ANNEX C. a. Characterization of the places PLACE 1 HILL 1

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1 a. Characterization of the places PLACE 1 HILL 1 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA ANNEX C Characterization: It is a hill with dimensions of 158.8m long in the NW-SE axis and 89m wide at the SW-NE axis, for an approximate area of m 2. Quite high in relation to the surface of the immediate ground, 24m in the NW sector and 18m in the SE sector. It is located within a small set of hills with heights around 14 meters above sea level. (Image 9 and 10). Hill 1 Mangrove area Pacific Ocean High density of archaeological material Sub-cluster excavation Location of Hill 1, the yellow part highlights the sector with high density of archaeological material, which is directed towards the mangrove. With the exception of part of the southern sector of the hill (about 25%), all the surrounding of the same (W-NW-N and NE) is characterized by the presence of archaeological materials in high density, especially on slopes and the lower parts reaching the mangroves. In the southern side of the same hill and towards the road leading to the beach, the density of materials decrease significantly, Hill 1, Sector NW Northwest Sector of Hill 1, the yellow line marks a sector with high density of material in the surface probably due to the thickness of humus that covers the surface of the ground, except

2 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA between points 42 and 39 defined for the Green polygon. See general coordinates in Annex 2. Materiality: In general, on the ground surface it is observed abundant ceramic material, including: body parts, rims, necks, predominance of red slips and regular conservation status. The density of lithic materials is well below the ceramic material. To the extent we move away from this hill, the material density demonstrates a decreasing trend. Characterization of material: Laboratory - Ceramic: 2 fragments of Bocana Incised type, 3 wide incisions 1 conical support, solid; 2 fragments of Sacasa Striated type, 8 monochrome rims (5 Common Isthmus type with orange slip and one brown slip), one monochrome with a parallel line of incisions to the rim in the lower neck on the outside and two parallel lines of incisions to the rim with prints of points; One rim with impressions parallel to the rim on its outer face; 1 neck with applique and red slip (polychrome parrot); One fragment with cream slip on both sides; 3 rims with hulls on which presents digital prints. - Lithic: 1 flint flakes; 2 retouched flakes, one in calcite and one in Jasper; One striker in basalt. Conical Solid Support Left. Striker; Right. Retouched flakes

3 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA Rims and fairings necks with nail prints Rims with linear incisions and punched impressions parallel to the rim and neck Ceramic fragments with incisions of Bocana Type. Fragment of ceramic neck of Papagayo Polychrome type. Variety of Rims, monochrome.

4 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA PLACE 2 SURFACE MATERIALS Characterization: It corresponds to a small hill that has formed as a result of soil erosion due to storm water runoff. Place 2 The site presents 1.5m at its point of maximum height, forming a small polygon of 40m in its longest axis N-S and 15m wide in the axis E-W for an area of approximately 600m 2. Road to the beach Area of sub cluster excavation Place 2 (See general coordinates in the Annex 2) - It is located beside a mangrove area near the Pacific coast, to be of low height exposed to frequent flooding by tides. It is located 120m to the northwest of the area excavated in the Sub Cluster 1. Mangrove area Pacific Ocean Location area of the archaeological place2 Materiality It has a low density of archaeological materials, this having been detected on slopes cuts made by streams, a situation which no sampling density was applied. Gentle slope on the East sector with material in the surface Notice the mangrove at the bottom.

5 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA Ceramic: two monochrome ceramic fragments were collected, highlighting the presence of a fragment decorated with two red horizontal stripes and two black horizontal bands, beige slip. Left, monochrome fragments; right, polychrome fragment. Lithic: 4 lithic fragments, one in calcite and 3 in flint were collected solely; 1 retouched flake (scraper-type) in basalt; 1 chip in calcite. Fragments, A, B, C and D; Retouched flake, E; and Chip, F.

6 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA PLACE 3 HILL 2 Characterization It forms part of existing hills system around the mangroves. Image 9 and 10). Its dimensions reflect 206.5m in SW-NE axis and in the axis NW- SE, for an approximate area of 35125m 2, with 23msnm height in the central area of the hill. See general coordinates in Annex 2. Place 3 Hill 2 Mangro ve area Hill 2 Hill 3 It was identified due to the presence of high density of archaeological material in the ground surface, especially on the foot and on the slopes of this hill. Road to the beach Farm Location area of the archaeological place 3 (Hill 2) This density of material is mostly identified in the northern and northwestern of the hill-a quarter of itself, keeping a similar behaviour of site 1 (Hill 1), i.e., the materiality is consistent with the mangrove area. In N-NE direction, the material density is low; however, fragments of bahareque and some fragments of ceramic forms of rims type were collected. To the south of the hill area, the density is low. Materiality: NW Sector of the place 3 (Hill 2). The yellow line indicates the steep slope of the hill.

