Late Postclassic Reuse of Early Classic Monumental Architecture by Dr. Karl James Lorenzen

The Viewfrom Yalahau: 1 993 Archaeolo gical Investi gations

in Northern Quintana'Roo, Mexico

Edited by Scott

L. Fedick and Karl A. Taube

Latin American Studies Program Field Report Series, No. 2 University of California, Riverside

Chapter 3

LATE POSTCLASSIC REUSE OF EARLY CLASSIC MONT]MENTAL ARCHITECTURE AT NARANJAL

Karl James Lorenzen

,.^ lreliTtinary analysis of monumental architecture at Naranjal reveals that Early Classic sTuctures were modffied and reused during the r.ate Postclassic pertia. giiiys io*poiiuii architectural features from Mayapdn, Tulurn, and othir Late Postclassic sites) this study deicribei ini- rnorortrristics that define ard dffirentiate the Late Postclassic occupation at Naranjal. Docwnentation of l^ate postclassic structural reuse at cobd, Dzibilchaltiln, and other sites 67 tne northern lowlands ts emiloyedio-iwirprrt reuse and modificwion a Naranjal.

It has been thought for some time that Postclassic peoples found it more advantageous to create new sites rather than to build over existing or abandoned ones (Chase and Rice 1985). This idja is based on the vast number of small, single-component, Late Postclassic sites concentrated in the nbrthrrn lowlands; these sites are especially dense along the east coast of Quintana Roo. However, reports of Late Postclassic reoccupation of Classiciperiod sites il the Yucatdn Peninsula are becoming increasingly mo^re common (Andrews 1968; Harrison 1979; Milldr

1282, 1985; Navanete er al. 1979: Taube and 1989). Reuse and modification of early-period structures seems to be more extensive than previously thought, and the site of Naranjal is a Gallereta Negrdn

prime example. .In this paper I focus on the sites of Naranjal, Mayapdn, Tulum, Xcaret, Cob6, and Dzibilchalnd. i begin by describing the various Late postclassic components at the site of Naranjal, after which I use

structures at several other sites dating exclusively to

the Late

Postclassic period

examples' of

comparable architecture (see Andrews [1993]

for

review of Late Postclassic Lowiand Maya archaeology and an extensive list of pertinent

references). I then address the issue of structural relrlg at sweral regional sites, showing how the site of Naranjal fits into this emerging pattern in the

northern lowlands.

TI{E SITE OF NARAMAL

After a major Early Classic construction p.has9,-faranjal seems to have undergone an occupational hiatus of some six hundred years, after whicL a reoccupation and new construction stage commenced during the Late Postclassic (see Taube, this volume). Late Postclassic architectural components at Naranjal consist primarily of what I term 'sfuinelsuirri.il,/

60 altar complexes." In this context, "shrine" is defined

as a small m:lsonry building placed on top of collapsed Early Classic architecture during the Late Postclassic period. Scale and supposed function differentiate shrines from temples. Shrines are much smaller, commonly less than 1.5 m in height and less than 2 m square, and were used to house a variety of Maya deities. nTemples" are frequently larger in overall size than shrines, and functioned as religious areas for carrying out various ceremonies and rituals. According to this definition, no true Late Postclassic temples are present at Naranjal, only complexes of related idol shrines, narrow stairways, and propitiatory altars. "Altars" are defined as small, elevated flat-stone platforms, frequently less than 50 cm in height and less than 1 m square, and were used for presenting offerings dedicated to deities inhabiting the shrines.

The shrine/stairway/altar complexes commonly take the form of a single shrine built on a very low (usually less than 50 cm) quadrangular platform situated on the summit of a partially modified Early Classic structure. This modification usually includes the addition of an associated narrow stairway built over Early Classic collapse debris. A combination of one to three altars was placed either at the base of and slightly off to one side of the stairway, or in front of and slightly off to one side of the shrine doorway. When more than one altar is present, at least one of the multiple altars is two-tiered.

Early Classic architectural features at

Naranjal are easily set apart from those of the Late Postclassic. Early Classic architecture includes the use of welldressed large stone, carefully placed small chipped-stone fill between larger cut stone, fine pebble aggregate in mortar, the minimal use of plaster in finishing masoffy surfaces, a more labor intensive and higher quality construction, and symmetrical architecture @ollock et al. L962:16; von Falkenhausen 1985). Late Postclassis architectural features at Naranjal are characterized by: the use of poorly dressed small stone; the borrowing of welldressed

stone from Early Classic buildings; the use of considerable quantities of mortar fill between large irregular stones; the use of crushed spiral shell aggregate in mortar; the use of plaster in substantial amounts for finishing uneven wall surfaces; the appearance of less labor-intensive and lower quality construction; and the asymmetrical placement of features on Early Classic substructures. In addition, Late Postclassic shrines at Naranjal exhibit short, narrow doorways and low shrine platforms skirted with small, thin, vertical-slab facing stones. Almost half of the monumental architecture at Naranjal shows some type of Late Postclassic con-

lir'

rii

struction (Figure 3.1): Early Classic Structures 2, 3, 4, 5A, 58, 5C, 6,9, 14, and 18 support a total of 9 shrines, 11 stairways, and 19 altars all dating to the Late Postclassic period. (See Appendix I for a detailed description of all shrine/stairway/altar complexes at Naranjal.) All of these later components were built on the collapse debris of Early Classic architecture, except for Structure 4 which might be completely Late Postclassic in construction. The nearby site of San Cosmd and the Box Ni group, located approximately 1"5 km south of the Naranjal site-core, also demonstrate evidence of reuse during the Late Postclassic (see Appendices II and III for detailed descriptions of Late Postclassic structural reuse at the Box Ni group and San Cosmd). Briefly, the Box Ni group displays a single shrine/stairwayl altar complex. San Cosmd features two complexes, each composed of a shrine, stairway, and multiple altars. As at Naranjal, all of the Late Postclassic components were built on abandoned Early Classic architecture. Modifications ta Structure 2

The most extensive example of structural modification at Naranjal is Structure 2. Structure 2 exhibits all the characteristic features of Early Classic construction, and in addition contains two asymmetrical Late Postclassic shrine/stairway/altar complexes. The east complex includes a narrow well-preserved stairway (N-St.1) running

up the

east face of

Structure 2 from the base to the first platform (Figure

3.2).

