Classic Maya Seaports: Uaymil, North Campeche Coast

Ceramics

A total of 459 ceramic sherds representing 36 ceramic groups were collected in different parts of the surface of Uaymil during the fieldwork carried out in 2001 (Table 1). The classification of the ceramic sherds followed the type-variety method which has been used to classify ceramic found both in coastal settlements as well as inland sites of northwestern Yucatán (see for example: Andrews V, 1988; Ball, 1978; Ceballos and Jiménez, 2000; Smith, 1971; Williams-Beck, 1999). In this report we present the different ceramic groups identified, which we have assigned to their respective ceramic complexes so as to enable us to date the site of Uaymil.

The ceramic sample obtained in 2001 confirms what researchers such as Andrews (1977; 1997), Andrews and Vail (1990), Ball (1978), and Shook (1955) had suggested for Uaymil; the site flourished between A.D. 750/800 and 1000/1050. Furthermore, our first result of the ceramic analysis, along with the morphological and architectural characteristics of the site, leave no doubt that the apogee of Uaymil was closely linked to Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, the two great capitals of the northern Maya lowlands during the Terminal Classic period. Below are some general comments about the pre-hispanic occupation of Uaymil based on the ceramic analysis carried out to date.

Late Preclassic period (300 B.C.–A.D. 250)
The earliest occupation of Uaymil dates back to the Late Preclassic period. This occupation is indicated by the presence of ceramic groups such as Polvero, Sapote, and Sierra, which form part of the Chicanel ceramic complex.

Early Classic Period (A.D. 250–600)
The traces of the Early Classic occupation of Uaymil are based on the presence of ceramic groups Aguila, Dos Arroyos, Tituc, Palmar, Triunfo, Maxcanu, and Batres. Furthermore, Andrews and Vail (1990:42) also indicated that Uaymil was occupied during this period.

Late Classic Period to Terminal Classic Period (A.D. 600–1050)
Without a doubt, these two periods constitute the peak of Uaymil as an important coastal port on the north coast of Campeche. The presence of ceramic materials belonging to the Muna, Teabo, Baca, Cui, Holactun, Altar, and Balancan ceramic groups (to mention a few) from the Cehpech complex, and ceramic materials such as Tohil Plumbate, Dzitas, and Silho from the Sotuta ceramic complex support the argument that Uaymil maintained close relations with Uxmal, Isla Cerritos, and Chichén Itzá (see also Andrews et al., 1988; Ball, 1978:99, 131-141). In fact, considering the ceramic and architectural evidence as well as the internal structure of the site, Uaymil appears to have functioned as one more link in the chain of coastal settlements of northwestern Yucatán, which included Canbalam (Dahlin et al., 1998) and Xcopté (Robles and Andrews, 2001). These seacoast ports facilitated the transport of objects between the lower Usumacinta region, the highlands of western Guatemala, the center of Veracruz, highland México, western México, and the center of Yucatán.

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