Final Report of the 2000 Yo’okop Field Season: Initial Mapping and Surface Collections
Justine M. Shaw, Dave Johnstone, and Ruth Krochock

Group B

Due to the large size of Group A, and the distance covered by Sacbe 1, only a small portion of Group B could be recorded during the 2000 field season. Following the mapping of Sacbe 1, between Groups A and B, as well as an area immediately to the east of the roadway, researchers were able to map the south-central and southeastern portions of Group B (Figure 15 and Figure 16). The majority of the Group thus remains recorded only on a sketch map (Wilson 1974) (Figure 17). One of the first tasks of the proposed 2001 season will be the completion of this Group’s mapping. Significant monumental constructions continue to the west, north, and northeast of the recorded zone.

During the 2000 season, researchers were able to record the terminus of Sacbe 1, one of Group B’s main plazas, and smaller plazas to the east and west of this larger plaza. Sacbe 1, running from Group A, broadened as it reached Group B.  The northern end of the roadway is marked by the southern end of a long range structure, N5W1-3, on a larger platform (N5W1-1). The combined height of the platform and range structure rises N5W1-3, ten meters above the surrounding ground. This platform (N5W1-1) actually functions as a small acropolis, as it continues eastward under the remainder of the large plaza and beneath a smaller adjacent plaza. The southeastern corner of this acropolis was mapped; to the north, it appears to end just beyond Structures N5W1-3 and N5W1-6.

Forming the western edge of the large plaza (as well as the sacbe terminus), the 55 × 20 meter Structure N5W1-3 was capped by later additions, including a small foundation brace (Structure N5W1-5), and a Postclassic temple (Structure N5W1-4). Structure N5W1-4 has a column on either side of its doorway and incorporates cut stones that appear to date to the Terminal Classic. A set of narrow steps run down the long eastern face of the range structure from the door of the temple; based upon their position and construction style, they appear to date to the Postclassic. At present, Structure N5W1-4, whose vault is still standing, is severely threatened by a large tree growing on the roof. The northern portion of the temple has collapsed and many of the facing stones have fallen. The southern edge of the large plaza is marked by a smaller range structure (42 × 12 meters), Structure N5W1-2, while the north is defined by a raised platform and pyramid (Structure N5W1-6). Structure N5W1-6 has a very small Postclassic shrine on the western part of its summit. To the east, Structure N5W1-7 delineates the end of the large plaza; it also forms the western edge of a smaller plaza. This smaller, eastern plaza is actually divided by small architecture into two connected zones. Beyond this small plaza, the acropolis drops sharply to the natural ground level.

To the west of the Sacbe 1 terminus, a substantial complex of fortifications were recorded (Figure 18). An albarrada runs from a point near the Structure N5W1-3 summit to the southwest to connect to a long construction (Structure N4W1-5). Initially appearing to be a range structure, this long, low construction lacks wall lines and summit constructions. A three to four meter difference exists between the lower natural terrain and the broad, flat top of the feature.

Immediately north of the construction are concentrations of unshaped rocks, approximately 20 to 30 centimeters in diameter. The western end of this broad wall is connected to a 65 meter long platform (Structure N5W2-1) supporting a foundation brace. The 45 degree bridge between the two structures is a stout wall with a thick step running along its interior (northeast side) (Figure 19). This type of fortification would allow defenders to hurl weapons over the top of the wall while squatting on the step behind its protection. However, attackers outside the wall would face a high, straight face. From this connecting link, an albarrada continues up over approximately half of Structure N5W2-1.  Interestingly, the albarrada abruptly ends atop the building. The end of the albarrada is a straight line perpendicular to the ground surface, hinting that the wall was finished. This may indicate that it terminated at a perishable construction which was deemed sufficiently strong to serve as a fortification. To the northeast of Structure N5W2-1, an L-shaped protected entrance provided a guarded entrance between the platform and another monumental construction (not mapped in 2000). Unfortunately, there was not sufficient time to explore whether fortifications existed in other portions of the Group.

At this time, our only means to begin to date the fortifications is through obvious architectural stratigraphy. Based upon this, it is clear that the albarrada portions of the system were built after Structures N5W1-1, N5W1-3, and N5W2-1.  No new constructions were built over any of the fortifications and they do not appear to have been dismantled. For these reasons, we believe the fortifications to be relatively late in Yo’okop’s sequence. As little Terminal Classic constructions were evidenced in either Group A or B, this may mean that the defensive features were built as early as the latter part of the Late Classic.

The site’s three known stelae are located approximately 125 to 150 meters north of the portion of Group B mapped in 2000, still well within Group B.  Although their position was not accurately recorded, new palapas were constructed over the three monuments (as well as over Group A’s glyph blocks and altar) to protect the weathered inscriptions (see "Epigraphy"). Likewise, Sacbe 2’s connection to Group B, at the northeastern edge of the Group, will need to be recorded in future seasons. Sacbe 2 connects Groups B and C.

Previous Page  |  Table of Contents  |  Next Page

Return to top of page