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The Eccentrics of the Holmul Region, Petén, Guatemala

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 April 2026

Cynthia R. Hannold*
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
Jason S. R. Paling
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH, USA
Alexandre Tokovinine
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
Francisco Estrada Belli
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
Berenicia Garcia Vázquez
Affiliation:
Holmul Archaeological Project, Antigua, Guatemala
*
Corresponding author: Cynthia R. Hannold; Email: crhannold@crimson.ua.edu
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Abstract

Geometric, anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, and abstract forms comprise many of the lithic forms of Central America. Commonly called eccentrics, these forms are often recovered from ritual offerings and elite burials. This article addresses more than 80 eccentrics recovered in the Holmul region from the sites of Holmul, Witzna, and Dos Aguadas and identifies the ways that these forms can inform ritual practice, symbolic significance, and potential communities of craftspeople. Eccentric size, thinning, skill of execution, and material choice are considered across multiple assemblages.

Resumen

Resumen

Las formas by Las formas geométricas, antropomórficas, zoomórficas y abstractas componen muchas de las figuras líticas de América Central. Comúnmente llamadas excéntricas, estas figuras a menudo se recuperan de ofrendas rituales. Este artículo aborda más de 80 excéntricos encontrados en la región de Holmul de los sitios de Holmul, Witzna, y Dos Aguadas, e identifica cómo ellas pueden informar sobre las prácticas rituales, el significado simbólico y las posibles comunidades de artesanos. El tamaño de los excéntricos, el adelgazamiento, la habilidad de ejecución y la elección del material se consideran en varios ensamblajes.

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Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original article is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for American Archaeology.
Figure 0

Figure 1. Map of Holmul region and spatial organization of sites relative to one another.

Figure 1

Figure 2. Eccentric forms of the Holmul region: A. Crescent/Crescent Moon, B. Extreme Crescent, C. Noncrescent Celestial/Full Moon, D. Spherical/Sun, E. Negative Space, F. Laurel Leaf Biface, G. Point, H. Weaponry, I. Effigy Deity, J. Scepter, K. K’IN Glyph (day), L. Snake, M. Mammal, N. Tridentate/Centipede Jaws, O. Centipede, P. Arachnid, Q. Bone, and R. Composite Form (any eccentric that combines two or more forms).

Figure 2

Figure 3. Examples of skill level variability in eccentric production. Contexts include HOL.T.93.107.04.04, HOL.T.93.107.04.08, WIT.L.12.09.04.06, WIT.L.12.09.04.08, DAG.02.05.04.04, and DAG.02.03.04.04.

Figure 3

Table 1. Eccentric Type and Skill Assessment by Site and Eccentric Number (Skill Equation 1 = (LW/T)F; Skill Equation 2 = (L/T)F; Skill Equation 3 = T/F; L = Length, W = Width, T = Thickness, F = Flaked. E = Expert Skill Level, M = Moderate Skill Level, N = Novice Skill Level${\%}$).

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