The ejido of Xquerol contains two archaeological sites that were recorded in 2003 and 2004 by CRAS project members: Nohcacab and Xquerol.
The site of Xquerol, like Sacalaca, lies within a modern pueblo and only portions of the site still exist today. A large mound with some intact architecture, Structure N1E1-1, is situated directly north of the church on the plaza. A sacbe (raised Maya roadway) connects Xquerol to the site of Ichmul, located approximately four kilometers away in the state of Yucatan. A modern road crosses the sacbe multiple times, exposing it in cross-section each time that it is cut. While we briefly thought about borrowing the road crew's bulldozer to make quick work of our excavations, we stuck to lighter equipment. One test pit was excavated at Xquerol.
Nohcacab is located on a ranch approximately three kilometers east of Xquerol. The site is composed primarily of smaller structures built upon natural rises. Many Postclassic shrines cap the Formative and Terminal Classic architecture seen on the surface. The depressions between these rises would have been used for agriculture in the past; some were also modified in order to trap and hold water. One test pit was excavated at Nohcacab. Nohcacab's Operation 1 located the remains of a wall line not visible on the surface that formed the edge of a patio area. Some artifacts and Puuc-style architectural elements were also collected from the surface.
Both sites had significant Late Formative occupations, then marked population declines in the Early and Late Classic, with occupations booming again in the Terminal Classic, after around A.D.750. Xquerol's political and economic ties are quite similar to those of Sacalaca and Yo'okop, as indicated by ceramic styles. However, at Nohcacab, we found Chichen Itza-style ceramics and Postmonumental structures in addition to Puuc style architecture and Puuc slate wares.
In 2004, the two Postmonumental structures (Structures N1E1-8 and S3E2-2) were excavated (see 2004 report available on the CRAS home page for details), yielding Chichen Slate wares from contexts associated with their occupation. Three other test pits excavated elsewhere in the site yielded primarily Puuc slate wares in their Terminal Classic lots. Thus, while there seems to have been a genuine Chichen Itza-related presence at Nohcacab, it was very spatially and temporally restricted.
Yes, we worked like dogs but still managed to smile...
