The Nature of Governance in Secondary Centers of the Classic Period, Mixteca Alta, México

Cerro de la Cantera

Cerro de la Cantera is located in the Nochixtlán Valley. It has six structures and 78 terraces (both agricultural and residential). Periodization for the whole site is predominantly Early Classic with some Terminal Formative on the main civic ceremonial area and Postclassic mainly to the east. The main architectural zone is composed of a plaza delimited to the east by the main structure (Structure 1) (Plate 9, shown below) that measures 23m by 26m at its base and 4m high, to the south by a small structure, less than one meter in height, (Structure 2) (Figure 4, Plate 10) and to the west by a wall. To the North of Str 1, is a large pile of rocks that I presume belonged to a third mound found to the north. The civic ceremonial area is surrounded by two extensive (defensive?) walls, one extends from southeast to northwest and measures 560m the other runs parallel and measures 700m (Plate 11, Figure 4).

To the northwest of the main civic ceremonial area stands another mound (Structure 4), and it is joined to the (defensive) wall that surrounds the summit of the site. The structure has been looted and much of the rock used for its construction is found spread on a flat area to the east and south. Finally, north northwest of Structure 4 a platform is found. The platform overlooks Lama-Bordo 1 (Figure 4, Plate 12). On this platform, another structure (Structure 5) is found (Plate 13).

Fifty five and a half hectares were mapped at Cerro de la Cantera. The site is in good preservation, although many of its walls have been removed or modified. Most of the site is still used today for planting beans.

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