Archaeology 101 OL Cache Richness Assignment

Student Name:
Agrim Joshi
Student ID:
301575105
Below is an account of Cache 86 from the Tikal North Acropolis. These are real archaeological data; the
only modifications I have made are for clarity. These data are published in:

Coe, William R. 1990 Tikal Report #14 Volume 2. Excavations in the Great Plaza, North Terrace and North
Acropolis of Tikal. University Museum Monograph 61, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

• In Maya archaeology, caches are defined as votive deposits (not storage pits) and are thought to
represent either the aftermath of ritual behaviours, or ceremonial offerings, or both. The location
of these deposits in a huge public structure, which is also used for elite burials, makes it extremely
likely that all of these were deposited by elite members of society.

• Cache 86 dates to the Early Classic period (approximately AD 300 to AD 562 at Tikal). This is a time
when Tikal is enjoying tremendous political power, with highly successful wars of conquest, and
probably a long-distance political alliance with Teotihuacán, the central Mexican superpower.
Political history (based on glyphs) suggests that Tikal underwent a dynastic change during the late
AD 300s (probably around AD 379), and it has been suggested that the new ruler either comes from
Teotihuacán or has ties to it.

• Tikal’s North Acropolis is a major public structure, one of the largest in the city. This appears to have
been a primary focus of ritual activity for more than 200 years, beginning shortly after the Entrada
event of AD 378. The North Acropolis is the burial place for many royal burials and at least 200
ritual caches.

Cache 86 Data

Location: Structure 5D-23-1st, center base of stair. Repository cut through bottom step and charred
Platform 5d-4: Floor 4, sealed by Floor 3.

Content: 19 eccentric flints [chert is the more common name for this material in the Americas]; 15
eccentric obsidians; 4 used flint flakes; 6 obsidian flake-blade cores; ca. 900 obsidian flake-blades, flakes,
and core fragments (including 1 spherical specimen); 1 jade bead; 2 shell figurines; shell: 1 Vasum
muricatum; 1 Murex pomum [species now called Phyllonotus pomum]; 7 Pomacea flagellata snail shells;
1 Crocodylus sp. (entire curved skeleton); 1 headless turtle (possibly Dermatemys mawei); 3 snakes
(Bothrops sp.); possible iguana vertebra in association with crocodile (digestive tract); 1 Balanza black
cylinder with cover; inside: 1 jade bead; 1 Spondylus subspherical bead; 3 unmodified stingray spines; 4
bone imitation stingray spines; 1 jade and shell mosaic assemblage with plastered wooden base;
perhaps a disintegrated sponge; specks of hematite throughout lower pit fill. Stratified deposit -- upper

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Archaeology 101 OL Cache Richness Assignment

layer: 8 flint eccentrics, 2 obsidian eccentrics, 5 chunks of cores, all other minor obsidian. All else on pit
bottom. Locus 1: crocodile; Locus 2: tilted vessel; Locus 3: turtle; Locus 4: snakes; Locus 5: jade bead;
Locus 6: eccentric flints (another obsidian); Locus 7: snails; Locus 8: sea shells.

P. 426 "all but self-evident is that ca. 86 represents the burial of a crocodile accompanied by other
reptiles (companions?), snails (sustenance?), and requisite paraphernalia (eccentrics, beads, etc.)."

Sequential Position: Manik Ceramic Complex. Muul Offertory Assemblage. Early Classic.

Using these data, answer the following questions:

1. Discuss these categories of material culture: lithics, shells (invertebrate fauna), and animal bones
(vertebrate fauna); note that there are multiple forms of most of these categories. Where are the
likely points of origin for each of these? Which materials indicate that Tikal was participating in a
long-distance trade system? (15 points – 5 for each material category) (250 words for each category)

Lithics
The diverse lithic assemblage found in Cache 86 unveils Tikal's multifaceted
engagement in regional networks. Beyond mere utilitarian purposes, the eccentric
flints and meticulously crafted obsidian artifacts hint at the complexity of Tikal's
socio-economic interactions. The absence of locally sourced obsidian underscores the
city's reliance on intricate trade routes. Employing advanced geochemical analyses to
pinpoint the precise origins of the obsidian artifacts promises to unveil the far-reaching
connections that sustained Tikal's prominence. This comprehensive understanding of
trade dynamics enriches our insight into Tikal's role as a pivotal hub in the intricate
tapestry of ancient Mesoamerican commerce.

