Preliminary Investigations at Tzutziiy K’in

PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS AT TZUTZIIY K’IN Claire E. Ebert The Pennsylvania State University Timothy Dennehy Arizona State University INTRODUCTION The aim of investigations at the Tzutziiy K’in (TK) Group is to examine changes in ancient Maya households as populations expanded and became more urbanized and hierarchical in the Belize Valley during the Preclassic period (ca.1000 BC - AD 250) and into the Classic period (ca. AD 250-900). The TK Group is a large residential group located 1.78 kilometers as the crow flies (Plaza center: 16Q 277601N 1896841E, ~180 m asl) from the ceremonial center of Cahal Pech, one of the major political centers in the upper Belize River Valley (Figure 1). Preliminary investigations presented in this report suggest that settlement at TK began in the Middle Preclassic around 500 BC and lasted through the Terminal Classic, roughly contemporaneous with major occupation at Cahal Pech. Investigations by archaeologists working in the Maya Lowlands have identified that many of the hallmarks of Classic Maya society (e.g., kingship, public architecture, hieroglyphic writing) developed during the Preclassic Period (Healy 2006). Prior to this time, the ancient Maya lived in small, egalitarian, and economically autonomous household groups. Demographic expansion and economic growth during the Middle Preclassic (1000 – 400 BC) and into the Late Preclassic (400 BC – AD 250) periods in the Belize Valley (Clark and Cheetham 2002) were accompanied by the appearance of public architecture and some larger household groups, suggesting increasing centralization of economic power and the emergence of higher status individuals within local communities (Earle 1997). At this time a shift can be noted in the appearance of more standardized ceramics, evidence of long-distance trade networks dealing in exotic tools, and the beginnings of specialized household craft production in the archaeological record throughout the Belize Valley (Awe 1992). Archaeological research in other areas of the Maya Lowlands suggests these changes were far-ranging during the Middle and Late Preclassic Periods (Clark and Cheetham 2002). ____________________________________________________________________________________________ The Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project: A Report of the 2012 Field Season, edited by Julie A. Hoggarth, Reiko Ishihara-Brito, and Jaime J. Awe, pp. 185-209. Belize Institute of Archaeology, National Institute of Culture and History, Belmopan. © 2013 Figure 1: Plan of architectural features identified and mapped at Tzutziiy K’in. Inset shows location of Tzutiiy Kin relative to Cahal Pech and other settlement groups. Previous explanatory models for the development of stratification in Mesoamerica have traditionally described change in economic production, consumption, and distribution of resources as a consequence of the unidirectional growth of hierarchy, emphasizing actions of elites (Brumfiel and Earle 1987). Such perspectives discount behaviors that likely occurred at differing local and regional scales with varying effects on households. The household was the most basic economic unit in ancient agrarian societies. Among the Maya, a household can be defined as a task-oriented, co-residential group that conducts daily activities within a place of dwelling (Flannery 1976). Economic interaction integrated households into larger social and political networks, where the tensions between self-interest and collective values motivated individual action towards accumulating resources and status (Hirth 1993). Preliminary excavations at TK are aimed at examining the distribution, scale, and technology of ancient Maya household activities at the site. Change in artifact assemblages over time and in comparison to larger sites like Cahal Pech can demonstrate differences that are likely the result of economic, and thus social, inequalities. All excavation a TK focused on recovering temporally diagnostic materials (e.g., diagnostic ceramics, carbon samples, human and faunal remains) to help construct a chronology for household growth and scale of economic activities at the site throughout its occupation. To date, six radiocarbon samples taken from excavation throughout TK have been analyzed (Table 1). Samples were processed at the Penn State Human 186 Table 1: Radiocarbon dates for Tzutziiy K’in. All AMS 14C dates were calibrated using OxCal 4.2 (Bronk Ramsey 2013) Sample TKG-14 TKG-03 TKG-11 TKG-20 TKG-04 TKG-25 TKG-23 TKG-06 TKG-08 UCIAMS Number 121552 123530 121551 121553 123531 121554 123532 121549 121550 Lot Str. Unit 14C age (BP) Cal. yr. (2-σ range) 1034 1013 1000 1040 1000 1060 1058 1015 1018 3 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 3-1 LT 1 LT 1 LT 3 LT 1 2-3 2-2 1-2 1-4 2150 ± 20 1770 ± 15 1595 ± 15 1555 ± 15 1545 ± 15 1365 ± 15 