The Protoclassic period in the Mayan region of Peten, Guatemala has longed posed problems for Mayan archaeologists because of poor site preservation. While several archaeologists have hypothesized that the abrupt appearance of the distinctive ceramic complex that identifies the Protoclassic is the result of contacts with other Mayan groups living in highland El Salvador, sufficient evidence is lacking. In order to test this hypothesis, the principal investigator will excavate the large Mayan ceremonial cave site of Naj Tunich in Peten, Guatemala. The ceramics for this site are in an excellent state of preservation within good stratigraphic context. Thus the ceramic data from Naj Tunich represents a rare opportunity to better define and understand the Protoclassic era and the development of state societies in Mesoamerica.
