La Pasadita Archaeological Project

Conclusions

The 1998 field season of the La Pasadita Archaeological Sub-Project did move towards the development of a greater understanding of the frontier between Classic Maya polities, and of the relationship between primate and subsidiary centers in the Usumacinta basin. We can at present offer several observations based on the data recovered from La Pasadita. First, though occupation and use of the valley continued from Late Pre-Classic times through to the Late Classic, construction of La Pasadita’s monumental architecture appears to have been limited to the Late Classic. It is likely that La Pasadita and Tilo:m owe this flouresence to the patronship of Bird Jaguar. Secondly, though it is impossible to say at present whether La Pasadita is a defensive site, it is certainly defensible and could have functioned to guard the valley between Yaxchilán and Piedras Negras. Areas to the south of La Pasadita, and in the near periphery of Piedras Negras, exhibit a greater level of occupation oriented around lower hill slopes and valley floors. Occupation at La Pasadita clearly focuses on constructions atop hills bounded by cliff faces. Finally, though we cannot securely associate La Pasadita materially with Yaxchilán, we feel that it is demonstrably different from Piedras Negras.

Unfortunately, modern conflict has left its mark on La Pasadita. Due to the threat of land mines, it will be impossible to follow up on these initial conclusions for the foreseeable future. Plans are afoot, however, to address similar questions through research at secondary centers south of Piedras Negras during upcoming field seasons. In so doing, we hope to more fully realize the picture of socio-political organization and boundaries in the Usumacinta basin.

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