Abstract
ABSTRACTOur study of offerings and elite burials at the Olmec site of La Venta attempts to distinguish primitive valuables from inalienable goods. According to Annette Weiner, inalienable objects are those that can circulate in exchange systems without changing ownership, or more importantly, can be withheld from exchange altogether. Key differences between inalienable goods and other valuables is group ownership through generations. Analysis of objects found in La Venta offerings and burials suggests that the most valuable possessions circulated historically and were too valuable to be buried with queens or kings. Their jade finery did not include crowns, specters, or masks.
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