Book of Mormon

John Sorenson gives some cautionary words to those who look for absolute proof in everything related to the “fine workmanship” (Jarom 1:8) of the Nephite culture.  “Archaeological remains discovered at any given moment give only a partial record of ancient life,” he said.

In some cases, it is possible that technology was simply lost.  It may have lost its usefulness in the new location, or it may have been forgotten as certain people became less cultured or less civilized.  In other cases, the archaeological evidence may simply be incomplete or unrecognized. However, there are many evidences now discovered to provide evidence of “fine workmanship” among the Nephites.

The true arch is often cited to support the idea that there was no contact between the pre-Columbian Eastern and Western Hemispheres.  Professor Linton Satterthwaite had accepted that view, but then found himself having to change:

It has been usual to suppose that the principle of the true arch was unknown to the American Indian, though here and there in some particular structure it has been argued that the principle, though not obvious, was really present. 

Yet finally, on the basis of a field reconnaissance, Satterthwaite was left with “no doubt that the Maya at La Muneca roofed a long room with the true arch, and that they knew exactly what they were doing.”

Earlier, Alfred Tozzer had reported that at Nakum, Guatemala, “two lateral doorways have what may be truthfully called concrete arches, “the only examples of the true arch which I have met with in Maya buildings.”  (John L. Sorenson, “Lost Arts,” in Reexploring the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S., pp. 101-103)

John Sorenson provides an extensive survey of metal objects discovered in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, showing that various types of metals were known and used in this region (Metals andMetallurgy Relating to the Book of Mormon Text, F.A.R.M.S., 1992). 

Nephi was familiar with ancient Near Eastern metallurgical technologies, which he brought from the Near East to the New World.  Metallurgy was known and utilized to a limited extent by the Nephites during certain periods.  It is possible that the full range of metallurgical knowledge may have been lost at some point in time.  When the Nephites migrated to new areas where ores were not readily available, knowledge of metallurgy could have been lost within a single generation.  (William J. Hamblin, Vikings, Iron, and theBook of Mormon, in F.A.R.M.S. Update, Number 86, January 1993)     

Brant Gardner writes that if we assume that Kaminaljuyu was the city of Nephi, then during the time period discussed by Jarom we find some interesting correspondences to the account of being “rich in… buildings, and in machinery” (Jarom 1:8). 

Researchers have found in the Middle and Late Preclassic years that, religious architecture got off to a good start.  Temple-pyramids, which in some cases served also as burial mounds, were arranged along both sides of a long rectangular plaza or avenue.  Religion was the driving motivation, and all nearby peoples must have contributed heavily, in time and muscle, to the necessary labor force. The glory and luxury evident at Kaminaljuyu can only signify a high degree of social stratification with wealth, power, and prestige in the hands of an elite few. (Brant Gardner, Book of Mormon Commentary, p. 10)

Jarom mentions that “we [the Nephites] became exceedingly rich… in iron” (Jarom 1:8).  The mention of iron is problematic for a Mesoamerican setting for the Book of Mormon.  Hunter and Ferguson explain that it is the consensus of opinion among the archaeologists that the ancient Americans did not work with iron. 

It should be borne in mind, of course, that iron is one of the most perishable of metals.  It would have been particularly subject to rapid corrosion in the damp tropical regions where the principal center of early American cultures were located, in southern Mexico and Guatemala.  Even in the middle of the twentieth century, ornamental iron was used very little in the gulf coast region of Mexico.  Covarrubias points out that the ornamental balconies of the homes in the city of Vera Cruz are of “turned wood (because iron rusts too quickly in the tropical sea air).”   American archaeologists have found but one or two small pieces of iron.

Nevertheless, at Uaxactun, Guatemala, within an ancient pyramid were found some jars containing oxide of iron and iron (hematite) crystals.  Furthermore, the Mesoamerican historian Ixtlilxochitl, like the Book of Mormon, says the Tultecas (Bountiful people) used it.  He says that when the Tultecas fought they used, among other things mentioned by him, “long lances, and others [javelins] which are thrown, and clubs garnished [nailed] with iron.”  (Milton R. Hunter and Thomas S. Ferguson, Ancient America and the Book of Mormon, p. 263

Copyright 1999-2003 Ancient America Foundation. This message may be forwarded with identifying information.  For more information or to subscribe to “AAF Notes” send email to [email protected].Visit other websites that pertain to Book of Mormon Culture through the “Featured Links” section of our Web Pagehttps://www.ancientamerica.org/.