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A Paleoecological Record from a Late Classic Maya Reservoir in the North Petén

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

David Wahl ,
Thomas Schreiner ,
Roger Byrne  and
Richard Hansen
David Wahl
Affiliation:
United States Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Rd., MS-975, Menlo Park, CA 94025 ([email protected])
Thomas Schreiner
Affiliation:
Archaeological Research Facility, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94702-4740
Roger Byrne
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94702-4740 ([email protected])
Richard Hansen
Affiliation:
American Indian Studies Program, Department of Anthropology, Idaho State University, Campus Box 8005 Pocatello ID, 83209-8005
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Abstract

Aguada Zacatal is a reservoir located within a bajo 4 km west of Nakbe, Petén, Guatemala. It is 100 m in diameter and the surrounding berm is approximately 1 m tall. The small Classic period site of Zacatal is adjacent to the aguada. The reservoir's artificial lining prevents dry season desiccation and enhances microfossil preservation. In 1998 a 335 cm sediment core was taken from the center of the reservoir and analyzed for pollen, microscopic charcoal, and total organic matter. Core chronology, based on two AMS radiocarbon determinations, shows the record covers the period from A.D. 695 to present. Only the upper 113 cm contained well-preserved microfossils. The pollen record clearly documents a period of agricultural activity followed by abandonment and forest succession. In the agricultural period (A.D. 695-840), corn pollen is found in conjunction with disturbance indicators. After the abandonment at approximately A.D. 840, the record is dominated by aquatic pollen types and corn pollen is absent. This shift in pollen spectra represents the end of the Classic period.

Resumen

Resumen

La reserva de agua artificial de Aguada Zacatal está localizada a 4 km al oeste de Nakbe, Petén, Guatemala, en un bajo. Tiene 100 m de diámetro y la berma que la rodea posee aproximadamente 1 m de alto, localizándose cerca del pequeño sitio arqueológico homónimo del período Clásico. Esta reserva se emplea en las estación seca y permite la preservación de microfósiles. Un núcleo de sedimentos de 335 cm fue extraído de su centro en abril de 1998; y analizado en búsqueda de polen, carbón microscópico, y contenido orgánico. La cronología obtenida en el núcleo sedimentario cubre desde 695 d.C. hasta el presente, sobre la base de dos dataciones en AMS. Sólo los 113 cm superiores del núcleo contienen microfósiles bien preservados. El registro polínico revela claramente la existencia de un período de actividad agrícola y su posterior abandono, sucediéndolo evidencia de bosque. En el período agrícola (695-840 d.C.), el polen de maíz se registra conjuntamente con indicadores de perturbaciones del terreno. Tras el abandono del área, alrededor del año 840 d.C., el registro está dominado por polen de plantas acuáticas, mientras que el de maíz es ausente. Este cambio en el registro polínico representa el fin del período Clásico.

Type
Reports
Information
Latin American Antiquity , Volume 18 , Issue 2 , June 2007 , pp. 212 - 222
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 2007

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