Archaeological Investigations at Holmul, Guatemala
Report of the First Field Season, May-June 2000
With contributions by: Jason Gonzales (Southern Illinois U., Carbondale), Marc Wolf (T.I.M.S.), Laura Kosakowsky (Boston U./U. Arizona) and Justin Ebersole (Boston U.)

Western Transect

The western transect survey, led by Jason Gonzalez, began from the site datum at 6000E, 6000N up to a distance of 450 m (Figure 3). First a 2 m wide baseline was cut (up to 1 km distance) placing stakes at 25 m intervals. Subsequently, two two-member mapping crews spaced at 25 m intervals advanced for 125 m perpendicular to the west base line, thus completing 125 m deep and 125 m wide sweeps on each side of the west base line (see also Puleston, 1983; Tourtellot, 1970; Tourtellot et al., 1993; 1994). In future field seasons, the operation will be repeated to complete the 3 km projected length of each base line in the cardinal directions. In 2000, we were able to complete mapping of a swath along the west base line that was 250 meters wide and 450 meters long from the center point. Even within this relatively small area, we found a variety of structures and landform modifications. In brief summary, we mapped 43 structures, 4 stelae, 1 altar, 10 chultuns, 3 terraces, 2 long berms, 4 quarry pits, and 4 quarry marks with cut stone blocks on the bedrock surface.

As the survey proceeded east to west from the datum (near the west edge of the Main Plaza), we mapped a drainage area sloping to the south which had two terracing structures lying perpendicular to the drainage. Just to the west of this drainage was a stela (Stela 5) standing in apparent in situ position that appears to be in line with Structure 8 and Ruin X in the Main Plaza. Stela 5 stands about 1.70 m above the ground. It is roughly cut with an oval top end and round short sides. Its main sides face E-W and bear no signs of inscriptions (Figure 17, shown below). To the south and east of Group II was a large 20 by 30 meter low platform structure, at which one of the berms bounding the causeway ended. On the right side of the western base line, are buildings lying on a 100 meter by 100 meter modified ledge/platform on which Group II was located. On this large platform was the ballcourt (strs. 11 and 12) and one long berm/walkway that terminates at a central C-shaped group (strs. 13-15) described above. On the western edge of this platform were two pyramid structures connected by a low wall, with room depressions on top of each structure. In front of these two pyramids were two small and low square platforms. Off the western edge of this platform was another drainage sloping southwest with one terrace/check dam.

Click image to enlarge.

South of this large platform is a scatter of structures, including several pyramidal structures, including Structure 8.  In addition, evidence of landform modifications existed in terms of quarrying activities in pits, quarrying with cut marks and half finished construction blocks, as well as various chultuns.

Structure 8 is a 15 m high flat-topped and steep-sided pyramid. Two large looters trenches bisect it completely top to bottom and from side to side. Upon cursory inspection, at least one earlier phase of construction was observed including a vaulted superstructure covered by the flat top mound summit. On the eastern front of Structure 8 several limestone fragments were found in paired axial position. Among these, were at least one altar (# 4) and two stelae (# 3 and 4). Stela 3 appeared to be the butt end of a large stela about 1 m wide which was found to be still standing about 0.7 m above the ground (Figure 18, shown below). A test excavation revealed it to have been reset on the humus layer without any formal layer of rubble or other preparations most likely in the post-abandonment period of the city. Stela 4 appeared to have been tipped and laying on its front over another stela/altar fragment. The "in situ" nature of Stela 4 and nearby fragments remains to be determined.

Click image to enlarge.

A small "elite" courtyard group is located to the SE of Str. 8.  This includes two long range buildings on the east and west sides and a small pyramid structure on the south side of the platform. Continuing to the west are several mound groups, including one on the northern side of the baseline that had several buildings with visible masonry walls. To the south of the baseline, the topography was very rocky and sloped gently to the southwest. Directly on the baseline at approximately N6000 E5650, is what appears to be a small radial pyramid, approximately 4-5 meters high, which will be the focus of further investigation in 2001.  At the western end of the mapped area was a small group of mounds lying on the bottom of the slope directly before entering a flat area (possibly a bajo) that lies off the western edge of this map.

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