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

16based on the identification of three tombs constructed out of limestone blocks and theirassociated artifact assemblages. Brady and Stone (1986) argue that the detailed artworkand glyphic texts, the artificial modifications of the cave, and the diverse artifactassemblages suggest that Naj Tunich once served as a final resting place for the elites ofa local population.Settlement configurationThe concept of geomancy involves the incorporation of the artificial environment(monuments, plazas, etc.) with that of the natural environment (Carlson 1981). Thisconcept requires forethought, civil planning, and a sufficient labor force. The Mayaappear to have been very cognizant of their natural surroundings, and this awareness isexemplified in several sites. For example, the Maya exploited natural landscapes, i.e.bodies of water, deep chasms, etc., as defense mechanisms. The planning of sites suchas Aguateca and Punta de Chimino clearly incorporated the natural environment into asettlement configuration that was easily defended. However, a highly defendable postwas not the only consideration in a site’s location. We also see the integration ofnatural landmarks such as caves in the settlement configuration of sites such as DosPilas.Dos PilasThe Petexbatun Regional Cave Survey was a subproject of the larger PetexbatunRegional Archaeological Project headed by Vanderbilt University. The goal of theformer was aimed at the systematic investigation of the role of caves in prehistoric Mayasacred geography (Brady 1997). More specifically, the project focused its energy in