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

ceramic material increased toward the bottom of the level, possibly suggesting an
intentional deposition.
Level IV is a well-compacted mixture of reddish loamy sand (Munsell 7.5YR3/4),
and ceramic artifacts comprise virtually all of cultural artifacts in this layer. Sizes of the
sherds vary widely, and the high concentration at the lower levels suggests a refuse
deposit. The lack of organic or other domestic-related artifacts may indicate that this
material is waste from ceramic production as opposed to normal household debris.
Reddish sand constitutes Level V, an apparent natural level that contains no cultural
material. Level VI is the uppermost appearance of natural river gravel.
The ceramics in this profile section present a mixed context. In Level II, the
recovered ceramics identified as 1 and 2 are diagnostic of the Middle Formative period
(Type 11.1). Level III contains the same type (11.1) plus examples from the Early
Formative (11.4), and Late Formative (11.4a and 21.1) periods. Type 420.1 is also
present in this level and is considered transitional between the Late Formative and
Protoclassic periods. Level IV contains Early (31.2) and Late Formative (21.2), and Late
Formative to Protoclassic transitional (81.4). The deposition and mixture of these pieces
from various periods is demonstrated throughout much of the Field I area and may
suggest a long term waste disposal site for an enduring ceramic production tradition.
River Cut Profile 1B
This profile lies on the southern embankment of Field 1 between Mound 84 and
the remnants of Mound 107. Level I is similar to that in Profile 1A, with the upper 10 cm
to 20 cm containing the same soil type and dispersed gravel (Figure 5.9). Below this
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