The paper concerns the spatial analysis of the distribution of surface archaeological remains in Cueva del Sapo, a cave in western Chiapas (Mexico) investigated by the Rio La Venta Archaeological Project. The distribution analysis was carried out by means of photo-mapping and the data recovered during the cave investigation were then managed with a Geographic Information System software that allowed to investigate the complex dinamic of offering disposal performed in the cave in ancient times. The results show that the cave was used for underground rituals related with the cult of water-related deities during a span of almost 1000 years by local Zoque indigenous groups; the spatial analysis revealed different patterns of space use and offering disposal during this lapse, indicating profund changes in the performance of the ritual practices. The research also offers a model of a methodology of spatial analysis that allows a detailed study of the archaeological heritage without excavating or altering the original archaeological context.
Domenici D., Pongetti C. (2012). Cueva del Sapo: A GIS Spatial Analysis of Surface Remains in a Classic Ritual Cave of Western Chiapas, Mexico. AUSTIN (TEXAS) : Association for Mexican Cave Studies.
Cueva del Sapo: A GIS Spatial Analysis of Surface Remains in a Classic Ritual Cave of Western Chiapas, Mexico
DOMENICI, DAVIDE;
2012
Abstract
The paper concerns the spatial analysis of the distribution of surface archaeological remains in Cueva del Sapo, a cave in western Chiapas (Mexico) investigated by the Rio La Venta Archaeological Project. The distribution analysis was carried out by means of photo-mapping and the data recovered during the cave investigation were then managed with a Geographic Information System software that allowed to investigate the complex dinamic of offering disposal performed in the cave in ancient times. The results show that the cave was used for underground rituals related with the cult of water-related deities during a span of almost 1000 years by local Zoque indigenous groups; the spatial analysis revealed different patterns of space use and offering disposal during this lapse, indicating profund changes in the performance of the ritual practices. The research also offers a model of a methodology of spatial analysis that allows a detailed study of the archaeological heritage without excavating or altering the original archaeological context.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