1255 ± 15 1245 ± 20 1225 ± 15 352-111 BC 220-335 AD 420-535 AD 432-550 AD 432-567 AD 646-672 AD 684-780 AD 685-862 AD 713-879 AD Paleoecology & Isotope Geochemistry lab, and were processed at the UC-Irvine Keck Carbon Cycle AMS Facility. Results of this analysis are discussed throughout the text. SITE SETTING, MAPPING & MAGNETOMETER SURVEY Tzutziiy K’in was initially documented on May 14, 2012. Prior to this time there was no public knowledge of the site, perhaps due to its location on private property. The site was heavily looted, with evidence of older and more recent activity in certain areas of the site. All visible architectural features were mapped and documented (Figure 1). The site sits atop a small hill and is composed to two main plazas. A total of seven structures outline the main plaza, with the four largest structures located on each of the cardinal directions. Structure 1, 2, and 3 were investigated through excavation, as well as the main plaza. A second smaller, open plaza is located to the east of the main plaza and is bounded to the north and east by two range structures (these structures are not numbered). Another large mound is located to the east of the architectural core of the site, though it is almost entirely looted. Two possible aguadas are also associated with the site. The largest is located to the south and downhill of the main plaza. While it has been disturbed by bulldozing, the presence of cut limestone blocks within the depression suggests possible construction. A second, smaller aguada is located east of the main architecture. Clearing of grass on adjacent property to the east of TK revealed terracing, likely agricultural, downhill of the site. Future work will document the extent and nature of terracing associated with the site. Magnetometer survey was performed at TK in the main plaza in order to locate subsurface features for excavation. Magnetic surveys can be used for detailed mapping of subsurface archaeological (e.g., architectural, thermal) features. Magnetometers are able to detect the presence of items with strong dipolar signatures that represent magnetic anomalies. Metal items, features composed of burned soil, and rocks (i.e., architecture) are easily detectable. At TK, the magnetometer survey performed by Dr. Hector Neff was 187 used for a low-resolution exploratory survey on the plaza to locate architecture and burning features that contain potentially datable materials, focusing on the recovery of carbonized organic material for 14C dating (Figure 2). The magnetometer survey revealed several subsurface anomalies in the plaza. Large dipoles along the east of the plaza and in front of the west structure were later identified as metal objects resting on the surface, including nails and a machete file. A less obvious long anomaly runs the span of the plaza, more or less west-to-east, which initially was hypothesized to be composed of subsurface architectural features. This was investigated by a unit in the plaza, PLZ-1 (Figure 3). Figure 2: Results of magnetometer survey showing the location of large subsurface dipole in plaza targeted for excavation. 188 Figure 3: Locations of excavations units and grid used for magnetometer survey at Tzutziiy K’in EXCAVATIONS Structure 1 Structure 1, the northern-most structure in the main plaza, was the most heavily looted at the site. Salvage excavations were conducted in looter’s trenches and profiles exposed by looters were cleared to gain an understanding of the stratigraphic construction sequences. Initial investigations began in Looters Trench 1 (LT1) on the south side of the structure centerline, an area likely targeted by looters as the location of a burial. Looters tunneled into the structure from the plaza approximately 5.5 meters, exposing an earlier interior platform construction (also exposed in looter’s trench LT2 on the southwest 189 corner of Structure 1). Two units were placed within the extent of LT1 to clarify stratigraphic sequences. Unit 1-1 was placed inside of Structure 1, taking advantage of the interior of the structure exposed by LT1. Unit 1 was a 1.5 by 1 meter unit, with the goal of excavation to correlate construction sequences from the interior of Structure 1 with another unit, Unit 1-2, placed south of Structure 1 in the plaza. Both units were excavated to bedrock. The top of the structure was also cleared of humic and looter’s debris, exposing a complex series of interior benches that composed a superstructure (described in detail below). A centerline profile exposed a total of four major construction episodes for Structure 1 (Figure 4): TK-1 1st: The earliest construction consisted of a small platform placed on top of a plaster floor (which does not extend completely to the plaza in front of the structure). This structure is visible in LT1, LT2 and in another looter’s trench at the back of the structure (Figure 4a). TK-1 