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FAMSI © 2004: Antonia E. Foias |
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Politics and Economics: Motul de San José, Petén
Research Year: 2003 Table of Contents
Abstract The Motul de San José Archaeological Project has directed excavations, mapping and survey at the Classic center of Motul de San José and its environs since 1998. During the summer laboratory season of 2003, the ceramic, lithic, figural and spindle whorls collections were analyzed by Guatemalan and foreign students under the direction of Dr. Antonia Foias, in Salon 3, the storage facility of IDAEH in Guatemala City. The ceramic analysis discovered pre-Mamom pottery (probably pertaining to the early Middle Preclassic between 900/1000 and 600 B.C.) at the secondary site of Buenavista, located approximately 3 km southeast of Motul and near the north shore of Lake Petén Itzá. Furthermore, we were able to better define the types characteristic of the Terminal Classic at this site, based on the extensive excavations of several palaces in the major Groups D and E. The lithic analysis explored the different technologies used at the site to manufacture chert tools. The frequent use of thermal alteration to soften the chert suggests a sophisticated knowledge of this technology by the craftsmen of Motul. Several areas of production (divided into steps) were identified, such as the operations MSJ 15 and MSJ 23 in the epicenter and north zone, respectively, and the secondary sites of Buenavista and Trinidad. The study of the spindle whorls suggests the production of a variety of threads for textile weaving, although in their majority of fine quality. The examination of figurines demonstrated the use of several different technologies, including molds. Various residential groups were also identified as areas of production because of the high density of figurines and/or the presence of manufacturing debris or wasters.
Submitted 03/30/2004 by: |
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