Temple XIV was originally excavated in 1968 by Jorge R. Acosta, but no deep test units were excavated into the basemento. So last season we excavated a test unit to provide stratographic information and ceramics which would more accurately "fix" this structure within the chronological sequence of architecture in this area. This test unit was also excavated to ascertain the presence or absence of a buried substructure beneath the basemento. Click here for details on this operation. In the course of the excavation we encountered a concentration of large incensario fragments and the partial remains of two "cajetas" (the vessels that actually contain the charcoal and incense) were documented and collected. The incensarios identified here differ from others found in association with the Cross Group structures in that the relief is lower and the appliqué elements are shallow by comparison. It is possible that these incensarios represent an earlier developmental stage relative to the incensarios associated with the Cross Group structures. A second test unit was excavated beginning in January of this year. Click here for details on this operation. In the course of our excavations, it became apparent that we had encountered the uppermost of a series of buried terraces. These terraces represent an earlier phase of the Cross Group, quite different from what was supposed in the past. The northern plaza of the Cross Group, which supports Temples XIV, XV, and XVb was a later addition constructed on top of at least 8 m of fill. Moreover, Dr. Robert Rands' recent analysis of the ceramics found in the tombs of Temple XV (to the north of Temple XIV), show that this temple is the earliest structure in the Cross Group, instead of a later structure as had been previously supposed. This evidence suggests that there may be an earlier phase of the Cross Group, along with buried structures, beneath the northern plaza.

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