A New Study of the Gruta de Chac, Yucatán, México

Study Objectives

In July and August of 1998, we undertook a new program of investigation at the Gruta de Chac building upon the previous research by Andrews IV. Our work also expands upon the research at the nearby sites of Chac II and Sayil (Killion et al., 1989; Sabloff and Tourtellot, 1991; Smyth and Dore, 1994; Smyth, 1998; Smyth et al., 1998; Tourtellot et al., 1989, and others). The Gruta de Chac study had three major goals: First, a program of surface collection and test excavation took place within and adjacent to the Chac cave to augment the sample of pottery and design elements previously collected and identified by Andrews IV. Measurements of the distance to the water source, compass bearings, and a sketch map of the horizontal passage to water were also undertaken. Second, settlement remains around the Gruta were cleared of vegetation, mapped, and classified where possible. Third, type-variety and formal analyses (NAA) were performed on all recovered pottery. Charcoal, ceramic, and clay samples were collected and submitted for radiocarbon dating and neutron activation analysis. These data now allow us to more accurately assess the function of the Gruta, its major period of use, and its relationship to nearby settlements like Chac II.

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