Stairway N-St.l clearly was built with borrowed stone placed directly on Early Classic collapse debris, showing that even in the Late Postclassic period, Structure 2 was in a state of disrepair. Stairway N-St.l terminates directly in front of Shrine N-Sh.1. The doorway of Shrine N-Sh.l is partially intact, offset on a low quadrangular platform, and exhibiting four courses of preserved wall. Due to the increasing inner slope of the walls and the presence of capstones, this shrine was most likely vaulted with masonry. Altar N-A.2 lies between the entrance of Shrine N-Sh.1 and Stairway N-St.1, slighfly offto the north side. A cave-stone was found within the shrine (Figure 3.3), and as suggested by Anthony Andrews (personal communication, 1994), was most likely placed in the shrine by local Maya hunters within the recent ethnographic past. The north-center complex includes Shrine NSh.2 located on the uppermost tier of Structure 2, and situated directly in the center of the north side. Shrine N-Sh.2 is highly disturbed by tree growth; however, the south wall is partially intact, allowing the identification of the shrine doorway. A relatively

ztollii

t..

Ss..-...

200 m

M 19

'b ,p &' Qt 813

Figure 3.1. Site map of Naranjal.

Figure 3.2. Late Postclassic stairway added onto the collapsed Early Classic platform of Naranjal Structure 2.

': Figure 3.3. Cave-stone found

well-preserved stairway (N-St.2), made of dressed stone and built on Eariy Classic collapse debris, lies directly in front of the south face of Shrine lq-St.Z. Altars N-A.3 and N-A.4 lie just off-center at the base of Stairway N-St.2. Altar N-A.5 rests on the upper tier directly centered between Stairway N-St.2^and the entrance of Shrine N-Sh.2.

Modifications to Structure 14

Classic edifices at Naranjal during the Lare postclassic period. These structures were simply built atop collapsed Early Classic architecture with partial or no consolidation of the supporting substructure. Wbenever possible, well{ressed stone was borrowed and reused from earlier buildings. It is quite evident that the occupants of Late Postclassic Naranjal scavenged existing constructions, taking advantaga of pre-mide and readily available Early Classic material.

Structure 14 at Naranjal is another clear ex-

ample of reuse during the Late Postclassic. Structure 14 is a multitier Early Classic structure, exhibiting a

well-preserved Late Postclassic shrine (N-Sh.g) on the uppermost level figure 3.4). During the Late Postclassic, &e front face of Structure 14 was apparently renovated, while the back side was compleiely neglected, being left in its previously collapsedstate. This seems. to suggest that presentation through the least labor-intensive means possible was critici during the Late Postclassic, possibly a result of limited economic resources.

, The presence of these shrine/stairway/altu complexes demonstrates the extensive reuse of earty

REGIONAL SINGLE-COMPONENT LATE POSTCLASSIC SITES

To define the Late Postclassic occupation at Naranjal, a comparison of modified structures at Naranjal can be made to equivalent architectural styles at single-component sites dating to the same peare two iuch sites, independently assigned to the Late Postclassic period on the basis of radiocarbon dating, ceramic seriation, ar-

riod. Tulum and Mayapdn

style, and ethnohistoric accounts (Andrews 1978; Lothrop BZa; Miller IS82:46, 1985; Pollock et al. 1962:62). chitectural

Figure 3.4. Shrine N-Sh.8 on the summit of Structure 14.

The sites of Tulum and Mayapdn are excellent models for a correlation of Late Postclassic architectural style to features present at Naranjal, including the use of percussion-and-spall masonry; flatroofed shrines made of beam and mortar; vaulted stone ceilings; outward sloping walls; small civic and religious buildings; stone that is not extensively cut or shaped; substandard stone; sizable quantities of plaster to cover inferior masonry; and the extensive

use

modeled stucco versus sculpted

stone

(Andrews 1953; Lothrup 1924; Miller 1982, 1985; Pollock et al. 1962)" As at Naranjal, shrine/stairway/altar complexes also exist at these sites" For instance, Shrine I49 at Mayapdn is in direct association with Altar 147 Sigure 3.5). Furthermore, a shrine/stairway/ altar complex on Structure D-l at Xcaret @igure 3.6) is strikingly similar to the complex seen on Structure 14 at Naranjal (Figure 3.7). Additionally, a comparison of single- and double-tier altars at these Late Postclassic sites reveals near-identical construction methods to those at Naranjal. For example, altars at Naranjal begin with well-dressed central "plug"

stones that are skirted with thin vertical-slab facing stones (Figure 3.8). Once complete, the entire altar is covered with a thick coating of lime plaster. This same fabrication technique is seen at Mayapdn and other Late Postclassic sites of the region. However, in this particular example from Mayapdn, the central plug-stone commonly seen at Naranjal is substituted

with a ceramic pot imbedded in a plaster matrix (Figure 3.9). This is reminiscent of Prehispanic caching practices throughout Mesoamerica and suggests that this altar from Mayap{n may have once exhibited a capping stone (so frequently seen in alters at Naranjal) to seal in an offertory deposit. In addition to an already apparent similarity in altar construction, future research and excavation of the altars at Naranjal may reveal similar interior components to those examples seen at Mayapdn and other contemporaneous sites of the region. If this is confirmed, these results will contribute to our knowledge of Maya altar-caching customs, by recognizing a Late Postclassic consensus on altar design, and possibly indicating a concordance of intended ritual function.

n 147

149

Figure 3.5. The association of Shrine I49 and Altar 147 at Mayapdn (adapted from Pollock et al" 1962:pocket map, the Mayapdn plan of the main group of ruins).

Figure 3.6. The shrine/stairway/altar complex of structure D-l at Xcaret (adapted from Andrews and Andrews 1975:Figure}T).