2nd: Subsequent construction consisted activities focused on building an apron-molded platform with an interior of rubble fill and a single construction floor (Figure 4b). A 14C date (TKG-11) taken from within the fill of the platform places construction in the Early Classic, between 420-535 cal BC. Another 14C sample (TKG-3), collected from just outside of the TK-1 2nd produced a 2σ date range of cal AD 220-335. This suggests that the structure was in used through the Late Preclassic and into the Early Classic Period. TK-1 3rd: The largest construction episode for the structure was composed of a series of fill episodes interspersed with construction floors in order to give shape to the structure, which had a stairway facing the plaza. In profile, only the first step was intact. The stairway would have corresponded with a thick plaster floor composing the top of the structure (Figure 4c). The 14C sample TKG-6 was collected just below the plaza floor that corresponds to the third construction episode at Structure 1, and produced a Late Classic date of 685-862 cal AD. TK-1 4th: The final phase of construction corresponds with the superstructure found at the top of the building during excavations. There may have been up to seven steps leading up to the top of the building (Figure 4d). The superstructure, part of the terminal phase of construction on Structure 1 was heavily disturbed by looting. Nonetheless a small room on top was uncovered. A constructed wall 2m long and 1m tall sat in the middle of the room, which may indicate that the room had two doorways, however this remains unclear due to looting activity. The partitioning wall was placed directly in front of a bench that runs east-to-west across the room. The bench continued to the back of the building, terminating in a wall that would be the back of the room. Both the bench and the partitioning wall were plastered over in a single event, suggesting that their construction was contemporaneous. A 14C sample TKG-8 produced a 2-σ date range of AD 713879, and post-dates the placement and plastering of the bench. 190 Figure 4: (A) Earliest construction at Structure 2; (B) Construction of apron-mold platform; (C) Penultimate and largest construction phase on the structure; (D) Terminal construction of Structure 1 with superstructure exposed. Figure 5: Count of diagnostic sherds from Structure 1 by group, with corresponding date noted. Preliminary ceramic analysis of diagnostic ceramics collected from LT1 was conducted to the ceramic group level where possible. Results suggest that construction at Structure 1 spans from the Preclassic through Terminal Classic Periods (Figure 5). Of the 91 diagnostic sherds collected, 35 were of unknown types. While it is not a completely representative sample, it suggests that occupation and construction at the site began fairly early, possibly as early as ca. 500 BC. Radiocarbon dates for TK-1 3rd and TK-1 4th indicate that largest episodes of construction at Structure 1 took place in the Late Classic. Ceramic analyses are in agreement with these dates as the majority of diagnostics come from the Spanish Lookout Complex. Structure 2 Structure 2 is located on the eastern side of the TK Group main plaza. A pattern identified at other Maya centers including Cahal Pech, eastern structures are often significant locations in terms of ritual and religious activity (Chase 1994; Chase and Chase 1994). Structure 2 is composed of two parts: a larger main northern structure and a small, low addition to the south that extends to the edge of the main plaza. The large main structure was additionally separated into a taller northern summit and a lower southern platform. 192 Figure 6: Locations of excavation units and looter’s trenches on Structure 2. Structure 2 was targeted for excavation because of its location on the main plaza. Three units were placed along the centerline on Structure 2 (Units 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3) and a single unit was positioned on the summit, on the north side of the building (Unit 2-4). The goal of excavation in all units was to examine the construction sequence of the building and to recover temporally diagnostic artifacts and materials. The structure was heavily looted and units were placed in order to avoid damaged areas. Salvage excavation was conducted in a looter’s trench located on the west side of the building (LT3) with goal of recovering additional stratigraphic information about the building (Figure 6). Units 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 Unit 2-1 began as a 1.5 x 3 meter unit placed on top of Structure 2 running approximately east-to-west down the center of the building. The unit was placed in order to avoid several large looters trenches had destroyed much of the building. The goal of excavations was to locate a central staircase and to help define the architectural configuration