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

96represent the sample with evidence of cut marks and animal gnawing. The state ofpreservation varies for each bone; some exhibit extensive cortical wear while others arerelatively well preserved. All of the elements represent possible adult individuals ofindeterminate age and sex. Despite the small number of elements with identifiable bonemodification, the information gleaned from these bones is imperative for an accurateinterpretation of the type of agent(s) responsible and the depositional activities that mayhave occurred in these caves.Cut marksEight skeletal elements contain some evidence of possible cut marks produced byhuman action. The morphology and anatomical location of these marks are the mostimportant features to consider in the interpretation of this specific type of bonemodification. An incomplete pelvic bone from Cueva de El Duende and a left femurfrom Cueva de Los Quetzales show the best evidence of cut marks that indicate peri- orpost-mortem disarticulation or dismemberment of an individual. I also identified twoother femora with cut marks, which may point to possible defleshing activity. The otherthree elements have evidence of bone modification, however, I was unable to determinewhether they represent cut marks.CD2-01-8BI identified two groups of cut marks on an incomplete right ischium. The boneconsists of an intact ischial tuberosity, a portion of the ischial ramus, and the inferiorportion of the articular surface of the acetabulum; the ischial spine is broken off. Theelement is too fragmentary to accurately sex; however, the complete fusion of the ischial