\ N

Figure 3.7. The shrine/stairway/altar complex of Structure 14 at Naranjal.

ffi

Figure 3.8. Altar N-A.15 in front of the west side entrance of Naranjal Structure 6'

Figure 3.9. Altar in front of the east side entrance of Mayapdn structure s-133b (adapted from Pollock et al. 1962:Figure 20a)'

REGIONAL EVIDENCE FOR, REUSB OF EARLY CLASSIC ARCHITECTT]RE DtruNG TIIE LATE FOSTCLASSIC Rzuse of early structures can be seen region_ ally during the Late postclassic at sites such as 6obd and Dzibilchaltrin. Late postclassic shrines and tem_ ples have been identified at Cobd, which is consiO_ ered essentially a Classic-perioO iite iCoe anO ioe 1949-53; Folai et al. 198i; Cir,r.{rr' 1975; Navarrete al. 1979; Thompson et al. l93Z). The besr ex_ -et amples of Late Postclassic additions it Cobd are the Nohoch Mul pyramid and the pinturas group. Both ot mese structures exhibit a Late postclassiC temple, the addition or consolidation of a frontal ,t"irJd, and possible basal altars. These Late postclassic components were built on top of Classic_period buildings with little or no modifiiation to earliei sub_ structures.

The

so-called "decadent" period

Dzibilchalhin corresponds to the Late posiclassic pe_ riod at Naranjal and reveals several clear example.s of structure reuse. As E. W. Andrews IV (196g:42; tras stated: "Architects of the decadent period ,"rrc i.au_ engers rather than impressarios, uiing skeletons of past monuments to attain impresiive effects.,, earlier structures w-as widespread -at |.ry:-ngilg n:ibilchalrrin (Andrews t975.57). A prime ei.*p; of this is Structure l, which-was'in a state of gomplete ruin when it was tunneled into during the Late Postclassic. An earlier sub-temple in Stru-cture 1, Temple of the Seven Dolls, ivas cleared out -th* and reused as an underground shrine with the addition of a new stairway leading to the refurbished temple entrance built over earli-er collapse debris (Andrews 1975:57). After an extended period of abandonment, many ruined platforms at Dzibilchaltdn were resur_ faced and modified, i.e., had shrines constructed on lo^p-^ol. stairways added to the front (Andrews 1968:47). For example, Structure 39 had its basal platform resurfaced during the Late postclassic and a built onto the front (Andrews 1975:57). TI.sFi"l-ay Additionally, six abandoned plaiforms in the 606_ gloup plaza were covered with typical Mayapdn/Tulum style Late postclassic shrines, *itt 19 {tempt at consolidating the basal platforms (Andrews 1975:57). The northern site of San Angel in euintana Roo _displays this same type of platforh reuse during the Late Postclassic fi-aube and Gallereta Negrdi 1989). The pedregai re_ . .EgtV Classic platform at -shrine

veals the addition of a Late postclassic (Pedregal is a satellite platform closely connected to

the main site of San Angel [Taube and Gallereta legrd1 19891). Furthermore, a second abandoned Early Classic platform at San Angel was resurfaced and had a series of temples, shrinEs, and altars constructed postclassic (Iaube -on top during the Late and Gallereta Negr6-n 1989:16) @igure f.fO). A conclusive marker of the Late poitclassic perioO ai

San Atrgel is a series of wall murals clearly fainteO in

Late Postclassic stvle (faube and Gallerbta Negrdn 1989: I l-la) @igurr l. iry. The site of Naranjal and the other sites previ_ ously discussed are all located in the northern portion of the Yucatdn Peninsula. However, peter Hirrison 11979) has identified many similar instances ;i 9lassic-period structural riuse during the Late Postclassic in the southern area of eiintana Roo. I{-"giqo_n (1979:189) termed this octupation the "Lobil Phase, " basing his conclusions on an extensive lyrvgy of over 81 sites in southern euintana Roo. Harrison (1979:206) found this Late postclassic oc_ c]lation characterized by crude platforms built over Classic-period structures, houie foundations at ground level and in close proximity to platforms, and remains of Late Postclassic effigy censersl. This type of structural reuse and occupation in the south_ pan of Quintana Roo is verycomparable to evi_ 9m d_ence emerging further north at sites similar to

Naranjal.

ti-

Tigur-.3.10. Group A, Early Classic platform at San Angel showing additions- of Laie postclassic architecture (adapted from Taube and Gallerera

Negrdn 1989:Figure 4).

-- '!E\94\\"\\

: -fl( (r\izn \..

$ N**' RT -1f

rff 2O cm Figure 3.11. Drawing of a Late Postclassic mural in Structure 1, Group A, at the site of San Angel (from Taube and Gallereta Negrdn 1989:Figure 12 [drawn by Karl Taube]. Regularly spaced dots denote overlying plaster; diagonal lines refer to missing plaster surface).

CONCLUSIONS

source management? Subsequent research at Naranjal

will help clarify these and other questions, and undoubtedly raise more in the process. and similar sites

These few examples lead us to ask, "to what extent was this pattern of reoccupation practiced?" It now seems that instanees of Classic-period building

modification and reuse during the Late Postclassic were not limited to a few isolated sites, but occurred widely throughout the southern and northern portions of Quintana Roo. Additional research in both areas will confirm how common and far-reaching this phenomenon was. Related questions include, why were Late Postclassic peoples reusing abandoned architecture from earlier periods? Did it function to somehow reinforce or create a cultural patrimony, linking them to a powerful past heritage? Was it merely an attempt to be "impressive' as Andrews (1968:47) proposed? Or could it have simply been a less laborintensive method of construction and an effort at re-

Acknowledgements. extend my warmest thanks to Karl Taube and Scott Fedick for their constant assistance throughout the field season and for their continuing support during the preparation of this paper. I also express my appreciation to Anthony P.