of the structure. After initial clearing of humic debris from the top on the structure and in the unit, large limestone cobbles were uncovered, including several that were aligned along the north side of the unit, running east-to-west. The unit was then extended 7 meters (Unit 2-2 and 2-3) into the plaza in front of Structure 2 in order to continue exposing the wall alignment and other associated architectural features that 193 Figure 7: Locations of excavation units and looter’s trenches on Structure 2. composed the western edge of the building. Figure 7 shows exposed architecture from all three contiguous units. Excavations at Structure 2 revealed a complicated sequence of construction. At least four major construction phases were identified: TK-2 1st: The earliest construction at Structure 2 consists of a series of three plaster floors that were placed above bedrock. A radiocarbon sample (TKG-25) collected directly from the surface of plaster Floor 2 produced a date of 646-672 cal AD, placing all subsequent construction activities at the structure well within the Late Classic. Excavation beneath Floor 2 encountered Feature 1. Feature 1 consisted of a large amount of medium sized cobbles (5-10 cm in diameter) arranged into a circular shape approximately 1 meter in diameter (Figure 9). Feature 1 was initially bisected, with excavation concentrated in the southern half. During excavation, several ceramic sherds and chert flakes were collected. Excavation was expanded to the northern half of the feature. There, beneath the 194 Figure 8: North profile of Units 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3. Figure 9: Unit 2-3 showing northern stepped wall and circular stone feature, center. 195 Figure 10: South profile of Units 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3. northwest quadrant of the feature, we found the remnants of the rim and neck of a jar that can be re-fit to form an almost complete rim. The matrix beneath the stone circle consisted of a hard-packed matrix that was light brown-grey in color. Excavation beneath Feature 1 revealed the first construction at Structure 2, which consisted of a thick plaster floor (~ 3 cm). Because of the presence of other architectural elements, it is unclear if the floor (Floor 3) continues to the east underneath later construction. Bedrock was encountered approximately 30 cm beneath Floor 3. TK-2 2nd: The first construction at Structure 2 consisted of the western structure wall that is associated with plaster Floor 1 (Figure 8). A sloping apron wall is located in the north side of the unit. In the south half of the unit small inset, roughly 50 cm deep, is present forming a low bench (Figure 10) The Plaster floor 1 lips up onto this bench, and it appears that at one time the apron side-wall was covered in plaster as well. Located on the floor in front on the apron wall was a large circular stone approximately 50 cm in diameter (Figure 11). The stone was cracked in half roughly down the middle when found. No markings or carvings adorned either surface. A small radio carbon sample (TKG-26) was collected from beneath the stone after it was flipped over and removed. Additionally as several sherds that appear to be from a single ceramic vessel were located beneath the stone. 196 Figure 11: Unit 2-2 showing northern stepped wall as well as sloping apron wall and large heart-shaped stone. TK-2 3rd: During the second construction episode, two parallel walls were placed perpendicular to the apron wall on top of Floor 1. They also line the north and south baulks of the unit (Figures 8 and 10). The wall consisted of large cut limestone blocks and extended approximately 1 meters west towards the plaza, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, suggesting that at least a portion Structure 2 was considerably enlarged. The walls both abut a low retaining wall located on the west side of the structure, also shown in Figures 7 and 8. Subsequently the space between the walls was filled in. A radiocarbon sample (TKG-23) collected from the bottom of the fill dates its placement to cal AD 684-780 (Figure 8). While the placement of the parallel walls, retaining wall, and fill are interpreted as relatively contemporaneous events, they may have taken place in stages. TK-2 4th: The final construction episode on Structure 2 consisted of the placement of an outset stairway leading into the plaza. The steps are located on the north side of the unit (Figure 10). The first two steps were still intact, though the stairway may have bas as many as four steps. 