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An ethnoarchaeological study of chemical residues in the floors and soils of Q'eqchi' Maya houses at Las Pozas, Guatemala

Bibliographic Data

ID5827872
AuthorsFrancisco García Fernández (0000-0002-9539-0050, Brigham Young University), Fabian G Fernández, Richard E Terry (0000-0002-8391-4689, Brigham Young University), Takeshi Inomata (0000-0002-5236-5613, University of Arizona), M Eberl (0000-0002-3260-5405, Tulane University)
Year2002
Volume17
Issue6
Pages487-519
Publication date2002-07-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGeoarchaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0883-6353 • E-ISSN: 1520-6548
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/gea.10026
OpenAlexW2014338268
LanguageEN
Citations received75
References cited54

This ethnoarchaeological study at the Q'eqchi' Maya village of Las Pozas, Guatemala, aimed to refine the understanding of the relationship between soil chemical signatures and human activities for archaeological applications. The research involved phosphorus, exchangeable ion (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium), and trace element analysis of soils and earth floors extracted by Mehlich II, ammonium acetate, and DTPA chelate solutions, respectively. The results showed high levels of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and pH in food preparation areas, as well as high phosphorus concentrations and low pH in food consumption areas. The traffic areas exhibited low phosphorus and trace element contents, whereas refuse disposal areas were enriched. These results provide important information for the understanding of space use in ancient settlements. (c) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Maya · Trace element · Amazonian Archaeology and Ethnohistory · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation

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Unique citing works75
Citations per year3,13
Citation span2002 - 2026 (25)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 75
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