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

118an adult male recovered from an isolated location in Operation CS3 represent clearevidence of primary burial/deposition (Brady et al. 1991). Brady et al. (1991:658) alsonoted accumulations of hand and foot bones in Lot CS1-46-1, suggesting the possibledeposition of intact individuals. Evidence pointing to secondary deposition is not asclear as that for primary deposition, yet it may have occurred. For instance, within LotCS9-03-1 Brady (2003 personal communication) speculates that a cluster of stackedcranial vault bones point to the secondary treatment of human remains. My analysis ofthese elements shows that the inner tables of the occipitals are well preserved, whereasthe external surfaces exhibit clear signs of erosion. This wear pattern supports the typeof secondary treatment described by Brady. The intentional placement of an incompletetibia underneath a complete vessel may represent yet another example of secondarytreatment. Brady et al. (1997:361) hypothesize that the bone may have belonged to acaptive “later sacrificed and a portion of the victim was offered in a vesselcommissioned to celebrate the victory.” The sample recovered from CS did not produceany elements with cut marks that would demonstrate dismemberment or disarticulation,and there is no osteological evidence pointing to the practice of human sacrifice. Theamount of material deposited in CS clearly demonstrates the importance of the cave as apossible ossuary or a burial place for a sizable number of individuals. The MNIs andPNIs for Cueva de Sangre render a combined estimate of 43 to 92 individuals. Thedemographics imply equal depositional treatment for both sexes and all age groups.