Andrews and Peter D. Harrison for kindly offering their advice and insight. Finally, I sincerely value the ftiendship, motivation, and experience of my colleagues while conducting this research at the site of Naranjal. A preliminary condensed version of this paper was presented at the 59th Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, Anatreim"

REFERENCES CITED Andrews, Anthony p. -l 1993 Late Postclassic Lowland Maya Archaeology. Journal of world prehistory 7:3547 " Andrews, E. Wyllys IV 1 968 Dzibilchaltun: A Nolorery-y-.y. M_etropolis. Archaeor o gy 2r (r) s6a7 . 1975 Progress Reports on the lgffi'- 1964 Field s.ru"", N.tion.r ceogt"prrit society and rulane university, Dzibilchaltun Project. rn Archacolgsi,cal llyestiguions on tne Vuiitan peninsula. e""'o*oq' rv'uure Middle American Research Institute, publication 31. Tirlane univeiiity, New orleans 1978 The Northern Maya Lowlands sequence. l" cniiiiriogies in ueiwa Archaeology, edited by R. E. Ta/or and cfgyent-{. pp.377-39r. acaoeiric press, New vort. \Ieighan, A*l:*r, _8. lVllVs IV, and Anthoiy p. Andrews 1975 A Preliminary of thc nitns of Xcaret, Quintana Roo, Mexico: with Notes on other Archaeological -stu4y Remains on the &wral East Coast of thenucaan Peninsula. Middle American Research Institute, Publication 40. Tulane University, New Orleans. Andrews, Robert M. 1953 Some Small Ceremonial Structures at Mayapan. Carnegie Institution of waskington, Current Repofrs l(9):l$-179. Washington, D. C. C!S^", Arlen F", and prudence M. Rice (editors) 1985 The Lowland Maya postclassic. university of rexas press, Austin. Coe, William R., and Michael D. Coe 1949-53 Some New Discoveries at Cob6. Notes on Middte American Archaeology and Ethnology, vol. IV, No. 93. carnegie Institution of washington. washington, D.c. folan, William J., Ellen R. Kintz, and Loraine l. Fletche. 1983 cobd: A classic Maya Metropolis. Academic press, New york. G

onzdlez, B altazar Ferndndez

1975 Cobd,-Prgv9ctg Arqueol6gico. Bolettn de la Escuela de Ciencias Antropol1gicas de la (Jniversi^dad de Yucatdn, Aflo2, Ndmero L2. Merfda. Harrison, Peter D. 1979 The Lobil Postclassic Phase in the Southern Interior of the yucatan peninsula. ln Maya Archaeology and Ethnohistory, edited by Norman Hammond and GordonR.-wifdpp. lg9-207" university of Texas Press, Austin. Lothrop, Samuel K. 1924 Tultm: An Archaeotogical Strtdy of the East Coast of Yucatan. Carnegie Institution of Washington, Publication 355. Washington, D.C. Miller, Arttrur G. 1982 on the Hge of the sea: Maral Palllling at Tancah - Tulum, euintana Roo, Mexico. Dumbarton oaks, Trustees for Harvard University. Wasliington, D.C. 1985 The Postclassic-sequence of aio_rutum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. ln The l-owland Maya Postclassic' edited by Arlen F. lg..h chase and Prudencb rtr. Rice, pp. 'liig. university of Texas press, Austin. N1y1ryete, carlos, Maria ros6 con uribe, and Alejandro Martinez Muriel 1979 observaciones Arqueoldgicas en Cobd, Quintana ioo. Universidad

Nacional Aut6noma de Mdxico. M6xico, D.F. P9l,l9:k,_t_troy E. D., Ralph_L. Roys, Tatiana proskouriakotr, and A. Ledyard Smith 1962 Mayapan, Yucatai, Mexico-. carnegie Institution oi wastrington, puuri.uiion 619. washington, D.c. K_arl A., and Tomds Gallereta Negrd'n 1989 Survey and Reconnaissance in th.e Ruinas.de San

Taub_e_,

An_gel Region, -' Roo, Mexico. Unpublished report submitted to the National Geographic Society, ivashirigton, Quintana b:.c.Thompson, J. Eric S., Harry E. D. polloct,lnd Jean Ch#lot 1932 A Preliminary Studjt of the Ruins oY aua. Carnegie Institution of Washington, publication No, 424. Washington, D.C.

70 von Falkenhausen, Lothar

1985 Architecture. ln A Consideration of the Early Classic Period in the Maya Inwlands, edited by Gordon Willey and Peter Maffhews, pp. 111-133. Institute for Mesoamerican Studies, Publication No.-10. State University of New York at Albany.

NOTES

lPieces of a Late Postclassic effigy censer were recovered from the summit of Structure 7 at Naranjal. The ceramic sherds were scattered over a low quadrangular platform, very similar to other small platforms supporting Late Postclassic shrines at Naranjal. The sherds were collected during this initial investigation as part of a limited surface survey.

APPENDIX I. NARAMAL FIELD OBSERVATIONSl

Refer to Figure 3.1 for Naranjal structure locations.

Structure 2

Shrine N-5h.1. This shrine is partially intact, faces east, and rests on a low quadrangular platform. The platform is indicated by a series of in-line vertical-slab facing stones running along the east side of the shrine. The shrine stones measure approximately 50 cm x 25 cm x 50 cm. The west and south walls are in the best state of preservation, rising four courses from the platforrn floor to an approximate height of 50 cm. The successively inset courses of the south wall (approximately 5 cm with each new course) suggests the shrine was possibly vaulted with masonry. The south doorjamb is horizontally stacked, three courses high, and has preserved mortar. The north doorjamb is made with one large vertical-slab stone" The door lintel is collapsed and rests in the entrance. A cave-stone fragment measuring 35 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm was found hidden next to a tree and under a cut stone block within the debris of the collapsed shrine (Figure 3.3, main text). Some plaster and/or mortar is present. Shrine N-5h.2. This shrine faces south and is situated 6 m north from the top edge of Stairway N-St.2. The collapsed shrine is highly disturbed by tree growth, accounting for the poor state of preservation. The shrine lintel measures 110 cm x 50 cm x 15 cm and rests within the shrine debris. The shrine lI rih

