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The 2012 Season of the Chan Chich Archaeological Project
Coba (Robles 1980), Colha (Valdez 1987),
Cuello (Kosakowsky 1987; Kosakowsky and
Pring 1998; Pring 1977), El Mirador (Forsyth
1989), K’axob (Lopez Varela 1995), Kichpanha
(McDow 1997; Meskill 1992; Reese and
Valdez 1987), Laguna de On (Mock 1997),
Nakbe (Forsyth 1993), Northern River Lagoon
Site (Mock 1994), Oxkintok (Varela 1992), Rio
Azul (Adams and Jackson-Adams 2000), Santa
Rita (Chase and Chase 1988), Seibal (Sabloff
1975), and the regional effort of the Programme
for Belize Archaeological Project (Sullivan and
Valdez 2000; Valdez et al. 1993). An important
aspect of this analysis requires ceramic type
descriptions that help to define the grouping of
typological units that may then be defined into
chronologically significant segments.
The type:variety-mode system of analysis
then allows for the ceramics to be used as a
tool for chronological assessments which is
usually of immediate interest to excavators.
The chronological segments defined for Chan
Chich and Kaxil Uinic are approximated from
comparisons with other Maya sites with similar
ceramics. Specific temporal designations may
be later affirmed for Chan Chich with the
results of absolute dating methods.
The Ceramic Sequence
Seven ceramic complexes are currently
represented in the Chan Chich sequence
(Figure 6.1) and a sequence for Kaxil Uinic
is being considered. All of the complexes are
functionally complete as defined by Adams
(1971), however, the Early Classic period
(Tzakol Sphere) is still a poorly represented
complex. Late Postclassic visitations occurred
at Chan Chich as is common at numerous
other sites and represented thus far only by
censer material. The ceramic complexes for
the currently defined Chan Chich sequence
are named after birds observed inhabiting the
research area. It is believed that additional
excavations will provide data to support and
refine the general ceramic chronology as
currently understood. Each season of research
promises to allow for a refinement of the
chronology through clearer definitions of
ceramic types, complexes, complex facets, and
comparative materials.
Kiskadee Ceramic Complex
Early Middle Preclassic, Swasey Sphere. The
Kiskadee Complex is the earliest occupation
evidence at Chan Chich thus far. The complex
begins about 900 BC and extends to 600 BC
and fits well, given the ceramic artifacts, within
the northern Belize Swasey Sphere.
Oropendola Ceramic Complex
Late Middle Preclassic, Mamom Sphere.
Dated to approximately 600 BC to 400 BC, the
Chan Chich Oropendola Ceramic Complex is
safely placed within the Mamom Sphere. The
Mamom ceramic sphere is pan-Maya, but does
maintain regional variations in certain ceramic
characteristics.
Jacamar Ceramic Complex
Late Preclassic, Chicanel Sphere. A beginning
date of 400 BC is designated for this ceramic
complex at Chan Chich with an ending date of
about AD 150. The Late Preclassic is generally
extended to AD 250, however, a separate
complex is posited for the following Terminal
Preclassic period at Chan Chich because of
the presence of Floral Park sphere ceramics.
The Late Preclassic complex at Chan Chich is
nearly identical in types and many varieties to
other ceramic complexes of the same period in
the Maya lowlands i.e., very uniform in shape,
slip color, and surface treatment in this period.
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