An Unexplored Realm in the Heartland of the Southern Gulf ... - Famsi

Summary of the Soil Analyses
When the kriged maps of P, K, and Mn are overlain on a base map with the
architectural features outlined, the spatial relationship of the activity areas becomes
clearer. Potassium tends to be associated with the deposition of wood ash. Although the
presence of wood ash may suggest fires, it may also represent refuse areas or the result of
activities such as corn slaking, ceramic production, or ceremonies. Whatever the cause,
Figure 4.31a illustrates the potential location of a number of human activities in Plaza I.
In Plaza II, the major concentration of K is aligned with the medial, east-west axis of the
Throne Complex between Structures 78 and 79. The chemical residues appear to form a
ring around the center portion of the plaza. Manganese and P demonstrate significant
activity in Plaza I, but the residue is restricted in Plaza II. Nevertheless, the central
portion of this plaza does not demonstrate any element residues.
Examination of Figures 4.31 a, b, and c demonstrates a greater concentration of
specific elements in the soils. This condition would suggest significant and varied
activities occurred in Plaza I. These activities may have included food preparation and
consumption, craft production, and ceremonial events. Plaza II demonstrates a
substantially lower level of element residues in the soil, which may be attributed to the
occurrence of fewer events or the cleaning of the plaza surface immediately after the
events.
169