THE EXCAVATION OF STRUCTURE 3 AT QUEBRADA DE ORO AND ASSOCIATED FINDINGS

This paper summarizes ongoing investigations and key discoveries from the Southern Maya Mountains Archaeological Project (SMMAP) at Quebrada de Oro, situated in the middle Bladen Branch drainage of the southern Maya Mountains. Sponsored by California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) and directed by the author, the SMMAP has progressively gathered data to clarify the evolution of political authority and intersite dynamics among centers in the middle Bladen Branch. The focus here is the excavation of Structure 3 and the uniquely preserved burial deposit it contains. These findings offer insights into early expressions of leadership as civilization emerged in this area and shed light on the complex social and ceremonial practices that shaped the region.