Changing Patterns of Ritual Activity in an Unlooted Cave in Central Guatemala

Abstract

The Cave of Hun Nal Ye, located in central Guatemala, was discovered unlooted by a local landowner in 2005 and was immediately subject to investigation by the authors. The cave contained ritual remains dating to between the Terminal Pre-classic and Terminal Classic. In addition to allowing a detailed reconstruction of ritual activity in the northern highlands, its presence along the Great Western Trade Route allows archaeologists to examine hypotheses about interregional trade during the Classic period. In particular, changes in the ritual assemblage between the Early and Late Classic indicate that the cave was an important trade shrine for merchants and travelers passing between the highlands and lowlands until ca. A.D. 550, at which point it became a local shrine used to reinforce elite power. These changes are then linked to larger patterns occurring in other parts of the trade route, especially to Tikal and the kingdoms along the Pasión and Usumacinta rivers.

Pilgrimage to the Edge of the Watery Underworld: an Ancient Maya Water Temple at Cara Blanca, Belize

“…), but also would have provided the means to transport offerings, as well as trade goods (Thompson 1970, 130-31;e.g. Woodfill 2011;Woodfill et al 2012). Other routes to Pool 1 are from the south by crossing Labouring Creek, from the east along the north side of the pools and from the north via several ravines.…”

“…In the last several decades, caves have become a major focus in Maya archaeology (e.g. Brady & Prufer 2005;King et al 2012;Moyes & Brady 2013;Moyes et al 2009;Prufer & Brady 2005;Stone 1995;Woodfill 2011;Woodfill et al 2012, to name just a few). In this article, we examine another type of portal, the pools of Cara Blanca in central Belize (Fig.…”

After 40 Years: Revisiting Ceibal to Investigate the Origins of Lowland Maya Civilization

“…The Proyecto Atlas Arqueológico directed by Laporte expanded their research in southeastern Peten into the adjacent Pasión area, which led to a collaborative project with the Spanish team at Machaquila (Ciudad Ruiz and Lacadena 2006, 2008). After the completion of the Petexbatun Project, Demarest started the excavation of Cancuen (Demarest 2013; Demarest et al 2014, 2016; Kovacevich 2007, 2011, 2013; Woodfill 2010, 2011; Woodfill and Andrieu 2012; Woodfill et al 2012). Inomata continued excavations at Aguateca with Triadan, Ponciano, and Aoyama, which started as part of the Petexbatun Project (e.g., Aoyama 2007, 2009; Bachand 2006; Buechler 2012; Eberl 2007, 2014; Emery 2003; Emery and Aoyama 2007; Inomata 2001; Inomata and Triadan 2010, 2014; Inomata et al 2001, 2002, 2004, 2009; Ishihara 2007; Terry et al 2004; Triadan 2007).…”

Tikal's Early Classic Domination of the Great Western Trade Route: Ceramic, Lithic, and Iconographic Evidence

“…Settlements predating the Late Classic period have remained elusive in the Pasión-Verapaz region, but investigations in caves and other shrines and associated settlements (Carot 1976, 1989; Forné et al 2007; Monterroso 2006; Woodfill 2007, 2010; Woodfill et al 2006, 2012) have uncovered a wealth of ceramic data spanning the 1,500 years before the Late Classic apogee of Cancuen and Dos Pilas. Research has focused primarily on four different shrine areas—the Cave of Hun Nal Ye, the Candelaria Caves, the San Francisco Hills, and Tres Islas.…”

“…The Hun Nal Ye cave contains 18 whole vessels (Figure 10) that date to the Terminal Preclassic/Early Classic period (Woodfill et al . 2006, 2012; Woodfill 2007, 2010). 1 The vessels are exclusively highland and derive from traditions as far ranging as the Salama and Motagua Valleys, Kaminaljuyu, and perhaps as far as southeastern El Salvador.…”