Tzum Vol. 4.1

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.

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.

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.

Stelae 1 to 6

Sculptured stones 1 to 15

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

Carved Areas

Front, back, and sides.

Photographs

von Euw.

Drawings

von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light.

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

Photographs

von Euw.

Drawings

von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light.

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

Carved Areas

Front and sides.

Photographs

von Euw.

Drawings

von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light.

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

Carved Areas

Front and sides.

Photographs

von Euw.

Drawings

von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light.

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

Carved Areas

Front, back, and sides.

Photographs

von Euw.

Drawings

von Euw, based on field drawings corrected by artificial light.

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.

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.