Ceramic and Lithic Studies of the Northern Lacanhá River Basin and their Implications for Late Classic Political and Economic Interactions in the Region

Abstract

Despite the work of countless researchers, there remains a number of gaps in our knowledge regarding the Mayaarea. For example, previous archaeological studies in the northern region of the Lacanhá River basin in Chiapas have focused only on first and second tier sites such as Yaxchilán, Piedras Negras and Bonampak while little work has been done at smaller surrounding sites. The Rancho Ojo de AguaArchaeological Project was therefore begun in 2015 to identify third and fourth tier sites in the areaand investigate their roles in the regional dynamic. Following an initial survey of the area, surface collection, excavation and underwater investigation resulted in a substantial artifact collection. These studies provide evidence regarding the nature of interaction among settlements of all sizes in the region, relations which we consider were both horizontal and hierarchical in their nature.