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

46excavation uncovered evidence of artificial constructions - the remains of three plasteredfloors (Brady et al. 1991:668). The uppermost floor contained ceramics dating back tothe Early Classic period, whereas the two inferior floors were associated with ceramicmaterial from the Preclassic period.Six additional lots of varying size (50 x 50 cm and 1 x 1 m) were also excavatedat 10 cm increments. The mud excavated from these lots was bagged in order to test anexperimental sampling technique, whereby sodium carbonate is utilized to dissolve theclay of alluvial cave deposits (see Brady and Schwegman 1993). This new samplingtechnique yielded ceramic material from three of the six lots sampled, however, noskeletal material was recovered. This technique was also utilized for soil samples inCueva de Sangre. Moreover, evidence of extensive speleothem mutilation was alsodocumented in one of the tunnels (Urquizú 1994:555).The few skeletal remains that were surface collected from CRM appear to be in agood state of preservation. A preliminary estimate of the minimum number ofindividuals was calculated. According to López (1994:689), this particular depositaccounts for 16 individuals: 10 adults, three children, and three subadults.Cueva de SangreCueva de Sangre is located approximately 3 km southeast of Dos Pilas’ mainplaza. Hereafter, Cueva de Sangre will be recognized by the code CS. Thearchaeological exploration and mapping of this large cave system began in 1990. Over aperiod of three field seasons, more than 3 km of passages were mapped and surveyed,