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

53CQ. This is the only cave not connected to the other five caves associated with the siteof Dos Pilas. This particular cave is situated underneath a surface site, which consists ofstructures such as a platform with pyramids and constructions with plazas. The mainceremonial complex is built directly on top of Cueva de Los Quetzales (Figure 7). Theentrance underneath this complex is clearly incorporated into the plaza located near thetallest pyramid (Brady et al. 1991:684). This main entrance extends for 60 m with awidth that varies between 5-10 m and a height of 2-4 m. Evidence of a possible altarwas identified at this entrance. The cave then divides into two passes, one high and onelow, which extend for 7 m before converging once again. At this point, the cave extendsfor another 15 m until it narrows into an impassable juncture.The ceramic and non-ceramic material from this cave was excavated. Theinvestigation of an impressive deposit of ceramic material inside the cave indicatespossible ceremonial activity, which likely consisted of dropping offerings into theaperture situated in the main plaza (Brady and Rodas 1995). Similar ceremonialdeposits have been documented in other sites such as Actun Balam and Pusilha.Ceramic analyses found material dating to the Preclassic and Late Classic periods(Brady et al. 1991). A small deposit of human remains was also excavated from thiscave. Two of these elements produced possible evidence of bone modificationsuggestive secondary burial treatment. Two other caves – Cueva del Tepezquintle andCueva del Tortuga – are associated with the surface site. According to Brady et al.(1991:684), these two additional caves may form one system whereby water enters oneand exits the other during the heavy fluvial activity of the rainy season.