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

Investigation of Altar A

One of our secondary goals during the 2001 season was to investigate the area directly west of the western plaza, both in terms of associated structures and the natural and/or modified topography around it. This area had been briefly documented during the initial site discovery (Barnhart 1997), and a large, residential complex had been observed. This complex was positioned on a narrow promontory which extended west, bounded by very steep slopes dropping roughly 20 meters to a drainage (Figure 2.). Given the topography, this residential group was private and well protected. The large pyramidal and range structures in this group support its use by the elite, possibly even by the ruling lineage.

During the investigation of this area, an altar was discovered in association with a west-facing pyramid. The altar, designated as Altar A, exhibited no clear carving on its top or side surfaces, although it had been heavily weathered. It had been fractured into three main pieces, possibly from the growth of tree roots. The altar measured 1.56 meters in diameter and was 27 cm in height. Although weathered, the symmetry and clearly defined edges indicate that it had been made to high standards.

The altar was mapped and documented, and a 1 x 1 meter unit was excavated below one of its fragments to evaluate pavement associations and deposits. The excavations revealed the presence of a shallow chamber; no human bones or objects were apparent. Our limited time did not allow us to expose the chamber fully, but the area within our unit was carefully screened and samples for flotation were collected. The chamber was then carefully covered to await more complete study during a future season. The positioning of this chamber so close to the surface would likely have resulted in the complete deterioration of organic materials, including human remains.

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