Settlement Patterns and Variation in the Western Highlands, Guatemala

Ah Phase (A.D. 300 to A.D. 750)

This phase begins in the Early Classic period (about A.D. 300), but has its primary occupation during the Late Classic period (A.D. 600 to 750). Presumably the occupants of the region had Preclassic roots (see Lowe, 1959) evidence of which is probably buried beneath Ah phase constructions. Heaviest occupation, as attested by abundance of archaeological sites and rough population estimates, occurred in tierra caliente (below 1250 masl), within the area of the modern municipios of Jacaltenango and Santa Ana Huista. A number of large sites were well established in tierra caliente by the end of the Ah phase. Settlement was stratified, with first-order sites such as Pelío (H-69, Figure 4) and Lemnixh (H-76, Figure 5) dominating a settlement hierarchy of increasingly smaller sites. These first-order sites displayed "typical" Classic period features, such as monumental architecture (pyramids and range structures) arranged in plaza groups; low, open ballcourts; generally closed plaza groups of three to four structures; and occasional plain stelae. Often these centers were located on valley floors, enclosed by low hills on three sides and with a cave nearby. Second-order sites such as Tz’lub’laj I (H-89, Figure 6) display similar characteristics, and are distinguished by ceremonial architecture. Third-order and fourth-order sites are largely residential, with house-mounds organized in plaza groups of three to four structures.

Occupation in tierra templada (between 1250 and 2000 masl) displays characteristics similar to the sites in tierra caliente. The site of Palewitz (H-110, Figure 7), for example, is a "typical" first-order Ah phase site, similar to Pelío (H-69). Noticeably, it lacks a ballcourt, which may have been present in ancient times but subsequently destroyed with the expansion of a modern aldea nearby. Destruction of this type is common since many ancient sites are located in or near modern aldeas; and many are being destroyed, such as at La Laguna (H-93), Buenos Aires (H-82), and Palewitz (H-110). There are also a number of smaller sites either aligned with or in competition with larger centers during the period. The site of Wik’uh (H-23, Figure 8), for example, has a number of subsidiary settlements (H-24, H-22, H-25) spread across a number of hills above the site of Palewitz (H-110). The nature of the relationship between the Wik’uh sites and the first-order center of Palewitz is unclear. Many smaller sites occupied during the Ah phase were probably in competition with nearby larger centers, some growing to equal or surpass their competitors during the subsequent Chinax phase.

Large, primary structures during the Ah phase were constructed of: (1) large piles of uncut stone, probably with some sort of earthen facing, common in the tierra caliente, or (2) rubble or earthen-fill faced with large cut or uncut stone, common in the tierra templada. Some evidence of plaster coverings was found on ceremonial architecture in better-preserved sites. Smaller structures were usually made of medium to small uncut stone laid linearly. Both the monumental and occupational structures probably had perishable superstructures of wattle and daub. The Ah phase (as with the following Chinax phase) was characterized by nucleated settlements; occupation tended to center on the primary plaza group, spread throughout the valley and consisting of enclosed plazas of three to four structures.

Ceramics from the Ah period tend to be "typical" Classic period types and forms, with ties to the Maya lowlands, particularly during the Late Classic period. Oranges and reds are abundant, as are Classic forms such as medium size dishes and bowls of medium to fine manufacture, including some cylinder vessels. More polychromes are found during this period than during any other. Also present are more coarse wares, usually slipped in red or brown, which were common throughout the Ah and Chinax phases. These coarse wares are usually large, constricted neck bowls or jars, probably for food or water storage. There are many ceramic ties between this phase and the succeeding Chinax phase, suggesting a strong continuity between the two.

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