Tzum
Location and Access
Although Tzum is only 8.5 km west southwest from Bolonchen de Rejón, the easiest route to the ruins is much more circuitous. One takes the paved road south from Bolonchen for about 11.5 km, turning west at the turnoff for Kinin along a dirt road. Soon one passes an aguada (which contained water during the 1975 season) and continues in a westerly direction for about 2.5 km and then for a short distance in a northwesterly direction until a fork is reached. Taking the right-hand road (the other goes to Xcalot, 3 km away) one continues in a generally northwesterly direction through rather flat, low growth or milpa country for about 5 km when one goes off into a milpa road in a southeasterly direction for about 300 m until reaching the aguada (dry in 1975), which is a couple of hundred meters from the site.
Principal Investigations at the Site
The information presented here was obtained in visits totaling 14 days in May and June of 1975. No previous work (except for looting depredation) had been carried out at the site.
Notes on the Ruins
The site is formed by five fairly well defined groups (all but one on hilltops) connected by a series of sacbes.
There is a ball court in Group A (Structures A-45, 46) located south of the largest structure at the site (A-21). Structure A-21 has several well preserved (though looted) rooms and is 11 m at its highest point.
All the stelae and Miscellaneous Sculptures 1-15 were found in Group B.
Considerable looting has taken place, leaving fragments of the same monument separated by as much as 12 m and, as a consequence, the location of the stelae is merely conjectural. It is quite probable that many of the missing fragments have been looted, as a careful search for them was unsuccessful. Structure B-2 dominates this group rising to a height of 10.5 m.
Other large structures are C-3, D-2, E-3, and E-2 with heights of 6.5, 10.5, 9, and 6.8 m respectively. D-2 also has several rooms that are still standing.
The sacbes are mostly very low, reaching a maximum height of about only 2 m between Groups C and D.
North of Structure C-l, the top half of a figure was found, carved almost in the round, but it was extremely eroded and was not photographed.
Register of Inscriptions at Tzum
Stelae 1 to 6
Sculptured stones 1 to 15
Site Volume Reference
|
SITE
|
Vol/Part
|
Monument
|
Side
|
Page
|
Pub. year
|
Notes
|
Peabody Number
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Map of Ruins
|
|
48
|
1977
|
|
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 1
|
back
|
51
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.20
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 1
|
front
|
51
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.21
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 1
|
left
|
52
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.22
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 1
|
right
|
52
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.23
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 2
|
front, left, right
|
53
|
1977
|
one drawing
|
2004.15.6.8.24
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 3
|
front
|
55
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.25
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 3
|
left
|
56
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.26
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 3
|
right
|
56
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.27
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 4
|
front
|
57
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.28
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 4
|
left
|
58
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.29
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 4
|
right
|
58
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.30
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 5
|
front
|
59
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.31
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 5
|
left, right
|
60
|
1977
|
one drawing
|
2004.15.6.8.32
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 6
|
front
|
61
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.33
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 6
|
back
|
62
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.34
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 6
|
left
|
63
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.35
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Stela 6
|
right
|
63
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.36
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Miscellaneous sculptures
|
1
|
65
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
2
|
65
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
3a
|
65
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
3b
|
65
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
4
|
65
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
5
|
66
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
6
|
66
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
7
|
66
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
8
|
66
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
9a
|
66
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
9b
|
66
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
10
|
66
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
11
|
66
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
12
|
67
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
13
|
67
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
14
|
67
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.37
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Misc. sculptures
|
15
|
67
|
1977
|
|
2004.15.6.8.38
|
Author Reference
|
SITE (by Vol)
|
Vol/Part
|
Author(s)
|
|
TZUM
|
4.1
|
Eric von Euw, Vol. 4.1, 1977
|
Inscriptions at Tzum
Stela 1
Drawing of Tzum, Stela 1, back (left image: 2004.15.6.8.20) and front (right image: 2004.15.6.8.21).