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Archaeology 101 OL Cache Richness Assignment

Shells
The presence of Vasum muricatum, Murex pomum, and Pomacea flagellata snail
shells in the cache hints at Tikal's engagement in far-reaching trade networks. These
diverse marine shells, particularly those belonging to the Muricidae and Pomacea
species, strongly imply connections with coastal or riverine environments. Their
non-native status in the Tikal region underscores the likelihood of extensive trade or
interaction with coastal communities. The acquisition of these shells likely reflects
Tikal's active participation in a larger trade system, extending its influence well beyond
the immediate vicinity and highlighting its role as a hub in regional economic
exchanges.

Vertebrate Fauna
The assemblage found in Cache 86 not only highlights Tikal's involvement in a vast
trade network but also sheds light on the cultural diversity within its reach. The
headless turtle hints at ritualistic practices or symbolic significance, while the presence
of Bothrops sp. snakes suggests a connection to regions with diverse ecosystems.
This assortment of vertebrate fauna showcases Tikal's intricate relationship with
neighboring areas, emphasizing the city's adaptability to various ecological niches.
The crocodile's non-native origin raises intriguing questions about Tikal's extensive
connections, showcasing the city's role as a hub in a web of trade networks that
transcended geographical boundaries.

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Archaeology 101 OL Cache Richness Assignment

2. Cache 86 is described by the excavators as a crocodile burial. Could this cache and the materials
within it symbolise a human burial or could this crocodile have been intentionally buried for some
other reason? Why? (5 points) (250 words)

Cache 86, initially identified as a crocodile burial, demands a nuanced interpretation

due to its complexities. While the intact crocodile skeleton is striking, its presence may
extend beyond a mere animal interment, delving into symbolic and ritualistic
dimensions inherent in Maya culture.
Maya societies frequently infused animals with symbolic importance, linking them to
deities or mythological narratives. The crocodile in Cache 86 might serve as a
symbolic proxy in burial rituals, representing regenerative or transformative themes
integral to Maya cosmology.
The diverse array of accompanying materials, such as eccentric flints, obsidians,
beads, and other items, suggests a ritualistic or ceremonial purpose. Carefully chosen
for their symbolic meanings, these artifacts may reflect beliefs associated with death,
rebirth, or spiritual concepts. Specific items like the jade bead and shell figurines could
carry ritual significance within Maya cosmology.
Considering the cache's location within the North Acropolis, associated with elite
burials and rituals, it becomes crucial to analyze its broader archaeological context.
Examining the specific stratigraphy, associated loci, and sequential position within the
Manik Ceramic Complex provides additional insights into the intended purpose of the
crocodile deposit.
The crocodile's inclusion may also be tied to mythology or elite practices, with the
Maya elite using symbolic elements in their rituals to convey messages of power,
status, or protection in the afterlife. Maya ritual practices were inherently complex, and
Cache 86's composition of various materials and careful stratigraphy hints at a more
intricate ceremonial narrative than a straightforward animal burial.

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Archaeology 101 OL Cache Richness Assignment

3. What is the significance of this deposit being situated in the North Acropolis, rather than another
location? (5 points) (250 words)

Cache 86's location within Tikal's North Acropolis carries profound archaeological and
cultural implications, offering insights into its purpose and symbolic significance.

1.Elite Context:
Situated within the North Acropolis associated with elite burials, Cache 86 likely
pertains to the elite stratum of Maya society. Its placement aligns with the tradition of
using this monumental complex for the burial of rulers and elite individuals.

2. Ritual and Ceremonial Importance:

The North Acropolis, a hub for ritual activities spanning over two centuries,
contextualizes Cache 86 as a significant ritual deposit. Such caches within
monumental structures often mark important events, like accession ceremonies or
dynastic changes.

3. Cultural Continuity:
Cache 86's presence in the North Acropolis contributes to a narrative of cultural
continuity, highlighting ongoing practices and beliefs within the Tikal community during
the Early Classic period.

4. Symbolic Alignment:
The intentional placement within the North Acropolis aligns Cache 86 with its
architectural and symbolic elements, reinforcing its ritualistic and symbolic meanings
within the broader context of the site.

5. Social and Political Dimensions:

As a focal point for political expression, the North Acropolis suggests that Cache 86
and its associated rituals may have held political significance, influencing the social
and political dynamics of Tikal during the Early Classic period.