A.L. Smith’s scientific contributions

During the 1952 season we excavated in house mounds where depressions in benches or any visible constructions below bench level, such as exposed capstones or bared vault or walls, were noted. These constructions had one, two, or three benches (Ruppert and Smith 1952). In the 1953 season our excavations were confined to four structures: An altar shrine, and three buildings that showed four benches in the front room. In two buildings a shrine room appeared as an extension of the back room. In the third building were two subfloor chambers, one with a stairway. These two chambers had been cleared by pothunters at some time in the past. Trenches were also dug at the base of the platforms supporting Groups K-52 and Q-119. R. E. Smith examined all ceramic material and furnished the data thereon in this report. It is interesting to note that of the 1952 sherd material from house mounds, 4.5 percent is of the Puuc period; the 1953 material is 0.08 percent Puuc. In 1952, sherds of censers constituted 6.2 percent; in the 1953 excavations the same type of sherds accounted for 20.8 percent. The increase in censer material is seen in structures with shrine rooms and especially in Str. K-52a, thus suggesting a correlation between building type and pottery. Conforming to an agreement with the Mexican Government, we filled all trenches and pits at the completion of the work. © 2009 by the University Press of Colorado. All rights reserved.