Settlement Patterns and Variation in the Western Highlands, Guatemala

Chinax Phase (A.D. 750 to A.D. 1200)

The Chinax phase represents the end of the Late Classic period and a well-defined Terminal Classic period that is common in northwest Guatemala and Chiapas, as represented by the sites of Chacula (see Kowalski, 1989) and Chinkultic (Ball, 1980; de Borhegyi, 1968; Navarrete, 1990). In the Huista region, this phase is a continuation of the Ah phase. Population levels rise to their greatest height in tierra caliente, as evidenced by the great number of sites. New sites are formed and sites occupied in previous the Ah phase continue to grow. First-order sites from the Ah phase are found located quite near sites of equal size, such as Pelío (H-69) and Pam Swi’ Wakax (H-77, Figure 9). Three of these site "pairs" occur during this phase in tierra caliente–sites of equal size located relatively close to each other (less than 2 kilometers)–including Chik’ulaj (H-91, Figure 10)/Yax Witz (H-90, Figure 11), K’uha’ (H-17)/ Wihpahaw (H-87), and Pelío (H-69)/Pam Swi’ Wakax (H-77). The formal characteristics of these tierra caliente sites are similar to the Ah phase–closed plaza groups, situated in enclosed valleys, attached house groups–and construction is similar as well–uncut stone fill and stone facing, plaster coverings, and perishable superstructures on low platform mounds. The primary occupation of this period was in tierra caliente, but similar first-order sites developed in tierra templada as well, such as the site of La Haciendita (H-9, Figure 12) in the Río Huista valley.

The strong continuity between the Ah and Chinax phases, in settlement patterns, construction techniques, ceramics, etc., suggests that a large in-migration during the Terminal Classic period is unlikely. It is possible that a large in-migration occurred during the Late Classic period Ah phase, as suggested by de Montmollin for neighboring Chiapas (de Montmollin, 1995:49-50), but this is untested. Some changes between the phases are evidenced, however, such as the use of small cut stone facing, as at Pam Swi’ Wakax (H-77), and experimentation with different plaza shapes, as at Flor de Mayo II (H-105, Figure 13).

The ceramics of the Chinax phase show continuity with the preceding Ah phase. These include a general tendency towards reds and oranges, particularly in bowl forms, as well as coarse wares in red and brown, usually in jar forms. Some changes occur, however, such as the general disappearance of the dish and cylinder forms. Paste types remain consistent, with medium pastes for the fine types and coarse pastes for the larger utilitarian wares, usually all light in color. This phase shows very little continuity with the succeeding Q’anil phase, except for a few general utilitarian varieties.

In general, settlement remained nucleated, organized around existing sites with increasing competition from growing or new centers. Some small occupation sites are found during this period, unassociated with a large center in any clear way. Medium size sites also are found, suggesting a three or four level settlement hierarchy during the phase. Nearly all settlements in tierra caliente and tierra templada are abandoned by the end of the phase, around 1200 A.D., representing a clear break between this phase and the following Q’anil phase.

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