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

activities and that these activities are not present elsewhere in the site, at least at this
scale. Various lines of evidence support this conclusion. The analytical results from the
seven test excavations that were conducted in these northern fields, the observation and
analysis of cultural deposits along the 1.5 km-long stratigraphic river cut that crosscuts
the site, and the types and locations of magnetic anomalies possibly associated with
firing, cumulatively imply that ceramic production activity was restricted to this specific
area. Furthermore, this evidence suggests these activities occurred repeatedly in the same
area for more than two millennia.
Evidence from the Olmec Throne Complex, specifically Plazas I and II,
demonstrates a parallel pattern of continual, long-term use and reuse as is illustrated in
the northern area of the site. Analysis of the soil from these two plazas may imply
regular, possibly repeated activities. When surface artifact deposition and excavation data
recovered during the throne rescue project are considered, Plaza I appears to have been
the site of residential or ceremonial feasting events. The location of the Olmec throne,
with physical proximity to a possible water retention facility and associated stone drains,
implies significant ideological symbolism. The analysis of ceramic evidence recovered in
and around Plaza II suggests the area was used for different activities than was Plaza I.
The implications of the size, restricted entry, and circumscription of the plaza’s
boundaries, along with the multiple monumental buildings and their placement, imply a
more public venue. Analysis of Plaza II soils supports the idea of spatially limited
activity areas and that these areas were cleared and cleaned upon the conclusion of
events. Results from the surface collection correlate with the assumption of cleaning, and
is further supported by the repeated deposition of refuse in a specific and restricted
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