197 Figure 11: West and South wall profiles of Unit 2-4. Unit 2-4 Unit 2-4 was placed on the summit of Structure 2, on the north side of the building. The goal of excavation was to encounter datable material and to better understand the stratigraphy of the structure. The unit was 1.5 by 3 meters and was placed running approximately north-to-south. Immediately in front of this unit was a deep looter’s trench (see Looter’s Trench 3 below). Unit 2-4 was placed just behind the looter’s trench to help relate to the stratigraphy in each excavation. The first level of excavation focused on clearing humic layer debris from the surface of the structure, and uncovered ceramics, chert, one jute shell, a fishing net weight, and one incensario fragment (bulky ceramic with applique). Chert items found include cores, flakes, at least one bifacial hoe fragment. Similar types of artifacts were recovered throughout excavation of the entire unit, in addition to obsidian blade fragments. The first level ended at a highly eroded plaster floor in the southern portion of the unit, presumably the terminal construction for the building. Floor 1 was identified at a fairly shallow depth on the east side of the unit, with the plaster floor at its most shallow depth in the northeast corner of the unit. A second plaster floor was seen in profile below the first, though it was also eroded (Figure 11). Below the first two floors was a layer of white marl construction fill. Beneath the marl was a level of ballast fill approximately 20-40 cm thick with some larger stones throughout. The marl and ballast fill episodes capped a third plaster floor that spanned across the entire unit except in the northern most section. Floor 3 was located at depths of approximately 120-140 cmbd. Immediately below the third plaster floor a layer of white marl was present, interspersed with more compact fill consisting of 10YR 6/2 matrix with small rocks and carbonized plant materials throughout. Several 14C samples were collected (TKG-31, 198 TKG-32, and TKG-34) from the fill that are contemporaneous to the fill episodes. Further excavation into the construction fill revealed a mass of cut stones, perhaps the remains of a short collapsed wall in the southeastern portion of the unit. North of the wall, the pattern of white marl and soil fill continued, while to the south (outside of the construction) the area was filled in with ballast stones. Excavation of Unit 2-4 was terminated at approximately 185-190 cmbd due to time constraints. The unit was covered with a tarp and backfilled. Future endeavors at the unit will continue with excavation and focus on recovering a larger sample of 14C samples in order the construct a relatively precise chronology for construction of Structure 2. Additionally, ceramic analysis will aid in developing a chronological framework and constructing models for the development of the group. Looter’s Trench 3 As part of excavations on Structure 2, Looter’s Trench 3 (LT3) was cleared of looting debris for further investigation. Modern looting likely took place approximately 20-30 years before the 2012 season at the site, and it appears that the looter’s back dirt and trench may have collapsed in onto itself. LT3 was a deep vertical hole dug approximately 7 meters down into the structure from its surface. In the profile exposed by the looting activity, the exterior face of the west wall of Structure 2 is visible, along with several floors beneath that level (Figure 12). During clearing, only diagnostic artifacts and special finds were collected in order to gain a better temporal understanding of the construction. While formal ceramic analysis has yet to be undertaken, initial examination of ceramics during excavation suggest that looters penetrated Preclassic through Terminal Classic construction. One small jade bead was recovered from looters back dirt on the surface of Structure 2. Despite the presence of this item, it does not appear that looters encountered any formal burials or other rich deposits. After LT3 was cleared to an undisturbed level, all artifacts were collected. Immediately beneath looting activity lay 4 large boulders approximately 80cm to 1m in diameter. Human bone fragments were present on top of the boulders. After the boulders were removed, a larger amount of bone fragments appeared. They lay above a plaster floor that was broken in two separate locations (Features 1 and 2), and were replastered in antiquity. The western most Feature 1 was targeted for additional investigation as it was easily completely exposed. The extent of Feature 2 is unknown though it likely continued further into the structure. 199 Figure 12: Profile of LT3 exposure Feature 1. 