EARLY CLASSIC MORTUARY PATTERNS AND ROYAL AUTHORITY AT BUENAVISTA DEL CAYO

In this paper, we synthesize seven Early Classic high-status burials associated with Structure 3 at Buenavista del Cayo, recovered by the Mopan Valley Archaeological Project between 2014 and 2024. Two burials were placed in Central Plaza in front of Structure 3 and five in Structure 3’s summit, one in the first Early Classic construction phase (Structure 3-3rd) and four in the second Early Classic construction phase (Structure 3-2nd). We describe the construction sequence associated with these burials and the contents of each burial. We argue that the rain deity, Chahk, was central to royal authority at Buenavista, given the presence of Spondylus shell valves in the burials described herein, the monumental Chahk masks on Str 3b, and the accoutrement of Chahk buried with a king in a Late Classic tomb in Str 3b.