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

An earlier discussion suggested stylistic similarities between the Olmec tabletop
thrones at San Lorenzo, La Venta, and the example from El Marquesillo. Although the
resemblances are compelling, the differences may be equally telling. The defacement of
sculptures may have been intended to release the power and danger inherent within the
monument (Cyphers 1996a, 1997a; Gillespie 1993; Grove and Gillespie 1992). “The
brutality accorded some monuments, but not others, indicates selective desecration and
iconoclasm rather than ritual decommissioning” (Clark 2005:212). Unlike the forceful
mutilation and disfigurement of monuments present at San Lorenzo and La Venta, the
throne from El Marquesillo was not subjected to violent blows or battering (see Coe and
Diehl 1980a:297; Grove 1999). There is also no evidence of fracturing, slotting,
grooving, or other recarving or reuse of the stone. In comparison to the condition and
deposition of many monumental sculptures at other contemporary sites on the Gulf Coast,
the throne at El Marquesillo could be considered to have undergone a more deferential
effacing process and a more venerable interment (see Coe and Diehl 1980a:297-374;
Cyphers 2004; Heizer 1960; Porter 1989).
Some observations regarding the throne have been made that, initially may appear
inconsequential, but, when added to the totality of evidence from El Marquesillo and
other sites, suggest a more profound pattern of Mesoamerican directional alignment and
measurement systems. The axis plane created by the top of the throne was oriented
approximately 16º west of magnetic north (Figure 5.84). Implications for this alignment
are discussed further in the Site Planning and Concepts of Directionality section below.
Offerings I and II are associated with the ritual termination and deposition of the
throne. The intimate placement and depths of the offering pits, relative to those of the
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