200 Feature 1 consisted of a conical pit dug in construction fill (5YR 8/1 white sandy loam with plaster inclusions) directly above bedrock. Several more bone fragments and two teeth were recovered from the feature. No other artifacts were found. The function of Feature 1 remains unclear. Due to its size, it could not hold a complete primary burial, but may have instead represented some type of cache or secondary burial typically associated with eastern shrine buildings in the Belize Valley (Chase 1994; Chase and Chase 1994). A radiocarbon sample (TKG-20) collected from the matrix within Feature 1 produced a 2-σ date range of 432-550 AD. The Early Classic date of the feature indicates that it was constructed prior to the bulk of construction activity uncovered in Units 2-1, 22, and 2-3. Structure 3: Unit 3-1 Excavations on Structure 3 consisted of a single 1 by 3 meter axial trench placed at the center of the structure and extending into the TK Group plaza. Because this structure suffered the least damage from looting at the site, the goal of excavation was to recover chronologically secure contexts. A total of eight distinct construction events were identified at Structure 3 (Figure 13). The first two levels of excavation exposed a plaster floor (Floor 1) covering stairway leading up the front of the structure, the final construction phase of Structure 3. The first step of three had a longer run (80 cm) than the second and third steps (25-30 cm). The first step of the structure was later revealed to be part of the penultimate construction phase. It appears to be a low platform that was plastered over by Floor 2. Floor 2 runs under the second and third steps into the structure suggesting that it originally functioned as a low platform, composing an earlier structure. Large cut stone blocks were present in the southeast corner of unit, which may have composed the northern edge of stairway of the structure. Beneath the final and penultimate construction phases, Floor 3 was encountered. Floor 3 extended completely across unit except in the southwest corner of unit, where it likely existed at one point but was degraded. Floor 3 slopes up slightly, located at a depth of 166 cmbd at north/front of the structure and 173 cmbd on south side of unit. Excavations continued to investigate the materials below Floor 3 in the next construction phases, represented by Floor 4. The matrix above Floor 4 consisted of a compact light tan gray fill with plaster inclusions. Ceramics and chert were recovered from the fill, as from the rest of the excavation up to this point. However additionally freshwater shells (jute) and three pieces of slate were also recovered. After fill was removed, Floor 4 was encountered. Although mostly degraded, Floor 4 represents the construction of another low platform, and is only present in the portion of the unit inside the structure. 201 Figure 13: North wall profile of Unit 3-1. Beneath this level, another flat floor (Floor 5) extended across the entire unit, beneath the Floor 4 platform and into the plaza. Floor 6 rests immediately below Floor 5, and extends across the unit as well, and is interpreted as a plastering event. Preliminary examination of ceramics recovered below Floor 5 (Lots 1032-1037) contained Preclassic ceramics, primarily from the Sierra Red Group. Approximately 10 cm below Floor 6, the final floor (Floor 7) in the Structure 3 construction sequence was encountered. A layer of “midden” fill was identified immediately beneath Floor 7, containing high concentrations of ceramics, obsidian, chert, freshwater shell, marine shell, bone, several granite mano fragments. Freshwater shell was present in the form of 2 jute shells. One 14C sample (TK-14) was collected from 35 cm below the base of Floor 7. The sample was taken from inside a large limestone block with what appears to be natural holes in various sizes. Radiocarbon analysis produced a 2-σ date range of 325-111 BC, and dates the placement of the fill below Floor 7, but has not yet been analyzed. A change in soil color and type to a 10 YR 2/1 black clay paleosol signaled the termination of the midden fill. Similar strata have been encountered throughout the Maya lowlands 202 and represent the first soils encountered by initial settlers of a region (Beach et al. 2006). Very few artifacts were found in the paleosol matrix, and perhaps have been vertically displaced from superseding levels through time. Excavation ended when bedrock was encountered at a level of about 3 meters below datum. Based on this evidence, the fill below Floor 7 may have been used to level out the TK Group hilltop prior to construction. Magnetometer data suggests that bedrock is unevenly shallow in the main plaza with some areas naturally higher (e.g. at PLZ-1) than others (e.g. those in the southern portion of the plaza). The residents of the group were able to harness enough manpower to shape the hill during the Late Preclassic period before extensive construction activities took place. Earle (1991) has proposed that the primary method emerging elites in chiefdoms used to mobilize labor and to control resources is through property rights. Perhaps the TK Group may have already held more sway during the Preclassic compared to their neighbors living in smaller surrounding plazuela groups. Lithic A nalysis and Preliminary Interpretation Items produced from local chert and exotic materials, including obsidian and jade, comprise