The Salt of the Earth

Focusing on the cultural significance of salt production in Michoacán, this study explores the historical techniques and practices of the pre-Hispanic Tarascan state. Through interdisciplinary research that includes archaeological, ethnographic, and ethnohistorical methods, the author examines traditional salt-making processes still evident in the region. Fieldwork in the Lake Cuitzeo Basin and Michoacán coast reveals insights into the material culture and artefacts related to salt production, aiming to enhance the understanding of the archaeological record through contemporary practices.