Archaeological Research at Cotzumalhuapa, Guatemala

Reconnaissance at El Baúl

Definition of the extents of the Cotzumalhuapa Nuclear Zone has remained unclear. A precise delimitation of the ancient settlements is hindered by the growth of modern urban developments in the archaeological area. This is especially true for the southernmost part of the Nuclear Zone, where the modern city of Santa Lucía Cotzumalhuapa has grown to the very edge of the monumental structures at Bilbao. Elsewhere, urban growth has inflicted strong damage to the archaeological record at El Castillo and El Baúl.

Another limitation is posed by the lack of access to certain areas, a condition that held back reconnaissance around the El Baúl site at the time of my dissertation research (1994-95). This important area was systematically covered by field walking during the 2000-2001 field season (Figure 5, shown above). Recently cut sugarcane plots were subdivided to create sampling units measuring an average 100 × 100 m.  The corners of these units were plotted with a Garmin GPS II hand-held unit, reaching an EPE (estimated position error) of 3-4 meters. Each unit was sampled by walking straight lines along sugarcane furrows, while recovering rim sherds from the surface. This method proved feasible for extended coverage, and provided comparable information throughout the sampled area. A total 1.7 km² were covered with this method, stretching between the rivers Santiago and Cristóbal (Figure 1).

Preliminary results show a high density of settlements extending north of El Baúl. Further reconnaissance will be necessary to determine the limits of the high-density settlements beyond the sampled area. Importantly, debris from obsidian workshops was found at several locations in this sector, suggesting the presence of obsidian workshops. This reveals the likelihood of a series of small workshops, in addition to the very large workshop identified by an extensive debris accumulation, very close to the El Baúl acropolis, which was identified by Sonia Medrano in 1996.  Settlements also extend west towards river Cristóbal, but the density seems to be smaller. The majority of recovered sherds were Late Classic, but Postclassic materials were also found at selected locations. Analysis of materials recovered from the surface will provide a basis for more detailed conclusions on the variability of settlements across the sampled area.

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