Proyecto Santa Bárbara, Yucatán, México

Surface Collections and Initial Ceramic Analysis

Surface collections were undertaken at all vaulted groups, all large platforms, and at a sample of other features. Two methodologies were used. In some cases, artifacts were collected over entire features including structures and off-mound surface scatters. In other cases, 3 x 3 m grids were laid across an area. Artifacts were collected from each grid square. These methodologies were based on differential distributions of artifacts on the surface, goals for analysis, and time and resource constraints in the field.

Although sufficient numbers of ceramics were recovered, very few other artifact classes were encountered. Only two pieces of gray obsidian, one gray chert flake, one gray chert projectile point, and one marine shell fragment were recovered. Given the extensive surface scatters at the site and our intensive search for artifacts, this paucity of non-ceramic artifacts likely reflects low percentages of such artifacts at Santa Bárbara.

During the Spring 2001 field season, very few ceramic lots were analyzed. Intensive ceramic analysis will begin in September 2001. Preliminary information from four lots indicates an emphasis on Late to Terminal Classic types. Some late Early Classic to early Late Classic types such as Maxcanú Buff were recovered, but no types dating exclusively to the Early Classic have yet to be identified. No material dating to the Preclassic or Postclassic has been identified. A quick survey of several lots and observations made in the field indicate that common types include, Muna Slate, Sacalum Trickle, Yokat Striated, Oxkutzcab Applique, Teabo Red, Maxcanú Buff, Fine Orange, Fine Gray, and Ticul Thin Slate. Several broken serving vessels such as cazuelas and bowls were recovered in looter’s debris. Contexts suggest that they were encountered in burials and subsequently broken by looters.

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