7 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA Among the archaeological materials in general, the predominance of ceramic material on the lithic material is observed in addition to significant concentrations of materials but also the presence of dispersed material. Fragments of body, rims, handles and bases are broadly identified; pots with surface treatment were also noted, fragments painted, incised, printed, few sconces and some sculpted fragments. Some types as Sacasa Striated, Papagayo Polychrome and Vallejo Polychrome were identified. Bahareque fragments. Characterization of the material used in Laboratory Ceramic: - 1 fragment with monochrome applique; 1 fragment of body without treatment; 2 flat bowls of small comal type, monochrome, one full and one with 15% missing; 4 monochrome Fragments; 13 samples of Sacasa Striated (7 monochrome rims, 1 base, 4 monochrome fragments, 1 rim with horizontal linear depression, thick and coarse wall and base); 1 fragment of monochrome annular base; 1 fragment with orange slip; 1 Rim of Papagayo Polychrome type, 1 bahareque fragment. Lythic: - 1 retouched flake Bifacially Retouched flake. Bahareque or baked clay.

8 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA A Variety of monochrome Rims Striated or Brochado New elements linked with salt functions: A- conical base; B- neck; C- body B C Inner Face External Face Flat bowls of small comal type.

9 Place 4 Hill 3 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA It corresponds to a small hill located just 20 meters from the base of place 3 (hill 2), northwards (See Image 9 and 10). Regarding the surface of immediate ground, it reflects 2m height towards the SW sector, 1m in the E sector and 1.67m in the N sector. The recorded dimensions are 40m in the axis NE-SW and 30.40m in the axis W-E, for an approximate area of 1216m 2. The mangrove borders the hill towards South, North West and North East, not the East. Mangrove Area Place 4 Hill 3 Survey Location of place 4 (Hill 3), the survey area carried out is reflected here. On this hill, a survey of 3m long by 1m wide and 1m deep was carried out, allowing partially know the internal stratigraphy of the hill. See general coordinates in Annex 2. Mangrove Area Southwest Sector of Hill 3. Please note the mangrove on the left side of the image. Dashed line marks the slope of hill 3. Materiality It has been defined as an archaeological place due to the presence of archaeological material in high density over the entire surface of the hill. HILL 3 Highly fragmented material on surface

10 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA The predominance of ceramic fragments over the lithic material is remarkable; this material is in significant concentrations but also scattered; variety of form is appreciated: bodies, bases, rims, necks, handles and a fragment of figurine. The decorated, painted and printed fragments are highlighted in surface treatment, fragments painted with black stripes, some with red paint, and some with white and gray slips. Fragments of type Sacasa Striated, Vallejo Polychrome and Papagayo Polychrome were identified. The lithic material is scarce and scattered. Some elements were collected such as: a core in flint flakes in basalt and in pink flint, a clast of river knapped into one of its ends (similar to chopper tool). Characterization of materials in laboratory Ceramic - 1 fragment of Papagayo Polychrome type; 1 handle, (papagayo); 2 fragment of bodies (one red slip and one polychrome); 1 fragment of bahareque; 2 fragments with burnished black-colored surfaces; 3 polychrome rims (red, cream and black); 2 fragments with orange slip; 2 polychrome fragments (polychrome papagayos); 4 fragments with black slip; 1 fragment of anthropomorphic figurine with applique, monochrome; 1 polychrome fragment (cream and red); 1 fragment of Madeira polychrome type ; 1 smoothed fragment. 11 elements of Sacasa Striado type (1 handle, 1 rim, 1 base, 1 fragment of conical and rough base, 2 fragment bodies, 4 rims and 1 one with a horizontal red band parallel to the rim on the inside). Lithic: - 2 flakes, one in andesite and other in basalt; 1 fragment in white flint; 1 fragment retouched in andesite. Lithic artifacts, Flake

11 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA Fragment of the lower part of a clay figurine. Papagayo Polychrome Fragment of a conical base, possibly for salt. Polychrome fragment, Papagayo Polychrome type Variety of rims Fragment of broached rim Fragments with slips of different colors

12 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA PLACE 5 HILL 4 It corresponds to a hill of 83 m long in the axle of SW-NE and 45m at its maximum width towards NW-SE, for an approximate area of 3735m 2. The hill is almost 6m high Regarding the surrounding surface in the Northeast end and 1.7m in the southwest marking end, certain slope towards the last sector mentioned. In fact, the southeast end is where deterioration greater is shown due to the runoffs caused by storm water, triggering soil erosion. The centre of the hill is fairly regular. See coordinates of the hill in Annex 2. PLACE 5 HILL 4 Location of place 5 (hill 4). The less wider end shows the area of greater deterioration Hill Slope Mangrove Area Northeast end of Hill 4. Yellow dashed line marks the projection of the slope. It has been defined as an archaeological place due to the presence of archaeological material in high density. Despite being located outside the Green polygon, it shows a continuity of the system of hills that are located around the mangrove area. It is located 25 m between its SW end and the SE end of Place 6 (hill 5), which also falls outside the Green area. 29m eastward, place 9 (hill 8) is located, partially within the Green area (Image 9 and 10).