Photo of Tzum, Stela 1, back (left image: 2004.15.5.8.23) and front (right image: 2004.15.5.8.24).
Location
The fragments were found widely separated from each other south of Structure B-1; they had obviously been moved and their original position could not be ascertained.
Condition
The main group of fragments was found scattered over an area of about six square meters. Although much detail remains, the stone is quite friable as the result of fires. A saw cut is also in evidence. The two other fragments, found about 10 or 12 m away, are perhaps in worse condition. Most of this stela has probably been removed by looters.
Material
Limestone with iron oxide veins.
Shape
Parallel sides; shape of top unknown.
Dimensions
|
HLC
|
1.70 m (estimated from surviving fragments)
|
|
PB
|
0.14 m plus
|
|
MW
|
0.96 m
|
|
MTh
|
0.33 m
|
|
ReI
|
2.0 cm
|
Carved Areas
Front, back, and sides.
Photographs
von Euw.
Drawings
von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light.
Stela 2
Left: Drawing of Tzum, Stela 2, front, 2004.15.6.8.24.
Right: Photo of Tzum, Stela 2, front, 2004.15.5.8.27.
Left: Drawing of Tzum, Stela 2, left side and right side, 2004.15.6.8.24.
Right: Photo of Tzum, Stela 2, left side, 2004.15.5.8.28, and right side, 2004.15.5.8.29.
Location
South of Structure 8-1.
Condition
The right side of the stela somehow survived burning and is in very good condition, although the other surfaces are pitted and eroded. The top and bottom fragments have disappeared.
Material
Limestone with iron oxide veins.
Carved Areas
Front and sides.
Shape
Parallel sides; shape of top unknown.
Dimensions
|
HLC
|
1.28 m
|
|
PB
|
unknown
|
|
MW
|
0.88 m
|
|
WBC
|
unknown
|
|
MTh
|
0.33 m
|
|
ReI
|
2.0 cm
|
Photographs
von Euw.
Drawings
von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light.
Stela 3
Left: Drawing of Tzum, Stela 3, front, 2004.15.6.8.25.
Right: Photo of Tzum, Stela 3, front, 2004.15.5.8.30.
Left: Drawing of Tzum, Stela 3, left side, 2004.15.6.8.26.
Right: Photo of Tzum, Stela 3, left side, 2004.15.5.8.31.
Left: Drawing of Tzum, Stela 3, right side, 2004.15.6.8.27.
Right: Photo of Tzum, Stela 3, right side, 2004.15.5.8.32.
Location
South of Structure B-1.
Condition
Several pieces are missing. Some have been sawed off, others are presumed to have been taken by looters. The many fragments were found scattered over a large area. In general the pieces are in good condition, although they have been damaged by burning. The right side is completely eroded.
Material
Limestone with iron oxide veins.
Shape
Sides seem to be tapering off to a rounded top.
Dimensions
|
HLC
|
2.40m
|
|
PB
|
0.14m
|
|
MW
|
0.90m
|
|
WBC
|
Unknown
|
|
MTh
|
0.43m
|
|
ReI
|
1.8cm
|
Carved Areas
Front and sides.
Photographs
von Euw.
Drawings
von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light.
Stela 4
Left: Drawing of Tzum, Stela 4, front, 2004.15.6.8.28.
Right: Photo of Tzum, Stela 4, front, 2004.15.5.8.33.
Location
The fragments were found on the stairway leading to the platform serving as a base to Structures B-1 and B-2.
Condition
Three large fragments were found, but large portions of the stela are missing. The condition, except for a small area on the front surface, is very poor, and the sides show little more than outlines of glyphs.
Material
Limestone with iron oxide veins. Perhaps somewhat more porous than other monuments at the site.
Shape
Sides fairly parallel; shape of top unknown.
Dimensions
| HLC | 1.93 m |
| PB | 0.58 m |
| MW | 0.96 m |
| WBC | 0.95 m |
| MTh | 0.31 m |
| ReI | 1.5 cm |
Carved Areas
Front and sides.
