The Maax Na Archaeology Project: Documentation of Stelae, Altars, and Cave Entrances in the West Ceremonial Group

Results of March 2001 Field Work

Project Objectives

The Maax Na Archaeology Project had conducted four summer field seasons between 1996 and 2000. These efforts allowed for the majority of the ceremonial center to be mapped and for test excavations to be conducted, primarily in the North Plaza. At the end of the 2000 season, an interesting cluster of cave openings and possible stelae were discovered at the southeast corner of the West Plaza (Figure 5.). Work at Maax Na to date had only identified two stelae, and the location of these stones outside of a formal plaza was intriguing. The funding requested from FAMSI was to support 16 days of fieldwork in the spring of 2001 to complete the investigation and documentation of this area. The excellent weather and the committed crew allowed us not only to meet our original objective but also to conduct several additional tests in the southwestern area of the site. The additional work resulted in the discovery of the first altar (Altar A) reported at Maax Na.

The Megalith and Caves (Operation C2-1000)

The possible stela (later defined as Megalith I) and caves are located at the southeastern corner of the Western Plaza (Figure 5.). A residential group, known as the Water Group, is also in this area. A large limestone block stood upright on what appeared to be a shallow platform. Two other large blocks were adjacent to the first block, but had fallen over. The upright block stood 112 cm above the platform surface and was 39 cm thick. There was no apparent carving on the block, but it did appear that it had been shaped, particularly the 90-degree juncture between the east/front side and the edges.

After clearing the area of vegetation and following a close inspection of the blocks, it was determined that the blocks that we had thought were fallen stelae had in fact been part of the original block (Figure 6, shown above). A crack had formed that split the block parallel to the east face. Given the dimensions of the fallen blocks, we estimate that the original block was roughly 155 cm high, 126 cm thick north/south, and 75 cm thick east/west. These dimensions place it more in the category of megalith rather than stela, but it is clear that it represents the intentional placement of a large, shaped boulder. This feature will now be referred to as Megalith I to avoid confusion with clearly defined stelae at the site.

An excavation unit was placed on the east side of the standing block to expose both the platform and to determine how the block had been placed. The excavations revealed that the primary, standing block was positioned on top of bedrock, and that small stones had been wedged under its northeast corner to stabilize it. The block had been placed on limestone bedrock that did not seem to have been covered with soil, so either the area had been cleared of soil or this limestone had been exposed through quarrying activity. Quarrying activity was clearly evident on the hill located to the southwest of this area. The surface of the megalith on the east face, near the base (the area that had been covered by soil), was very smooth, but no carving or paint was apparent.

The excavation of this unit located the platform at only 15-20 cm below the ground surface. The edge of the platform was exposed as an alignment of small stones with marl used to fill in the voids between the alignment and the bedrock. This could easily have been plastered to create a formal platform, although no floor remained. A moderate number of ceramic sherds was recovered, but most of these were heavily weathered. A few rim sherds of water vessels were found. A low number of chert flakes and one obsidian blade were also recovered.

Another interesting feature of this area is a linear group of openings which lead to a tubular cave below (Figure 5. and Figure 7, shown above). The openings have been shaped by humans to create roughly circular entrances and they are all about 80 cm in diameter. The cave below appears to be a tunnel, roughly 1.5 meters in height running from the southwest to northeast. It was not our intent to explore the interior of the cave fully, so we do not know how far it extends in either direction. It is likely that it flows with water during the wet season, and might have provided a good source of fresh water.

The mapping and testing of the standing stone, now tentatively called a standing megalith, and the cave openings have left us with more questions than clear answers. This area does appear to have been heavily modified and maintained by the Maya, and our interpretation is currently that it was used as a water collection area. The open entrance into the West Plaza (Figure 5.) would have allowed easy access. The artifact sample from this area, although limited, does suggest water collection and the cave could have supplied a critical source of clean drinking water. We hope in the future to explore the cave interior and perhaps to conduct excavations within it.

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