El Pilar Chronology

Chronological analysis of El Pilar has been based on the comprehensive and detailed ceramic chronologies available for the Maya Lowlands (Smith 1955; Willey et al. 1965; Adams 1971; Gifford et al. 1976; Sabloff 1975). The preliminary chronological sequence for El Pilar is presently based on the examination of ceramics salvaged from looter's trenches during BRASS's 1984 field season. Additionally, ceramics recovered from the last occupation phase during the excavation of architectural features in 1993. These were examined with a focus on vessel form and rim characteristics.

The construction sequences exposed by looters provide a brief overview of the history of El Pilar. The ceramics recovered suggest that a great deal of construction activity at El Pilar spanned the Late Preclassic period through the Terminal Classic (250 B.C. to A.C. 1000). 1993 excavation work revealed other ceramic evidence of Terminal Classic activity throughout the site.

Future Plans for BRASS/El Pilar

The foundation for further research at the center of El Pilar has been established. We now have an understanding of the area's natural resources. The nature of local settlement during the construction and occupation of El Pilar is known. Additionally, the current rough site map will be the basis for future work. The long-term study of El Pilar will concentrate on the following aspects:

1.
developing a detailed map of the site and its surroundings,
2.
excavation to study construction sequences and form,
3.
building consolidation and repair of looter damage,
4.
selected reconstruction with a view to development of an ecotourist site, and
5.
development of interpretive and educational programs presenting the results of the research.

In 1994, excavation work commences at strategic points along structures to aid in the fine-scale mapping of the site, using Electronic Distance Meter (EDM) and Total Station technology. This mapping stage is fundamental to further excavation decisions at El Pilar. This will also focus on determining the preservation of the architecture at the site. When the fine-scale map of the site has been completed, the size, orientation and access of buildings can be determined. Axes of buildings can also be established to provide the basis for excavations examining building sequences and dedications.

Consolidation and reconstruction work is destined to be a cooperative effort with the Government of Belize. BRASS/El Pilar would like to reflect the accuracy of archaeology, the realities of construction and sensitivities of aesthetics in this work. The project staff includes two architects who will monitor the exposure excavations with an archaeologist experienced in large scale restoration projects in the Maya Lowlands.

The final intended plan for El Pilar includes publication of the results of the archaeological research in both scholarly and popular press form. An on-site visitor's program will be developed which includes information regarding the architecture of El Pilar, its place in the region, and programs addressing the local environmental context. To this end the Ix Chel Tropical Research Centre and Wildlife Conservation International have begun the study of the local flora and fauna during the mapping program.