The Architectural Development of an Early Maya Structure at Nakbé, Petén, Guatemala

Proposed Methodology

As part of the architectural study at Nakbé, a research design presented to the Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, Inc. (FAMSI) proposed that a tunnel be placed at the base of Structure 1 to identify the construction sequence of the building. Tunneling is the least expensive and least destructive form of investigation of the interior of major buildings (Sharer et al., 1991:50), and has been successfully used at Tikal (Coe, 1965; 1990; Laporte and Fialko, 1995), Copán (Sharer et al., 1989; Sharer et al., 1991; Sharer et al., 1992; Fash and Sharer, 1991; Fash et al., 1992) and El Mirador (Hansen, 1990). Horizontal excavations of the last construction of the building and the series of tunnels to explore the architectural sequences were placed in February through April 1996 and again in February through April of 1998, under the supervision of Hansen and an experienced staff. The initial tunnel was located on the center line axis of the main, central stairway on the east facade of Structure 1, with lateral extensions to define interior and exterior features. However, parallel extensions of the tunnel into the structure are currently underway, and has allowed identification of the architectural features of some of the earliest monumental structures at the site. Total Station mapping technology was employed inside the tunnels by the mapping firm employed by the project (Equinox, Inc.) to precisely locate and record vertical and horizontal interior features of the structure.

Lot divisions were established according to geographical location, chronology, and, if within a consistent chronological period, according to "cell wall" constructions.

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