13 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA Materiality On the entire surface of the hill, it was possible to observe archaeological materiality in high density, both at the base and the sides and the top. Mostly ceramic fragments are observed, forming significant concentrations, but also one or two isolated element. In general, fragments decorated with red, black paint and white slips are observed. The lithic material is scarce, but is made of cores, racloirs knapped bifacially in flint, fragments of grinding pestle in basalt. Characterization of materials in laboratory: Ceramic: - 17 ceramic sherds: 1 fragment of hollow support with opposite lateral perforations, one on each side. Monochrome; 1 fragment of flat monochrome handle, of 3cm wide by 1cm thick; 2 bodies with handle applique traces, one of Sacasa Striated type; 1 fragment of base, rough, with grooves similar to Sacasa Striated type; 2 fragments of incised width; 7 fragments of Papagayo Policromo type; 1 fragment monochrome; 2 monochrome rims of Sacasa Striated type. Lithic: - 7 lithic artefacts: 3 macro-polished elements, flat, in sandstone; 1 macropolished fragment, grinding pestle in basalt; 1 core retouched in andesite. Racloir or scraper of big size; 1 flake retouched bifacially. Possibly racloir or scraper; 1 fragment retouched bifacially, fragment of axe carved in andesite.

14 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA A: hollow support; B: handle; C and E: rim; D: fragment of base, salt pot. A and D: ceramic with incised width (Bocana type); B, C, E and F: ceramic fragments of Papagayo Polychrome type

15 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA Left. Polychrome Fragment of body and support, of Papagayo Polychrome type; Right below, Fragment of support, solid. Retouched flakes, possibly racloirs or scrapers Macro-polished elements, among them, one fragment of grinding pestle (right).

16 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA PLACE 6 HILL 5 This place is made up of an interconnected set of 3 small hills. One of them, not much perceptible to the human eye, stands just over 0.5m regarding the surface of immediate ground, serving as depression that connects the other two hills; in the Northeast sector, one of the hills with a height of 2m is located and in the Southeast sector, the other one with 1.5m height is located. PLACE 6 Hill 5 This site measures at its axis 84m longer towards NW- SE and 56m at the larger end towards West-East, for an approximate area of 4700m 2 and 15 m above sea level. It is located 25m of the southwest end of Hill 4 and 31m southward of Hill 6. Mangrove Area Location area of place 6 (hill 5) Northwest of the hill, yellow line marks the hill slope. (Image 9 and 10). See general coordinates in Annex 2. High density of archaeological materials This set of hills belong to the much larger system of hills that is located around mangrove area, in fact the northwest and southwest quadrants of that hill, bordering the mangrove area. Although it is located outside the Green polygon,

17 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA its documentation was important because it is part of the aforementioned system. It was defined as an archaeological place by the presence of abundant archaeological material on its entire surface, the material is found in a scattered form but also in significant concentrations, allowing the realization of reassembles or partial reconstructions of the materiality, in particular ceramic vessels. of Concentration of ceramic material around burrows of crabs. Please note the variety of ceramic forms. Characterization of materials in laboratory: - Ceramic: 2 ceramic fragments of Papagayo Polychrome type; 1 fragment with orange slip; 1 fragment with an incised line on the exterior side, monochrome; 1 fragment of bahareque. - Lithic: 1 micro-polished element in basalt. Lithic element with one of its surfaces micropolished by use.

18 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA Sample of ceramic material: A- Incised Fragment; B and C- Polychrome Fragments (Papagayo Polychrome);

19 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA PLACE 7 Hill 6 It corresponds to a small hill that measures 24.5m in the N- S axis and 24m in the E-W axis, with an approximate area of PLACE 7 HILL 6 & PLACE 13 HILL m 2. This height of this does not exceed 80cm at the south end and 40cm at the north end, with respect to the surface of the adjacent land. Hill 12 Mangrove Area High density of archaeological materials It is located 31m to the north of place 6 (Hill 5) and 44m to the southeast of Place 13 (Hill 12), Location of archaeological Place 7 (Hill 6) and archaeological Place 13 (Hill 12). with GPS height of 11masl and is located outside the Green polygonal area and the canal projection area. (Image 9 and 10). See general coordinates in Annex 2. Hill 6 It was defined as a site based on the presence of archaeological materials, in high density, covering the whole surface of the hill; with a predominance of ceramic material, as stone artifacts are scarce. Maximum height in the southwest sector of hill 6. Note the state of degradation. The yellow line marks the surface of the hill.

20 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA Materiality In the density sampling carried out it was possible to identify prevalence of the Sacasa Striated ceramic variety and vessel fragments for salt production. In total for both types, 78 fragments were counted in an area of 1m2. The highest densities of material are located on the S and SW sector. Density sampling in the southeast sector of the hill. In the NE sector, the hill expands on a gentle slope descending towards the mangroves, where the materials density is low and scattered. The presence of rims, bases, handles and bodies were observed. Moreover, only the presence of a macro-polished fragment made of basalt rock was observed. Fragment with polished surface by abrasion or use. Concentration of archaeological materials, rims, bases and fragments of bodies.

