“Amazing” doesn't do justice to those clay models. Unlike the silent ruins in the hills above Teuchitlán, these maquetas de barro are full of life. We see dozens of people socializing, dancing, making music, playing ball or watching the ball game, pushing against the tall pole which topped every pyramid in what looks like a playful attempt to knock a “bird man” off his perch. Even their dogs are included in the picture. Unlike the stylized drawings found in codices, these clay models show ordinary people having a good time. They are like family snapshots in three dimensions. Approximately 25 clay sculptures related to the Teuchitlán pyramids have been found, each of them different. Most of the originals are now in the USA, many in museums...