This collaborative grant permits Drs. Sabloff and Tourtellot to continue their archaeological research at the site of Sayil, located in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. It follows on the season of preliminary reconnaissance and two seasons of field work which have produced a detailed map of the site. In this next phase, the investigators will conduct both deep stratigraphic tests and extensive but shallow excavations. These latter will serve to verify the surface for evidence of buried features or additional feature types. The excavations will also allow the recovery of cultural material such as ceramics which will permit the purpose of each feature type to be determined. This site dates to only a relatively brief period or if occupation was longer than expected. It will also allow community size and organization to be determined. The archaeological sites of the Puuc Hills region of northern Yucatan, where Sayil is located played a crucial role in the development of ancient Maya civilization between the late Eighth Century and the early Eleventh Century, A.D., but our knowledge of these sites is surprisingly limited. There has never been an intensive full scale settlement pattern study of an individual site. However, since this region played a crucial role in the history of the Maya, it is well worth conducting such work. This research is important because it will increase our understanding of the origin and maintenance of complex societies such as our own. Because of the excellent collaboration with Mexican scientists, it will also help to develop close ties with this archaeological establishment. I recommend support.