21 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA PLACE 8 Hill 7 It corresponds to a hill of considerable size, located in the northern corner of the Green polygon; it is cut or crossed by the current path that joins the Brito beach with the livestock estate Hacienda Miramar and Tola (Image 9 and 10). It is 78m measured along the longest axis in E-W and 48m in the widest axis N-S, for an approximate area of of 3744m 2. PLACE 8 HILL 7 Mangrove Area High density of archaeological materials Location of Place 8 (Hill 7). The density of material is located on the southwestern end of the hill. Path to Tola At its north end, it features a height above 10m and in the southwest end of 2m, showing an incline towards the south direction. The surface of this hill, at its highest end, has large rocky outcrops, with no evidence of human intervention. Southwest end of the hill. The yellow line marks the slope. In the right sector in its lower part, density sampling is performed. See general coordinates in Annex 2. It has been defined as an archaeological site because in the southeast end of the hill a high density of ceramic archaeological materials has been identified. Materiality: In rough outlines, finely finished ceramic archaeological materials could be appreciated, incised, with white and grey slips; handles, rims, necks, bases and bodies.

22 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA Unlike the previously characterized archaeological sites, low-density of materials such as Sacasa Striated or salt vessels were detected; otherwise, the behaviour remains to be similar: the distribution of the ceramic material in concentrations and scattered with predominance of ceramic bodies and above the lithic material. As for the latter, fragments of lithic flakes were observed, sheets in red flint. The material is highly fragmented and rolled, affected by mold on the surface caused by the humidity of the environment. Laboratory material characterization: Ceramic: - Sacasa Striated (2 formless fragments; 1 annular base; 2 handles, one cylindrical and the other modelled; 1 everted rim; 2 Vallejo Polychrome fragments; 1 fragment of base and a body with grooves in the inner and outer face, with regular object; Two rims, one monochrome and another one with horizontal incised line parallel to the rim; 1 fragment of the Papagayo Polychrome type; One fragment with burnished surface; One rim with two pairs of incised lines parallel to the rim, beneath each pair of lines a decoration consisting of continuous dotted lines of the Castillo Engraved type can be seen; 3 fragments with white slip; 2 rim fragments with brown slip; 1 fragment with brown-colored slip; 2 fragments of monochrome rims. Lithic: - 2 flakes in andesite; 1 micro-polished fragment in andesite; 1 sheet in andesite (possible knife). Fragmented Lithic Artifacts

23 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA Fragment of Rim with engraved neck. Castillo Engraved type Variety of rims, monochromes A B C Ceramic forms: A) Rim; B) Fragment of vessel for salt; C) fragment of annular base. Fragment of grab bar or monochrome handle. Laminated sandstone artifact. Ceramic fragments with slip: left, Papagayo Polychrome; right, Vallejo polychrome.

24 PLACE 9 HILL 8 It corresponds to a small hill whose dimensions are 54.5m in the SW-NE axis and 50m in the NW-SE axis for an area of about 2725m 2. With respect to the surface of the adjacent land, it shows heights of 2m in the northwest sector, 2.5m in the northeast end and 1.2 m in the southeast sector, marking the incline towards this coinciding with the mangrove area, although it must be noted that the entire hill is bordered by it. PLACE 9 HILL 8 Mangrove Area HILL 8 High density of archaeological materials Location of Place 9 (Hill 8) and Place 10 (Hill 9). PLACE 10 HILL 9 HILL 9 This site is located 29m to the northeast of place 5 (Loma 4) and 20m to the southwest of Place 10 (Hill 9). According to its georeferenced data, it is located exactly on the rim of the Green and Blue polygonal areas (Image 9 and 10), i.e., Behavior of the slope in the place. 50% of the hill is outside the Blue polygon area and 50% inside. See general coordinates in Annex 2. It was defined as place based on the presence, in high density, of archaeological materials along its entire surface. Significant concentrations of ceramic materials are visible which predominate allowing reassembly or reconstructions that facilitate the understanding of the shapes of vessels.

25 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Materiality: Various ceramic forms were identified: Bases, necks, handles, appliqué, rims, abundant large fragments of bodies. They are printed, incised, polished. Sacasa Striated type is identified; the density of lithic material observed was lower than the density of ceramic material; there were fragments of retouched and polished lithic flakes, cores, fragments of sheets. These stand out in Basaltic supports, flints in different colors and rarely in obsidian. Material Characterization in Laboratory Behavior of materials density - Ceramic: 2 solid cylindrical elements, fragments (just as an example similar to a grinding pestle); 1 elongated square element; 1 oval-shaped and flattened element; 1 fragment of basis; 1 censer with pedestal base; 1 semi-circular handle with perforation at the centre, 1 cylindrical / oval-shaped solid element; 2 Papagayo Polychrome fragments; 1 Vallejo Polychrome fragment; 1 fragment with red slip of the Chavez type; 1 fragment with red slip; 1 rim with linear incisions and isolated prints parallel to the rim black surface; 1 monochrome fragment with textile prints; 1 Castillo Engraved rims; 1 tubular pourer; 1 fragment with fingerprints. Sacasa Striated Ceramic type (1 rim / neck, of a little globular pan; one fragment of zoomorphic handle; 2 rims-bodies with appliqués. - Lithic: 2 retouched flakes (possibly scrapers or racloirs, one in red flint and another one in andesite); 1 flake in calcite; 3 laminated fragments (two in andesite, one in limestone); 2 retouched flakes (one in andesite and one in basalt); 1 flake with micro-polished surface in andesite; 1 core in andesite; 1 retouched core (double-sided spearhead-shaped); 2 fragments with pointed distal end; 1 sheet in obsidian.