doorway exhibits a vertical-slab doorjamb stone measuring 60 cm x 40 cm x 15 cm. The shrine south wall is the only discernable section still partially intact. The shrine base measures 4 m x 3.3 m including collapsed edges. Very little plaster/mortar is present. The shrine was possibly vaulted masonry as suggested by the quantity of cut stone and the presence of a cap stone broken into several large tabular sections resting on the shrine debris. Most shrines at Naranjal apparently had either thatch or bearn-andmortar roofs. Stairway N-St./. This stairway is situated midway along the east side of Structure 2 and rests directly on Early Classic collapse debris. The stairway terminates at the top of the structure platform directly in front of Shrine N-Sh.l. The stair width is 50 cm, and the tread surface is composed of two horizontally set stones laid side by side. The rise averages 12 em and the tread averages 20 cm. The stones measure approximately 30 cm x 40 cm x 10 cm. Twenty-two steps are visible out of approximately 30 original steps. Some plaster and/or mortar is present.

Stairway N-5t.2. This stairway is situated in the middle of the platform along the north face. The stairway leads from the plarform floor to the upper

tier, terminating directly in front of Shrine N-Sh.2 in the center of the north side. The stairway is constructed of large well-dressed stones measuring 50 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. The top stair width is 2.5 m, and the base stair width is 3 m. At least 10 steps are visible, with an average rise of 20 cm and an average tread of 25 cm. Some plaster and/or mortar is present. The size, quality, uniformity, and state of preservation of these stones suggest that this is an Early Classic staircase reconstructed and maintained during the Late Postclassic. Ntar N-A.l. This altar is situated at the norttr base corner of Stairway N-St.l. The remains are highly disturbed, consisting of aggregate fill and south/east side remnants. The altar foundation measures approximately 1.5 m x 1.5 m. No plaster or mortar could be detected. Due to the similar dimensions and style of this altar to Altars N-A.12 and N4.17, this is most likely a deteriorated Early Classic altar"

Ntar N-A.2. This altar is situated 1 m north from the top edge of Stairway N-St.l and 2.5 m east from the platform edge of Shrine N-Sh.l. The altar is highly disturbed by tree growth. Only the first tier of vertical-slab stones remains from this possibly two-tier altar, and no center plug-stone is visible. The entire altar measures 80 cm x 80 cm x 20 cm. No plaster or mortar was detected. Ntar N-A.3. This altar is situated 1 m south from the center base of Stairway N-St.2. The altar is filled with aggregate and faced with well-dressed vertical-slab stones. Stone size averages 40 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm. Altar dimensions are approximately 80 cm x 60 cm. Some plaster and/or mortar is present. Ntar N-A.4. This altar is situated 1 m south from the center of Stairway N-St.2 and adjacent to the east side of Altar N-A.3. The altar has possibly two tiers, exhibits a center plug-stone measurlng 30-cm x 30 cm, and reaches a height of 30 cm. The small well-dressed altar stones average 35 cm x 25 cm x 10 cm. Altar dimensions are approximately 100 cm x 80 cm. Some plaster and/or mortar is present. Ntar N-A,S. This altar is situated 1.8 m north from the top of Stairway N-St.2 and 3 m south from Shrine N-Sh.2. The altar exhibits a center plugstone measufing 25 cm x 35 cm x 10 cm. The center plug-stone is horizontally set on aggregate fill and is faced with vertical-slab stones on all sides. The vertical-slab stones average 40 cm x 25 cm x 10 cm. Altar dimensions are approximately 80 cm x 50 cm. Some plaster and/or mortar is present. Structure 3

Shine Note. No shrine was detected on Structure 3. However, a low quadrangular platform is situated on the summit of Structure 3, and at one time this platform most likely supported a shrine. This platform is one course high and is constructed of welldressed vertical-slab stones averaging 30 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm. The total platform area measures 4 m x 3 m. Though evidence of a shrine is not present on the surface, the platform conforms closely in size, construction, and style to other examples of low quadrangular platforms supporting shrines at Naranjal. A small amount of plaster and/or mortar is present.

Stairway N-St.3. This stairway is situated on the west side of Structure 3, suggesting that if a

shrine existed on the platform it opened toward the west. The stairway is in a poor state of preservation; however, it is in better condition than the remaining structure, indicating that the stairway was most likely rebuilt and maintained during the Late Postclassic while the supporting structure was completely ne-

glected. The stair width varies between 2 m and 3 m, and the stairway stones average 35 cm x 45 cm x 17 cm. Rise and tread measurements could nct be accurately determined. A small amount of plaster is present on the stairway top edge. Altar N-A.6. This altar is situated 2 m west from the center base of the stairway. Stones used in construction are of a mixed quality, some well dressed and others poorly dressed. The altar measures 50 cm x 70 cm and is faced with vertical-slab stones, averaging 30 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm. No plaster or morfar was detected. Structure 4

Stairway N-5t.4. This well-preserved stairway is situated on the north side of Structure 4 and consists of well-dressed large stones averaging 45 cm x 35 cm x 15 cm. The stairway has four to five visible steps and measures 1.8 m wide at the base. The rise averages 15 cm and the tread averages 15 cm. No plaster or mortar was detected. Ntar N-A,7. This altar is situated 2.7 m from the center base of Stairway N-St.4. The altar has two tiers and is faced with large vertical-slab stones. Altar dimensions are approximately 100 cm x 80 cm x 50 cm, with an average stone size of 45 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm. The first tier is 30 cm high and the second tier rises an additional 20 cm, reaching a total height of 50 cm. Some plaster and/or mortar is present.

Altar N-A.8. This altar is situated adjacent to the west-side base of Stairway N-St.4. The altar has two tiers and is faced with vertical-slab stones. Altar dimensions are approximately 100 cm x 80 cm x 50 cm, with an average stone size of 45 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm. The first tier is 30 cm high, and the second tier rises an additional 20 cm, reaching a total height of 50 cm. The altar is in a good state of preservation and some plaster is present. Structure 5A

Shrine N-Srl.3. This shrine is situated 5 m east from the top edge of Stairway N-St.s. The shrine is completely collapsed, faces west, and is constructed of well-dressed quadrangular stones. The shrine stones average 40 cm x 50 cm x 15 cm. The rear (east) wall of the shrine rests on the back edge of the platform itself. (Ihis is common feature at Naranjal. The rear wall of the shrine frequently rests in line with the back wall of the suppofting plirform and structure itself.) Foundation dimensions are 2 m x 1 m. No plaster or mortar was detected.

