La Muerta
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La Muerta is a Maya archaeological site in the northern Petén region of Guatemala, located between the sites of El Mirador and El Tintal.[1] It is located on a promontory 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) south of the El Tigre complex of El Mirador, and it is considered a satellite of that city.[2] La Muerta was inhabited during the Early to Late Classic Period.[3] The site has been extensively looted.[4]
Although the precise origin of the name is unknown, the site takes its name from when it was used as a gum-gatherers' camp,[5] the name meaning "the dead (woman or thing)" in Spanish.
La Muerta was investigated by archaeologist Richard D. Hansen in the 1980s.[6] Some of the roof combs of the structures remain in good condition.[7] The site is divided into North and South Groups, located approximately 400 metres (1,300 ft) apart.[8] Eleven residential areas have been identified within these two groups.[9]
Structure A1 is a temple with a north-facing stairway.[10] The building measures 11.5 metres (38 ft) by 8.6 metres (28 ft) and is 9.4 metres (31 ft) high,[11] with walls built of limestone.[12] The structure has been severely damaged by looters.[13] During archaeological investigations of the building, a damaged but finely crafted stucco face was excavated.[14]
Structure A2 is a pyramid immediately to the west of Structure A1 and has been badly damaged by a combination of natural erosion and looting.[15] Archaeologists have completely excavated the interior of the structure.[16] The structure has six vaulted rooms of different sizes with fine stucco floors.[17] The walls had been partially faced with stucco which showed traces of red paint.[18] The building had stairways on the north and south sides,[19] these were flanked by poorly preserved sculpted masks that had traces of red and blue paint.[20] Investigations of Structure A2 have revealed abundant ceramics dating to both the Early and Late Classic.[21]
Structure 2 at La Muerta is one of the most unusual Maya buildings in the northern Petén region, with a two-level subterranean labyrinth.[22]