26 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Rims decorated with incisions, both belonging to the Castillo Engraved type; Right, fragment of tubular pourer. Handle or grab bar with perforation. Left, pedestal base; Right, conical base. Ceramic fragment with textile imprints on the inside. Vessels or bowls for salt production; Left, potsherd of straight wall; Right, fragment of globular vessel with handle imprints.

27 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Ceramic artefacts in a variety of shapes: oval, square and cylindrical respectively. Probably used in the production of salt. Laminated artifacts, possibly obsidian and flint knives. Artifacts Shaped by retouchs (possible scrapers or racloirs). Right, fragment of spearhead. Fragments and debris of lithic artefacts. Fragment with micro-polished surface due to use.

28 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA The variety of elements in this site is greater with respect to those elements identified in previous sites. It is worth highlighting various lithic artefacts unifacially and bifacially retouched (scrapers and spearheads) plus laminated artefacts that were probably used for cutting activities. These artefacts reflect other aspects of the way of life of groups inhabiting those sites. Salt production is clearly marked, as vessels associated with this activity are abundant; also the presence of elements linked with funeral and ritual activities remain present. Therefore, a single functionality cannot be assigned to this site.

29 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA PLACE 10 HILL 9 It corresponds to a small hill that is 30 m long on its longest axis, NW-SE oriented, and 16m at its widest axis, for an area of approximately 480m 2 at 17 masl. The hill s height is 1.5m at the northwest end and 0.5m at its southeast end with respect to the adjacent ground surface. PLACE 9 HILL 8 Mangrove Area High density of archaeological materials PLACE 10 HILL 9 HILL 8 HILL 9 Location of the archaeological Place 10 (hill 9), very close and eastward of Place 10 (hill 8). It is located 20 m northeast of Place 9 (hill 8) and 70m southwest direction of place 8 (hill 7) inside the Green polygonal area (Image 9 and 10). It is in a very advanced process of erosion, the southern end of it has almost disappeared due to the proximity to the mangrove, remaining less than 40%, with an approximate height of one meter. Northwest Sector 9. Knoll dashed yellow line reflects the same relief. Defined as a site because its surface covered with archaeological materials found. The density is high, especially the ceramic material and adobe; lithic artefacts in low density. This behaviour was observed on the southern slope. Some forms identified: handles, rims, necks and bodies, and some of them show white and orange slips in the surface.

30 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Material Characterization in Laboratory: - Ceramic: 2 rims and a handle of Sacasa Striated type; 6 bahareque fragments; 1 rim of Murillo applied type; 1 fragment of Bocana incised; 1 smoothed fragment; 2 rims and 1 monochrome fragment; 5 fragments with white slip, cracked. - Lithic: 1 retouched Core. (Axe with retouched distal end) and 2 flakes in andesite. Sample of bahareque or cooked clay. Lithic flakes Artefact with retouched unifacial distal end. Possible Scraper. Sample of monochrome rims. Fragment with red slip. Ceramic fragment of Bocana Incised type

31 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA The materiality does not vary much with respect to the types identified in the above sites. It must be outlined in this context the Bocana incised ceramics, which is an indicator of early occupations in the area. The remaining materiality marks the following late periods. PLACE 11 HILL 10 It corresponds to a hill with and very uneven surface and shape. The maximum length is estimated to be 140m on the E-W axis and 131m at its maximum width on the north-south axis, reflecting an approximate area of m 2, at 20masl. See general coordinates in Annex 2. Mangrove Area PLACE 11 HILL 10 Little pan, Sacasa Striated Location of the archaeological place 11 (Hill 10). It is located 108m southeast of the Place 10 (Hill 9) and 60m from Place 12 (Hill 11) in N-W direction (Image 9 and 10). In this case the hill reflects greater heights next to the mangroves, more than 3m high in the northwest and southwest end. Northwest end of hill 10. The yellow line indicates the slope of the same.

32 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA In the eastern end, the height is lower because it is part of a system of hills that extends beyond the road connecting Brito with Hacienda Miramar and Tola. Defined as site because most of the surface of this hill is covered by high density of archaeological material, showing the following behaviour: In the NE hillside, concentrations with high density of polychrome ceramic materials, ceramic forms such as supports, rims, handles or bodies were detected, identifying diagnostic elements of the Vallejo Polychrome type, Papagayo Polychrome and Sacasa Striated. In the Eastern sector, besides ceramic, also fragments of bahareque were collected. The Southern sector of the hill was characterized by the presence of high density of lithic materials, including flake fragments, fragments of calcite bifaces, sandstone and basalt. In the NE end, material density is very low. Materiality: The front part of a shoe-shaped burial urn (at coordinates 16p / ) of the Sacasa Striated type was extracted in the North sector of the hill because it was appering on the surface. This required drilling a small test pit of 60x60cm. The survey showed a dark-colored sedimentary matrix composed of medium-compacted gravel and silt, altered by the roots of mangroves. Preventive protection measures were adopted during the extraction. All concentrated fragments were collected to subsequently check or not the reassembly thereof. The survey had a depth of 27 cm, from the ground surface, having found the basis of the finding at a depth of 16 cm. Front part of a Sacasa Striated vessel. Left, in situ, before its rescue. Right, already reassembled after general cleaning in the laboratory.