72 Stairway N-St.5. This stairway is in a very poor state of preservation, situated directly between the entrance of Shrine N-Sh.3 and the two basal altars N-A.9 and N-A.10. The narrow stairway exhibits four intact steps from an approximate total of 10 original steps. No plaster or mortar could be detected.

is conis situand structed of poorly dressed irregular stone possibly has two ated north of the stairway. The altar

Ntar N-A.9. This collapsed

altar

tiers and is filled with aggregate, reaching an approximate height of 35 cm. The average stone meaiures 20 cm x 30 cm. No plaster or mortar was detected.

Altar N-A.10. This altar is situated 1 m south and 2 m west of the stairway base. The quad-

rangular altar has two tiers, exhibits a center plugstone, and is faced with stones averaging 30 cm x 30 cm x 12 cm. The center plug-stone measures 20 cm x 20 cm x 15 cm. No plaster or mortar was detected. Structure 58

Shrine N'5h.4. This collapsed shrine is highly disturbed and in a very poor state of preservation. It is situated at the summit of Structure 58. Given the orientation of the staircase the shrine most likely faced west. The few visible stones are consistent in size and style with other shrine stones at Naranjal. No plaster or mortar was detected. Stair.way N-St.6. This stairway is well preserved, is in Early Classic style, and is situated directly between Shrine N-Sh.4 and Altar N-A.11. (Early Classic stairways are commonly broad, low, and constructed of large well-dressed stone.) Because of the high state of preservation, the staircase was most likely rebuilt and maintained during the Late Postelassic. The stairway has approximately 12 visible steps. The lower steps are in a better state of preservation and are much larger than the upper iteps. The rise averages 20 cm, and the tread averages 30 cm. The basal width of the entire stairway is approximately 2 m. Some plaster is present in the upper section of the stairway. Ntar N-A.LI. This altar is situated 2 m from the base of Stairway N-St.6. The altar remains consist of one large quadrangular stone very similar to center plug-stones seen in other altars at Naranjal; however, in ttris case no facing stones were found. The altar stones average 40 cm x 40 cm x 15 cm' No plaster or mortar was detected.

Structure 5C Shrine N-S/r.s. This shrine faces north and

rests on a low quadrangular platform at the summit of Structure 5C. The collapsed shrine is mostly con-

structed of well{ressed stone. The platform is 1.5 m south from the top edge of Stairway N-St.7, and the shrine is situated an additional 2 m south from the north edge of the platform. The platform is skirted with one course of vertical-slab facing stones, averOnly the north wall aging 40 crn x 30 cm x 10 of *re platform is visible. The rear wall of the shrine rests on the back (south) edge of the structure and platform itself. Thirteen large shrine-stones are visi-ble on the surface, averaging 45 cm x 40 cm x 15 cm. Foundation dimensions are approximately 2 m x 1.5 m. A small amount of plaster is present on several shrine stones. Stairway N-5t.7. This stairway is in an excellent state of preservation, in Early Classic style, and is situated between Shrine N-Sh.s and Altar NA.Lz. Due to the excellent state of preservation, the staircase was most likely rebuilt and maintained during the Late Postclassic, as was Stairway N-St.11 on Structure 14. A total of 20 to 22 steps are visible on the surface. The stair width is approximately 3 m to 4 m at the base and exhibits an average rise of 15 cm and an average tread of 25 cm. No plaster or mortar

cm.

was detected.

Altar Note. If ttris structural grouping is consistent with other shrine/stairway/altar complexes at Naranjal, it is then probable that an associated altar existed at one time in front of Stairway N-St.7. At the time of the survey, a large mound of cut jungle growth covered most of the area directly in front of the staircase base, very possibly covering an associated altar. Future investigation will confirm the existence or absence of an altar. Structure 6

Shrine N-5h.6. This shrine rests on a low

of Structure 6. 'ihe platform is skirted with welldressed, horizontally set stone, averaging 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm' The platform is one course high and is inset 2.5 m quadrangular platform at the summit

from the top edge of the stairway. Only a portion of the west and north walls are visible. The shrine faces west and is inset an additional 4 m from the west edge of the platform. The back (east) side of the shiine and the platform are placed directly on the rear (east) wall of the structure itself. The doorjamb is the only standing wall and consists of vertically stacked stone.

The stones used in construction are of a mixed qual_ ity,. some well dressed and others poorly OreJseO. Shrine stones average 50 cm x 40- cm x 20 cm. Foundation dimensions are approximately 2 m x 1 m. Small quantities of plaster and/or mortar are present. - Stairway _N-St.f. This stairway is well pre_ se-rved, in Early Classic style, and is situated between Altar N-A.12 and the entiance of an elite residence on top of Structure 6. No plaster or mortar was de_

tected.

Stairway

N-St.g. This stairway is

situated

of Structure 6, south of Stairway N-St.8 and directly between Altar N-A.13 on thb plaza floor and Shrine N-Sh.6. The stair width is 2 al_ong-the east side

m at the base and I m at the top, and the stairway exhibits 10 to 12 visible steps. - The stairway is'constructed of welldressed stones averaging 4O cm x 40 cm x 17 cm. The rise averages 15 cm and ttre tread averages 20 cm. No plaster or mortar was detected. Altar N-A.12. This altar is Early Classic in style, and is situated at the base and direct center of Stairway N-St:8. Altar dimensions are approximately 2 m x 2 m. No plaster or mortar was detected. Du6 to its construction, large size, and fine aggregate llortar, this altar most likely dates to nJ farty Classic period. Its excellent siate of preservation indicates that it could have been reused-and maintained during the tate Postclassic period. This is one of two altars at Naranjal constructed in this Early Classic fashion, the other being Altar N-A.17. Altar N-A.LJ. This altar is situated I m from the base of and 50 cm north of Stairway N-St.9. The altar possibly. has two tiers. It features a center plugstone measuring 40 cm x 45 cm x 20 cm. The altar is faced on all sides with vertical-slab stones averaging 40 cm x 20 cm x 8 cm. No plaster or mortar was detected.

