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82AMCS Bulletin 12 — Chapter 4Figure 4.11.2. Profile of Actun Zodz.figure 4.11.3). This grand speleothem essentiallymarks the center of the cave. The construction of suchan altar strongly suggests that the Maya appropriatedthe stalactite both as a symbolic central axis and as aspecial font for drip water collection. Though othersmaller stalactites exist in the cave, the central dripstoneformation gives the impression of a giant funnelFigure 4.11.3. Altar feature beneath prominent stalactitein Actun Zodz.through which all water flows. The altarconsists of at least five well-dressed megaliths.This feature is in an advanced stateof disrepair and covered with bat guano.However, it appears as if the large facingstones concealed a loose rubble core.Leading southwest from the altar (andtowards the back wall of the cave) is aslightly elevated causeway. It should benoted that a deep deposit of bat guano coversthe flat floor of the cave. The soft layerof guano is over a meter deep and no doubtconceals much of the cave’s archaeology.Nevertheless, a few of the paving stonesare visible and the path’s destination isevident. At the terminus of the path is a rather prominentdripstone column. The marking or linking of thecave’s most commanding natural features appears tohave been of primary importance in Actun Zodz. Interms of function (though certainly not in degree ofimplementation), the use of space the cave bears someresemblance to Balankanche.Only one other feature was observed on the otherwisesmooth cave floor. In the eastern portion of thecave, a small enclosure created by vertically placedstone slabs rests, more or less, atop the guano. Thelocal men (with whom I mapped the cave) suggestedthat the feature was a more recent tepezcuintle trap. Itis possible that such an animal could negotiate theentrance by climbing down fallen trees. Also, the relativelywell-lit cave in some ways resembles the rockshelters where these stone features have been observed.Due to the deep accumulation of bat guano, onlya few sherds were observed. Although Actun Zodz waslikely free of such deposits when it was in use by theancient Maya, the present state of such caves raisesthe question of whether or not some caves were minedfor their reserves of fertilizing guano. Even if such apractice was common, the presence and arrangementof natural and cultural features in Actun Zodz are evidenceof its reverential appropriation.4.12: CAVE SA-2 (UNNAMED)This cave is located 1.2 km southwest of the communityof San Antonio Nuevo and 3 km west of thesite at San Cosme. The cave is essentially a singlelinear chamber, measuring roughly 10 m wide and 40m in length. The cave’s horizontal entrance is quitelarge and is located at the bottom of a shallow doline.A slope consisting of collapse debris leads from theentrance and into the cave. Unlike other caves in the