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

deposition pattern suggests that this residential zone was occupied from the Early
Formative to Late Classic period.
In Field 1, approximately 50 to 70 m northeast of the residential zone, is an area
of significant ceramic production. The magnetometer survey of Field 1 detected a series
of anomalies in this zone that could be localities of significant concentrated burning
activities, as would be expected of ceramic production, either through open fire-pits or
kilns (see Hoag 2003). The extended duration of their operation and level of production is
indicated by the deposition of large quantities of chronologically diagnostic (Early
Formative through Late Classic, c. 1150 BC to AD 900) and domestic ceramic sherds
visible along the northern river cut bank in Field 1 and the eastern bank of Fields 1
through 4.
Analysis of the diagnostic ceramics from the surface collection presents a pattern
of expansion and contraction in this zone over time. When the non-diagnostic material is
included, the spatial pattern remains basically unaltered, and the limits of deposition of
archaeological materials are adhered to. The restricted depositional occurrence suggests
this was a discrete activity area. In the Early Formative period, the surface area
containing diagnostic ceramics covered 10,000 m² or approximately 0.01 km². Middle
Formative distribution increased to 37,500 m², and the Late Formative continued to
increase to 45,000 m². The Protoclassic spatial distribution was reduced to 32,500 m² and
the decline continued in the Early Classic to 15,000 m². The Late Classic period
witnessed a substantial re-florescence to 27,500 m². This temporal pattern of spatial
waxing and waning is demonstrated in other segments of the site as well. It is not
possible, at this time, to determine if the production zone also included residential areas.
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