Ntar N-A.14. This altar is siruated 2.5 m west from the base of Stairway N-St.9. The altar measures approximately 50 cm x 50 cm, and is faced with vertical-slab stones averaging 20 cln x 30 cm x 10 cm. The stones used in consiruction are poorly dressed and irregular. No plaster or morfir was Oetected.

Ntar N-A.15. This altar is situated 30 cm west of Altar N-A.14. The altar exhibits a center plug-stone measuring 25 cm x 25 cm x 15 cm. Welldressed vertical-slab stones averaging 30 cm x l0 cm x 15 cm face the altar on all sides. No plaster or mortar was detected. Ntar Note. A possible fifth altar rests on top of .Structure 6, directly between the top edge of Stairway N-St.g and the.platform shrine. Furthir investigation is needed to confirm the presence or absence of a fifth altar.

Structure 9

Shrine N-5h.7. This collapsed shrine is con_ structed of well-dressed stones. The fallen lintel measures 1.15 m x 50 cm. The doorway is 65 cm wide and exhibia vertical-slab doorjamb itones. No plaster or mortar was detected

. Snirway N-St.l|. This well-preserved stairway is situated directly in front of Shririe N-Sh.7 and exhibits eleven to twelve visible steps. The stairway is partially vaulted. The partiaL vault on Stairway- N-St.10 is very similar to, though much smaller than, the corbelled vault under the stairway of Structure 10 (see Taube, this volume). The rise averages 20 cm, but the tread varies too greatly to obtain a meaningful averaged measurement. The stair width is 2.5 m and extends out 4.3 m from the edge of Structure

N-Sr.10. The stairway also eitritis

rounded basal corners. No plaster

oi mortar was de-

tected.

Ntar N-A"16. This altar is situated directty in front of and slightly east of Stairway N-St.lO,

resting on the plaza floor. The altar has a center plug-stone faced with vertical-slab stones. No plaster or mortar was detected. Structure 14

Shrine N-Slr.d. This shrine faces west, situated on the upper-most tier of Structure 14. The lintel measures 85 cm long, and appears to have fallen at one time and then been placed back in its original po-

sition. The

doorway

is 45 cm wide, reichin!

height of 1.15 cm from the shrine floor to the bott-om edge of the lintel. Though most of the structure is collapsed, this is the best-preserved example of a Late Postclassic shrine at Naranjal (see Figure 3.4, main

text). A large quantity of plaster and/or mortar is present. The mortar used in constructing this Late Postclassic shrine is white and soft and conlains a sizable quantity of small fresh-water snail shells (most

likely from the local wetland). The shells do not afpear to be burned and possibly were therefore add6d as temper after the limestone was burned. Stairway

N-S/./I. This is a multi-tier

stairto when

yay in Early Classic style. The stairway seems postciassic

have been renovated during the the shrine was constructed"

tate

Ntar N-A.17. This altar is in Early Classic style and is situated on the plaza floor, directly centered and at the base of the Stairway N-St.tt. The altar base measures approximately 2 m x 2 m and is constructed of large quadrangular stones. The stones are cemented with a hard, grey, aggregate mortar.

This type of mortar is distinctly different from other t'?es at Naranjal. It seems the mortar used during the Late Postclassic is soft, white, and filled with organic matter, while the stucco associated with Early Classic construction is hard, grey, and filled with a pebble aggregate. Further research in needed to confirm this temporal distinction. (See description of Altar SC-A.1 in Appendix III.)

sures 6 m x 4 m, consisting of two courses of welldressed, horizontally set stone. The platform stones average 35 cm x 30 cm. The shrine faces northeast and is inset 3 m from the northeast edge of the platform. The southwest Oack) wall rests directly on the back edge of the platform and structure itself. Four large cut stones measuring approximately 80 cm x 50 cm x 20 cm appe:r to have been vertically set but are now fallen. No plaster or mortar was detected.

Stracture 78

Stairway BN-S/./. This stairway is situated directly in front of Shrine BN-Sh.l, 5 m from the northeast edge of the platform. The stairway is very narrow (l to 2 stones wide) and exhibits 16 to 18 visible steps. The stone steps are well dressed and average 60 cm x 60 cm, with an average rise of 30 cm and an average tread of 40 cm. The stones appe:tr to be borrowed (see description of Altar N-A.6, Naranjal Structure 6, Appendix I). No plaster or

Shrine N-Str.g. This collapsed shrine rests on a quadrangular platform one course high, made of welldressed vertical-slab stones. The shrine faces east and is opposite Altar N-A.17 and Stairway NSt.ll of Structure 14. The south side of the doorjamb is faced with vertical-slab stones, while the north side of the doorjamb is set with horizontally stacked stone. The doorway measures 65 cm and exhibits an average wall thickness of 55 cm. The collapsed lintel rests in the doorway and measures 80 cm x 45 cm. Large amounts of plaster and aggregate mortar are present. Altar N-A.18" This altar is situated on the plaza floor in front of the entrance to Shrine N-Sh.g. The altar exhibits a center plug-stone; however, unlike other examples of center plug-stone altars at Naranjal, this one is not faced with vertical-slab stones. No plaster or mortar was detected. Altar N-A.19. This altar is situated adjacent to Altar N-A.18. However, unlike Altar N-A.tr8, the altar has no center plug-stone, but instead exhibits a rubble core faced with vertical-slab stones. No plaster or mortar was detected.

mortar was detected.

NOTES

lstructure Code Key: BN-Sh. = Box N! Shrine; BN-St. = Box NiStairway; BN-A. = Box Ni-Altar. No Late Postclassic architecture was detected on North Structure or South Structure.