33 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Material Characterization in Laboratory: - Ceramic: 12 fragments of bodies; 1 solid support, flat and oval shaped; 1 fragment of Papagayo Polychrome rim; 2 fragments of the Vallejo Polychrome type; supports (1 hollow fragment, monochrome; 1 monochrome, conical-zoomorphic with extensive drilling that crosses it from one side to the other side, forming the eyes); Sacasa Striated (2 fragments of handles, untreated, flat/oval; 1 rim; 1 conical solid support and 1 fragment of body; 1 body with applique, monochrome; 1 fragment with orange slip; 1 rim-neck, monochrome; 1 fragment of oval-shaped handle, rough with incision at the proximal end; 1 rim with red band, Leon type, dotted; 2 fragments of bodies, one with orange slip and another in white; 5 bahareque elements; 1 fragment with white slip on the inside. - From the rescue of the vessel, 35 ceramic fragments were obtained: 1 Papagayo Polychrome fragment; 30 Sacasa Striated fragments, which formed the front part of the vessel, partially recovered); 3 fragments of coffee-colored slip; 1 fragment with black slip. (Burnt) - Lithic: 1 bifacially retouched fragment (fragment of knife) in basalt; 1 retouched flake, possible scraper or racloir; 1 fragment of macro-polished ax, made of sandstone; 2 macro-polished sandstone fragments; 1 macro-polished calcite piece. Zoomorphic support Fragments of Papagayo ceramic

34 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Lithic artifacts: including a fragment of spearhead, a racloir or scraper, macro and micro-polished fragment. Bowl fragment for salt production. Fragment of bahareque or cooked clay.

35 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA PLACE 12 HILL 11 It corresponds to a small slope that probably this is part or extension of the slope of Place 11 (Hill 10). The maximum recorded height is 1m, it is 61m on its NE-SW axis and 28m in the NW- SE axis, for an area of approximately PLACE 12 Hill 11 Low density of archaeological materials HILL m 2 with 17masl. It is located 60m from Hill 10 in SE direction and 111m from Hill 3 in SW direction, remaining outside the if the Green polygon (Image 9 and 10), towards the south, within the canal projection area or Blue polygonal area. See general coordinates in Annex 2. Mangrove Area HILL 3 Hill 11 Location of Place 12/ Hill 11 It is an irregular polygon with a straight line on the NE-E sector that is parallel to the path that leads to Brito beach, gently sloping down towards the SW. It has an elevation with respect to the ground surface that is between 1.5 and 2m high. It has been characterized as an archaeological site due to Vista site surface whose material is low density and mixed with modern elements the presence of some scattered ceramic fragments, appearing in low density. The site makes a contribution of sediment originated by the construction of the path that is located to the eastern end, leading to Brito - Miramar Tola and making the source of that materiality less reliable.

36 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Material Characterization in Laboratory: - Ceramic: 1 fragment and a rim of the salt bowl type; 1 rim and 1 untreated monochrome fragment. - Lithic: retouched basalt flake similar to racloir. Total materiality recovered in hill 11

37 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA PLACE 13 HILL 12 It corresponds to a hill that is 47 m long on its axis E-W and 42m wide on the N-S axis, for an area of 1974 m 2. It is located 44m away from the Place 7 (Hill 6) in N-W direction and at 12masl. It is located on the shores of the mangrove, as part of the hills system surrounding that space, outside the Green polygonal area and the canal projected area (Image 9 and 10). In the east end, it has an elevation of 5m with respect to the surface of the adjacent land, 1.8m to the north and 1.5m in the southeast end. See general coordinates in Annex 2. It is defined as a site due to the Wire fence PLACE 12 Mangrove Area PLACE 6 Location of Place 13/ Hill 12 PLACE 7 HILL 6 PLACE 13 HILL 12 presence of archaeological materials on the peak and sides of the hill, in high density. Ceramic materials in Northwest end of the hill, the yellow line marks the surface of the hill. the shape of bodies, handles, fragments of handles, brackets, borders and bahareque fragments were observed. Diagnostic elements of the Sacasa Striated, Papagayo Polychrome and Murillo types were identified. In the N-W area micro-polished materials such as racloirs, sheets, cores, and fragments in basalt were observed.

