The Archaeology of Early Formative Chalcatzingo, Morelos, México, 1995

Results of Laboratory Investigations

During the course of the field investigations, the excavated materials were subjected to preliminary processing. All of the artifacts were washed, cataloged, and stored. At the completion of the field research, analysis of the recovered materials was conducted for a period of two months following the typology established by the previous Chalcatzingo project (Cyphers Guillen, 1987a; 1992). Due to the large quantity of materials recovered from the excavations, (approximately 30,000 sherds), it was decided to analyze a sample of the total number of ceramics to construct a ceramic typology and to became familiar with the material. The ceramics from Unit #7 were chosen for analysis because this was the only pit excavated to bedrock, it yielded the greatest quantity of sherds, and this was the only pit to have all of the stratigraphic levels represented. Consequently, it yielded the best example of ceramics from all of the time periods, especially the Early Formative levels.

The total number of sherds analyzed was 10,200 (Table 2). Each sherd was first placed in its appropriate typological category, and then tabulated according to its stratigraphic level. Although there were 28 different types, the vast majority pertained to the Early Formative Period, confirming an early date for the platform mound. Additionally, the rim sherds were also tabulated and typed (Table 3). Once again, most of the rim sherds were dated to the Early Formative. The same procedure was followed for the vessel bases, decorated sherds, and exotically shaped sherds.

Analysis of the ceramics found with the platform has confirmed an Early Formative date for the structure, however, this remains tentative pending the processing of radiocarbon dates. Interestingly, three separate occupations for the platform mound were uncovered. The first occupation (Level 10-12), which dated to the Early Formative Period, took place directly over the bedrock of the site and represents the initial occupation of the terrace before the erection of the platform. The second occupation (Levels 4-9) represents the construction phase and life history of the platform mound. The final occupation (Levels 1-3), which corresponds to the Middle Formative Period, postdates the platform mound and represents later building activity in this same location. Significantly, this final occupation somewhat disturbed the platform mound by removing portions of the clay caps and other stratigraphic levels.

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