APPENDIX Iil - SAN COSME FIELD OBSERVATIONSl Refer to Figure 3.13 for San Cosmd structure locations"

Structure 3 NOTES

lstructure Code Key: N-Sh. = NaranjalShrine; N-St. = Naranjal-Stairway; N-A. = Naranjal-Altar. No Late Postclassic architecture was detected on Structures 1, 7, 8, 10-13, 15-17, and 19-

Stairway

SC-S/./. This stairway is

situated

locations.

on the south side of Structure 3. The stairway is in a good state of preservation; however, the supporting structure itself is very deteriorated, suggesting that the stairway was most likely added during the Late Postclassic directly on top of the Early Classic collapse debris of Structure 3. (See also the description of Stairway N-St.3 and Altar N-A.6 of Naranjal Structure 3, and Shrine N-Sh.6 on Naranjal Structure 6, all in Appendix The stair width is 2 m at the base and the stairway has a total of 10 visible steps, exhibiting an average rise of 15 cm and an average tread of 30 cm. No plaster or mortar was detected.

Sonth Structure (Structure B)

21. APPENDIX II . BOX NI FIELD OBSERVATIONSl Refer to Figure 3.12 for Box

I.)

structure

Shrine BN-Sh.I. This collapsed shrine rests on a low quadrangular platform. The platform mea-

Shrine Note.

A shrine could not be located

association with Stairway SC-SI.I and Altar SCA.1. Future research is needed to confirm the presence or absence of an associated shrine.

W F

N 10m

Figure 3.12. Site map of the Box Ni group.

Aooaoo

/br

@@eJ

l*U' I

25m

Figure 3.13. Site map of San Cosm6.

Ntar SC-A.l. This altar is situated g0 em

lou.e of

alrd- slightly off center from, the base of Stairway SC-SI.1. The altar has two tiers and mea_ sures approximately 1 m x 1 m. The second tier is inset 10 cm on ail sides and reaches a total height of 4,0 cm. quantity of plaster is present on the I lryg. altar. A Chen-Mul style ceramic sherd was found imbedded in the mortar, connecting thi, n;;;iil; $oft,_ white, with organic matt'er) to the Late Postcl$sic period. (See description of Shrine N_Str.S and Altar N-A.17, both on Naranjal Structure 14, in Appendix I.) Altar SC-A.2. This altar is situated 5 m east of Altar SC-A.I at the southeast corner of Structure 3. Altar dimensions ueT mx 1 m. Untike all other examples of altars at Naranjal, the altar is not Oirectiy associated with a stairway br shrine. It is possibli that an associated feature might exist but i.'rno.iy not visible on the surface. Future research is needed to confirm the presence or absence of an associated feature. No plaster or mortar was detected.

Structure 8-2

Shrine SC-Sh.I. The collapsed shrine rests quadrangular platform and faces east. Foundation dimensions ue-2.6 m x 2.3 m. The front (east) face of the shrine is inset 1.4 m from the easi s,ide of.the shrine platform. The back (west) wall of the shrine is inset 30 cm from the weit side of the ghlle platform. The north side of the shrine is inset 1.10 m from the north wall of the shrine ptattoim. The south side of the shrine is inset 90 cm from the south wall of the shrine platform. The north door_ jamb measures 25 cm x 85 cm, the south doorjamb measures 60 cm x 80 cm, and both doorjambi are vertically -set. The total width of the doorway is 50 cm. The lintel is collapsed and rests in the Oolrway, measuring 95 cm x 50 cm x 20 cm. Two capstones are present: Capstone I measures 120 cm x 4-0 cm x 10 cm, and Capstone 2 measures 70 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm- Due to the large number of collapsed cut stones . and the presence of two capstones ru*ing along the transverse axis, this shrine was most lit<ely vailted

on a. low

*i!h masonry. A well-dressed balustra-de stone up the southeast corner of the shrine platform. T4., A large. quantity of plaster and

present in the shrine debris.

aggregate mortar is

Structure 8-5

Shrine SC-5h.2. This collapsed shrine ress quadrangular platform ind races *eii. Foundation dimensions aâ&#x201A;Ź t.l mx2.4 m. The front (west) face of the shrine is inset Z.l m from tfre wesi wall of the shrine platform. The back (east) wall oi the shrine is inset approximat ely 20 cm irom ttre easi wall of the shrine platform. ihe north side of the shrine is inset approximately 2 m from the north wall of the shrine platform. The south side of the shrine is inset approximately 1.6 m from the south wall of the shrine platform. The north dgorjamb is horizontally stacked, and the south doorjamb is vertically sei. The shrine doorway is approiimately 1 m widt. A large amount of preserved plaster remains in situ in the northwest basal corner bf tne shrine, measuring 60 cm x 14 cm. In addition, the inset plaster .orn.i dispJays a painted black vertical line on tt,e exterior

low -

surface.

Stairway SC-5t.2. This stairway is situated 2.1 m west of Shrine SC-Sh.2. Ttre staiiwidth is 1.5 m at the base, and the stairway exhibits five visible steps with an average rise of i5 cm and an average tread of 30 cm. No plaster or mortar was detected. Altar SC-A.3. This altar is I m west of the base of_Stairway SC-St.2 and, is aligned with the cen_ ter of the stairway. The altar is i-n a poor state of preservation. Altar dimensions are I m i I m. Some plaster is present. Moftar Note. Mortar on Structures g_2 and 8-5 differs greatly from mortar on the rest of the plaza group. Mortar on Structure g-2 and g_5 is white, soft, and has a large quantity of organic mate_ rial, while mortar on-the iemiining-structuies is grey, coarse, hqr pebble aggregate. (See descripti6n of -T4 Shrine N-Sh.8 and Altar-N-A.I7, both on Naranjal Structure 14, in Appendix I.) NOTF,S

lStructure Code Key: SC-Sh. = San Cosmd_ Shrine; SC-SI. = San Cosmd-Stairway; SC-A. = San Cosm6-Altar. No Late postclassic arctritecfure was detected on Structures l-2, 4-7, and 9-10.