ABSTRACT
Architectural analysis has been shown to be a significant element in archaeological interpretations of social structure and organization (Ashmore 1991; Kent 1990; Schortman and Urban 1994; Sharer et al. 1999). By studying the materials, construction styles, and arrangements of architecture we can begin to infer the use and meaning of constructed spaces. Architectural designs and spatial arrangements of many ancient Mesoamerican political centers have been well documented over the past decades, including elite and monumental architecture found at major sites within Southeast Mesoamerica (northwest Honduras, southeast Guatemala, and El Salvador). In contrast, relatively little has been investigated regarding vernacular architecture and construction designs for household contexts in the southeast region. Ancient households have been examined at Copan in Honduras (Gerstle 1987, 1988; Gonlin 1993; Hendon 1987, 2010; Johnston and Gonlin 1998; Webster and Gonlin 1988), Cerén in El Salvador (Sheets 2006; Sheets et al. 1990), as well as at several other locales within northwest Honduras. Yet, a formal examination of vernacular building styles and architectural arrangements from these types of contexts has not been considered. Although the Maya represent the most well-known cultural group for the area, evidence of other ethnic groups and cultural practices are abundant from the ancient material record of the area. Furthermore, Southeast Mesoamerica is characterized by diverse communities of rural hamlets and crafting villages, multiple polity capitals, and other decentralized but networked settlement configurations located within and across several river valleys. Therefore, questions such as the following can be posed: What are the architectural principles with regard to building technique and design in the households of ancient societies in this region? How do these differences in architecture underscore social interaction and diversity in this region of Mesoamerica?
