HUMAN SKELETAL REMAINS OF THE ANCIENT MAYA IN THE ...

94between these two types of activity have also been documented. Cut marks caused bydefleshing activity tend to be U-shaped in cross section, whereas those caused bydismemberment are V-shaped (Raemsch 1993). Thus, the morphology and anatomicallocation of the modification are important elements to consider when assessing thepossible process responsible for the type of modification present.This chapter focuses on the identification and description of possible cut markson several skeletal elements from the Petexbatun cave sample. My goal is todemonstrate that these cut marks are the result of specific human activities, i.e.disarticulation/dismemberment, defleshing, etc. Other bones with evidence of animalgnawing and other taphonomic agents are also described in order to illustrate themorphological differences between cut marks caused by human action and thoseproduced by other natural agents. The following are possible human activities, whichmay account for the presence of cut marks on a human bone.1) Primary burial – the individuals may represent a specific group of the Mayapopulation primarily buried in these caves, i.e. war victims. The marks may beevidence of wounds inflicted before the death and deposition of an individual inthe cave.2) Sacrificial victims – the sample may represent a select group of individuals thatwere sacrificed, dismembered and primarily buried in these caves. The marksmay indicate peri- or post-mortem activity whereby the dismemberment of thebody followed the actual sacrificial act. The dismemberment of the body withthe aid of sharp stone implements may have facilitated easier transport and