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SOIL GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSES AT THE PRECLASSIC SITE OF XTOBO, YUCATAN, MEXICO

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2012

David S. Anderson ,
Daniel A. Bair  and
Richard E. Terry
David S. Anderson*
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, 101 Dinwiddie Hall, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118
Daniel A. Bair
Affiliation:
Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, 275 WIDB, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602
Richard E. Terry
Affiliation:
Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, 275 WIDB, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602
*
E-mail correspondence to: danders3@tulane.edu
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Abstract

The geochemical analysis of soil samples collected in association with archaeological remains has proven to be an effective tool in the identification of past human behaviors. These methodologies are here applied to the study of notable features from the site of Xtobo, Yucatan, Mexico. Xtobo is a Preclassic Maya regional center in northwest Yucatan exhibiting a complex settlement pattern, including a well-defined plaza, multiple raised causeways, and a ballcourt. In addition, the site includes a large defined open area, which was initially thought to be a potential marketplace. The results of the geochemical soil analyses identified several areas of food production and consumption throughout the site, along with potential craft production zones. The results in association with the potential marketplace were intriguing, but inconclusive.

Type
Special Section: Contemporary Archaeology in Yucatan
Information
Ancient Mesoamerica , Volume 23 , Issue 2 , Fall 2012 , pp. 365 - 377
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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References

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