During this time metallurgy was introduced to Mesoamerica most likely via trade routes and communication with communities in Central and South America. This had somewhat of a profound impact on Mesoamerican societies because they were no longer bound to using just stone, wood, shell, and other materials to create decorative objects. One of the most interesting changes, I think, is that the Maya replaced their three jadeite celts they normally wear around their waste with bronze and copper bells. They did this most likely for two reasons: shifting trade and economic patterns limiting the availability of jadeite and how much easier it was to import bronze/copper bells and recast them should they ever break.

We have a section on Metalworking in pre-Columbian America in our FAQ if you'd like to peruse other topics related to metallurgy in Mesoamerica.