38 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Material Characterization in Laboratory: - Ceramic: Papagayo Polychrome (9 fragments, 1 hollow conical support with two lateral holes, one on each side); 1 monochrome zoomorphic support with 2 lateral holes, one on each side; 2 samples of bahareque or baked clay; 1 rim fragment with orange slip; 2 fragments of modelled rim, of the Murillo applied type; 1 fragment of ceramic ring with orange slip, burned and burnished; 1 rim fragment with orange slip; 1 fragment of the Black Lake Modeling type; 1 fragment of zoomorphic Ceramic of the Murillo Applied Neck type handle with eye-shaped appliques and touched, through fingerprints on this with perforation at one of its ends. Monochrome; 1 handle of the big ear-muff type, with drilled hole at the centre and orange slip; 1 cylindrical clay fragment; 1 zoomorphic Handle (fish-faced figure) based on appliques and drilled holes, with orange slip; 1 fragment of Papagayo Polychrome support. - Lithic: 2 micro-polished limestone fragments. One with retouch at its end; 2 micro-polished limestone elements, with signs of having served as a hammerstone at their ends; 1 retouched flake, with end of a possible spearhead in andesite; 1 grey flint flake; 1 micro-polished element, possible basalt polisher; 2 retouched flakes (scrapers or racloirs), one in andesite and one in white flint; 1 andesite flake; 1 andesite laminated fragment; 1 retouched core (possible axe) in andesite.

39 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Hollow zoomorphic supports Burnished ceramic, Castillo Engraved type. Ceramic cylindrical element. Handles or grab bars with zoomorphic representations

40 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Left: Ceramic fragments, Papagayo Polychrome. Right: Ceramic fragments, of the bowl for salt production type.

41 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA PLACE 14 HILL 13 (SC2-A) This space is located in line with a wide but low in height hill. It is 209m in the N-S axis and 119m in the E- W axis, with total area of HILL 14 MOUND 1 Stone structure (posible Access) PLACE 14 HILL 13 Mangrove Area m 2, and a height of 13masl. It is located 37m away from the Place 1 (Hill 1), towards the West (see Image 9 and 10). It is composed of a gentle slope Location of hill 13. facing N-W of mark 42 defined for the Green polygonal area. The hill s elevation is 4m high at the north end and 1.5m at the south end. In this case, the top part is located next to the mangrove, being the lowest part the most eroded one. See general coordinates in Annex 2. It was defined as a site due to the presence of archaeological materials in most of the surface, in high density, except in the south-southwest sector. In the East sector ceramics with various forms were observed: rims, handles, appliques, supports, bodies and bahareque fragments: Typologies such as Sacasa Striated Luna Polychrome, Leon Punctate, the latter, East side of hill 13. Note the relief of the hill. first time that is identified. Furthermore, mud bricks and cylindrical ceramic forms associated with this context could be seen. HILL 13 High density of archaeological materials HILL 1

42 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA It also features a variety of lithic artefacts such as flakes, cores, fragments of sheets on red and white flint supports and also basalt supports. Towards the NW sector of this same hill stone structures forming three alignments were located in 16p / coordinates; two of them in north-south direction and separated by a space of 1.8m at its southern end and 2.50m at its North end; and a third one, in EW direction, located towards the south. The W alignment has a length of 3.10m; the one in the E, has a length of 2.50m, of which 70cm are mortar; and the last one, which is towards the S, with a length of 1.80m is mostly made up of rocks of marine origin, similar to those that appeared in the excavation area of sub- Cluster 1. Some stones of this type are part of the other two alignments. The Northwest of the ridge 13. Structure built (possible access) with stones and burnt clay. Cooked mortar arrangement thereof suggests the existence of an access towards the side of the mangroves. No density sampling was conducted on this site. Material Characterization in Laboratory - Ceramic: 2 pots Espinoza Red-banded type; 4 fragments of Leon Punctate type; 1 fragment of Luna polychrome; 1 rim fragments with polychrome neck, fretshaped black lines and red paint on cream slip, associated with low relief motifs on Ulua paste of Polychrome type;

43 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA 1 globular monochrome solid support; 1 cylindrical handle with body fragment, monochrome, the latter has one-time prints with flat object. Perhaps some kind of variety of Leon Punctate; 1 fragment of round handle, monochrome; 1 cylindrical solid support with red slip; 1 small cylindrical solid support, monochrome; 1 fragment with zoomorphic applique and red slip; 4 fragment of rims with red slip, one with incisions on the rim; 2 fragments of monochrome rims; 4 monochrome fragments. - Lithic: 2 tip-shaped flakes, both in red and grey andesite; 1 laminar fragment (possible cutting tool) in red andesite; 2 retouched fragments (a scraper or racloir and cutting artefact) both in andesite; 3 retouched core (possible scraper or racloir) in andesite; One basalt retouched fragment; 6 flakes, two in basalt, two in calcite and two in andesite; 3 micro-polished sandstone elements; 1 basalt flake with micro-polished surface; 1 micro-polished limestone fragment. Zoomorphic support, Papagayo polychrome type Macro-polished Artefacts Shaped laminated artifacts

44 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Shapes: A-support; B-Handle; C- Support; D-Rim of León Punctated type; E- Rim of Ulúa Polychrome type; F- Fragment of Chávez Whiteon-Red type. Fragments of the Papagayo Polychrome type Ceramic Fragments, León Punctated type. Fragments of rims of the Luna Polychrome type and Chávez White-on-Red type.

