Cakhay: A Strategic Classic Center in the Kaq’chik’el Maya Area

Summary

Archaeological survey of Cakhay, the largest Classic site (200-800 A.D.) in the Maya Kaq’chik’el area, was carried out in 2017 by the Proyecto Arqueológico del Área Kaq’chik’el (PAAK). The goal of the survey was to determine the limits of the site and survey its periphery. Reconnaissance of 20 sq km found that populations were nucleated on the hillside surrounding the defensive and religious center with some look out sites in the periphery. Within the center and the nucleus of the site, Teotihuacan style Middle Classic incensarios and tripod vessels and Cotzumalguapan style sculpture indicate interregional interaction with elite trading centers in the area of Escuintla. Routes of travel, determined by the application of the Least Cost Analysis of GIS, show Cakhay dominated north-south and east-west routes on the western edge of the Chimaltenango plain. It was engaged in trade to the northeast with San Martin Jilotepeque as well. The site had significant roots in the Late Preclassic and had occupations during the Terminal Classic-Early Postclassic and Late Postclassic indicating it was an integral part of the highland network of exchange and communication from Kaminaljuyu to Lake Atitlan and to the Pacific Coast from the Preclassic through the Postclassic periods.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 19995