the lithic assemblage at the TK Group. Preliminary lithic analysis was conducted for all chert tools and debitage recovered from Unit 3-1. Results of these analyses are assumed to be largely similar for the whole group. Locally produced artifacts include chert tools (primarily cores with some large biface fragments and two blades) with cortex present on more than 50% of the total assemblage (Figure 14). Cortex was also present on over 50% of all debitage recovered from the unit, indicating early stage reduction. This suggests local acquisition of raw materials and expedient tool production, a pattern noted in other regions of the Maya Lowlands (Aoyama 2007). Johnson and Andrews have suggested that locally available chert in the Belize River Valley is of low quality, resulting in onsite use of expedient technologies (Johnson and Andrews 2010:86) consistent with household production and on-site consumption. The presence of finished obsidian tools indicates some form of trade during occupation at the TK Group. Future inquiries into the nature of the lithic assemblage at the site will focus on XRF analyses to source obsidian artifacts. 203 Figure 14: Relative proportions of lithic tools and debitage with and without cortex by type. Plaza Excavations Unit PLZ -1 Two units were placed in the main plaza at the TK Group. PLZ-1was a 2 by 2m unit placed in the southern portion of the plaza in order to investigate the presence of a long anomaly running approximately east-to-west identified during magnetometer survey. Excavations proceeded in two levels, with the first level revealing the possible presence of a plaster floor. While highly degraded, this floor is consistent with the depth of the floor found in front of Structure 2. After the first level, the unit was bisected and excavation continued in the northern most 1 by 2m portion of the unit. The second level consisted of rubble fill, which sat immediately on top of bedrock. Bedrock was encountered at a shallow depth of 80 cm below ground surface. The bulk of the artifact 204 assemblage recovered was composed primarily of chert debitage, though few artifacts were recovered overall. The shallow depth of bedrock at this location likely is the cause of the large magnetometer anomaly. Bedrock was encountered at a much greater depth in other, nearby excavations at the TK Group (e.g., Unit 3-1 and PLZ-2 described below). Evidence for landscape modification exists in these areas, specifically leveling out the uneven hilltop upon which the TK Group was constructed. Unit PLZ-2 PLZ-2 was a 1 by 2m unit running north-to-south placed on the south side of the main plaza at the TK Group. The goal of the excavation was to investigate the composition of a man-made gradual rise that bounds the main plaza to the south, as well as to gain temporal information concerning the timing for the placement of the feature in relation to the construction in the rest of the group. After initially clearing the humic debris, a midden fill matrix was encountered. The fill was composed of a 10YR 4/2 dark grey brown organic rich matrix with domestic artifacts including utilitarian ceramic, mano fragments, 4 obsidian blade fragments, and a large amount of chert material (mostly cores and flakes) throughout. In the west wall of the unit, a wall was present constructed from cut stone blocks. One piece of carbon was recovered from area beneath a mano at a depth of 78 cmbd on west wall. The sample originates from below the wall and predates its placement. Below the wall, two episodes of rubble fill were encountered, both composed of a sandy loam that contained a large amount of small rocks. Each construction episode was distinguished by a “floor”, likely the result of packing the fill into place. Few artifacts were recovered from the fill. Beneath the fill episodes, the same buried A Horizon was present in Unit 3-1, Structure 3, indicating that this area of the plaza was level prior to construction as well. Initial interpretation of the construction sequence suggests that the midden fill was laid down prior to placement of a large stone wall, and that the wall acted as a retainer for fill that was subsequently added to level off the area (Figure 15). Additional exposing of the wall revealed that it extends into the plaza, with a perpendicular alignment running east-to-west abutting the wall in the plaza. Exposed limestone to the east mirror this pattern and suggest that the architecture may have served to mark a passage way across the rise, and entrance into the plaza of the main plaza at the TK Group. PRELIMINARY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The first season of research at Tzutziiy K’in has yielded interesting chronological information and data concerning the populations living around Cahal Pech. Initial excavations revealed that the group was first settled sometime during the Late Preclassic and was