45 PLACE 15 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA HILL 14 (SC2-B) It corresponds to a small hill, located 74m from Hill 13 toward EW and 25m from Mound 1 towards SE, 7 m above sea level (Image 9 and 10). 9m measured on the axis NW-SE and 9m on the axis SW-NE, with extension of MOUND 1 HILL 14 Stone structure (posible Access) PLACE 14 Hill 14 Mangrove Area 81m 2. Regarding the surface HILL 13 of adjacent terrain, it stands over 0.5m. See general coordinates in Annex 2. High density of archaeological materials HILL 1 It has been defined as an archaeological place due to the presence of ceramic material on surface, in particular Sacasa Striated type, although fragments of bricks and clay-bricks are also observed. No lithic artefact is observed. In red circle, Place 15 (Hill 14). Nestled between Hill 13 and Mound 1. Neither material was not collected, because it is conceivable that it belongs General view of northeast sector of Hill 14, highly eroded. to the small set of structures together with Mound 1 due to the material type presented in both places. The state of preservation is generally poor as the place and the materials found in it are eroded and fragmented. In fact, the hill is about to disappear as result of erosions that it suffers. No action is suggested because the place is totally destroyed.

46 PLACE 16 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA MOUND 1 (SC2-C) It corresponds to a structure constructed by stone and mortar base; sometimes it was reinforced by the application of bahareque or baked clay. It is located at a distance of 25m from Place 15 (Hill 14) in SE direction and 117m away from Place 17 (Hill 15) towards NW;, 13 meters above sea level (Image 9 and 10). The hill where this structure was built is in the dimensions of 14m on N-S axis and 16m on axis E-W, with an extension of 224m 2. See general coordinates in Annex 2. Selected rocks for its construction are mostly of sedimentary type and some basaltic type, present in the environment. Within this constructive system, the presence of fragments of mud bricks was clearly observed, forming part of the alignment of rocks that make up the walls. The presence of these mud bricks is associated with the one in Hill 14 and with the evidence found northwards along the mangrove, because all share the same kind of evidence. The spaces in this structure are clearly established, and its function is probably related to salt production: - The walls are approximately 40cm in each of its parts. - Three small spaces with access or opening towards the mangrove area. They measure between 1.55m wide and 0.5m deep. - These three spaces lead to 2 larger enclosures with dimensions of between 3.5m and 4m. These spaces are filled at level of the wall surface. They show reduced access to the Mangrove area and fully open towards the side opposite to the mangroves. PLACE 16 Mound 1 Shape of the structure documented in the Mound 1. Mangrove Area

47 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA - The brick line was documented only in the NW end of the mound. Documented bricks are measured 12cm x 25cm. Ceramic fragments were observed at high density, with diversity of forms: bodies, rims and fragments of bahareque. The presence of white slip was identified in some of them. No lithic item was observed, but remains of metalic materials were found in small plates, completely oxidized. Characterization of materials in laboratory: - Ceramic: The analyzed ceramic material reflects: 1 fragment of Sacasa Striated; 1 fragment monochrome brown slip; 1 fragment of Papagayo Polychrome type; 1 fragment of rim, Espinoza Red-Banded type. - Lithic: No observed. Lineament of bricks in the NW end of the structure.

48 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA Please note here one of the small spaces to the construction center; please also note, the difference with the space surface that is observed to the left of the image. This side is located toward the mangrove. Another perspective of mud brick lineament. Image modified for this study. Source: ERM, p

49 NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NICARAGUA PLACE 17 It corresponds to another hill, whose dimensions are 45 m on the SW-NE axis and 50m on the NW-SE axis, with approximate PLACE 17 Hill 15 Mangrove Area HILL 15 (SC2-D) area of 2250m 2, 14 m above sea level. It is located 117m away from Mound 1 towards NW (Image 9 and 10). It is cut by the footpath of an internal road parallel to the wire that restricts the ownership of Mr. Brush. See coordinates in Annex 2. The maximum heights of the hill are preserved in the NW end, near the mangrove area. Towards the opposite side to the mangrove heights Wire Fence High density of archaeological materials Location area of Place 17 (Hill 15), traversed by a wire fence and footpath parallel to it. Northwest of the hill 15. At this point the material density is high, even on the road that crosses it. are reduced as a result of the erosion, affecting mostly this sector. It has been defined as an archaeological place due to the presence of archaeological material in high density on the entire hill surface, mostly ceramic material. Variety of forms was observed, mostly bodies, some fragments of handles and of supports. Types such as Sacasa Striated and Papagayo Polychrome were identified. Lithic, macro-polished archaeological materials in sandstone were also identified. Characterization of materials in laboratory The following items are identified: - Ceramic: 1 conical, hollow support, of Papagayo Polychrome type with 2

50 UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE NICARAGUA lateral perforations, one opposed to the other; 2 fragments of Papagayo Polychrome type; 1 fragment of León Punctate type; 1 fragment of handle of Sacasa Striated type. - Lithic: 1 fragment micro-polished in calcite Monochrome ceramic fragments