Photographs
von Euw.
Drawings
von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light.
Stela 5
Left: Drawing of Tzum, Stela 5, front, 2004.15.6.8.31.
Right: Photo of Tzum, Stela 5, front, 2004.15.5.8.36.
Location
Found near the base of the platform leading to Structure B-2, on its western extreme.
Condition
A great deal of weathering as well as some burning has left the stela in a rather fragile state. Many fragments are missing even though a day-long search for them was undertaken, and they are presumed to have been calcined beyond recognition.
Material
Limestone with iron oxide veins.
Shape
Sides taper off to a rounded top.
Dimensions
| HLC | 1.50 m |
| PB | 0.54 m |
| MW | 0.60 m |
| WBC | unknown |
| MTh | 0.39 m |
| ReI | 1.5 cm |
Carved Areas
Front and sides.
Photographs
von Euw.
Drawings
von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light.
Stela 6
Left: Drawing of Tzum, Stela 6, front, 2004.15.6.8.33.
Right: Photo of Tzum, Stela 6, front, 2004.15.5.8.39.
Location
On platform leading to Structure B-1, just north of Stela 5.
Condition
Except for a few areas (notably the right side) the stela has suffered greatly from burning and erosion, and only small areas contain recognizable carving. Much of the stela is missing.
Material
Limestone.
Shape
Probably had parallel sides; shape of top unknown.
Dimensions
| MH | 2.86 m |
| MW | 1.03 m |
| MTh | 0.52 m |
| Rel | 1.0 cm |
| (back) | 1.5 cm |
| (sides) | 1.3 cm |
Carved Areas
Front, back, and sides.
Photographs
von Euw.
Drawings
von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light.
Sculptured Stones 1 to 15
Left: Drawing of Tzum, Miscellaneous Sculptures 1 thru 4, 2004.15.6.8.37.
Right: Photo of Tzum, Miscellaneous Sculptures 1 thru 4.
Left: Drawing of Tzum, Miscellaneous Sculptures 5 thru 11, 2004.15.6.8.37.
Right: Photo of Tzum, Miscellaneous Sculptures 5 thru 11.
Left: Drawing of Tzum, Miscellaneous Sculptures 12 thru 15, 2004.15.6.8.37.
Right: Photo of Tzum, Miscellaneous Sculptures 12 thru 15.
Location
Stones 1-14 were found lying scattered west of the northwestern extension of Structure B-2, just off the platform. Stone 15 had been thrown into the cave southeast of Structure B-1.
Condition
All stones are quite weathered. Stones 9 and 15 are each in two pieces.
Material
Limestone.
Shape
Stones 1-14 are rectangular, most of them nearly square. Stone 15 has been sawn and its shape is therefore unknown.
Dimensions
All dimensions are given in centimeters.
| Stone | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| H | 29.5 | 29.0 | 28.0 | 30.0 | 28.0 |
| W | 33.5 | 29.0 | 26.0 | 33.0 | 29.0 |
| Th | 17.0 | 18.0 | 28.0 | 20.0 | 19.0 |
| Rei | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
| Stone | 6 | 7 | S | 9 | 10 |
| H | 29.0 | 29.0 | 31.0 | 29.0 | 35.0 |
| W | 34.0 | 27.5 | 32.0 | 29.0 | 28.0 |
| Th | 22.0 | 22.0 | 19.0 | 28.0 | 26.0 |
| Rei | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Stone | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| H | 28.0 | 30.0 | 30.0 | 29.0 | 19.0 |
| W | 28.0 | 29.0 | 33.0 | 32.0 | 57.0 |
| Th | 17.0 | 17.0 | 15.0 | 21.0 | |
| Rei | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
Carved Areas
Stones 3 and 9 are each carved on two adjacent sides. All others are carved on one surface only.
Photographs
von Euw.
Drawings
von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light, except Stone 15, which was based on photographs only.