inhabited, likely continuously, through the Terminal Classic period. Settlement at similar large groups near Cahal Pech, for example the Cas Pek Group, have congruent chronological sequences (Cheetham et al. 1993). Beginning in the Late Preclassic occupation at Tzutziiy K’in was firmly established, consistent with previously 205 Figure 15: West profile of PLZ-2 showing rock alignment running north-to-south, with subsequent levels of fill beneath. documented evidence of demographic expansion at Cahal Pech and its hinterlands during this time (Awe 1992). Early occupation at the group was likely small-scale, and construction of platforms did not begin until the Early Classic. Initial construction of Structure 1 prior to ca. AD 400 was small, consisting of a low platform, and may have not required much labor investment. On the other hand, a considerable amount of labor was focused on leveling out the site before any large-scale construction took place, as revealed in excavations at Structure 3 and on the edge of the plaza. It appears that, over time, settlement expanded into the area surrounding Tzutziiy K’in, in addition to larger scale construction episodes in the main plaza. The final construction episodes on both Structures 1 and 2 were large-scale and date to the Late Classic. It is clear that during the Terminal Classic period the residents of Tzutziiy K’in were likely high-status. The scale of construction suggests that the residents of Tzutziiy K’in possessed the resources needed to remodel buildings often. The modest bench located in the superstructure of Structure 1 may be associated with the status of the individuals who occuptied the house groups in the Late Classic. At sites like Copan, benches served as potent political 206 symbols, and in royal or high-status contexts are often the public focal points of tribute and gift presentation (Stuart 1995: 368; Webster et al. 1998). While the identity and exact status of the residents of the site remains unknown, perhaps they were closely affiliated with the ruling elite at Cahal Pech or served in some sort of administrative capacity. Future work will focus on refining chronological and stratigraphic interpretations at the group, which will elucidate the sequence of construction activities. The sequence of these activities will be compared to data from Cahal Pech to investigate the relationships between Tzutziiy K’in and the ceremonial center. Future work will also focus on expanding excavations at Tzutziiy K’in in order to better understand the group and its socioeconomic connections with Cahal Pech and in a broader context within the Belize Valley. Excavations will be expanded in the group, and agricultural features will be explored. In the lab, detailed analysis of artifact assemblages will be performed. Ceramics will be compared to a standard typology for Cahal Pech and Baking Pot, focusing on change over time in percentage of wares indicative of craft specialization. Lithic artifacts, including chert and obsidian tools, flaked stone debitage, and ground stone, will be examined to determine if tool production took place within the house group or if tools were obtained through trade. The presence or absence of exotic materials, such as marine shell, jade, and obsidian would indicate long-distance trade. Geochemical analysis (e.g., XRF, INAA) of these artifacts will be used to determine source locations and reconstruct long-distance exchange. Household studies have generally been neglected in the Maya region in favor of research emphasizing ritual, ceremonial, and elite aspects of ancient Maya society. As new insights into the scale and timing of social changes within households are developed and refined, they can help generate more general models of the mechanisms through which sociopolitical development occurs at the household, community, and regional scales. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank Dr. Jaime Awe, Jorge Kan, Dr. Julie Hoggarth and the Belize Institute of Archaeology for encouraging and supporting fieldwork at Tzutziiy K’in. Without their expertise in and out of the field, none of this would have been possible. We also owe thanks to Brendan Culleton oversaw processing of radiocarbon materials. We would also like to acknowledge Dr. Douglas J. Kennett for his continued support. This material is based in part upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DGE1255832. 207 REFERENCES CITED: Aoyama, Kazuo 2007 Elite Artists and Craft Producers in Classic Maya Society: Lithic Evidence from Aguateca, Guatemala. Latin A merican A ntiquity 18 (1):3-26. Awe, Jaime.J. 1992 Dawn in the Land between the Rivers: Formative Occupation at Cahal Pech, Belize and its Implications for Preclassic Occupation in the Maya Lowlands. Ph.D dissertation. Institute of Archaeology, University of London, England. Beach, T., N. 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