The 1982-1984 Excavations at Las Colinas: The Mound 8 Precinct

The principal focus of this volume is a reconsideration of the construction history and organization of the Mound 8 precinct at Las Colinas. Seven stages of mound construction were identified, with some changes in construction methods and mound configuration over time. As a consequence, Mound 8 provides a record of the transition from an earlier mound form, similar to some stages of the pre-Classic mound at the Gatlin Site, to a later form similar to patterns evident in other Classic period sites.

The organization of the Mound 8 precinct as a whole changes with these modifications of the central feature. From these physical changes, shifts in the function and use of Mound 8 have been inferred. Among these is an apparent transition from a predominantly ritual function to one of residence, probably by an elite group within the general population.

A comparison of these aspects of the Mound 8 precinct with characteristics of other known platform mounds is made. Although no precise parallel to Stage VI at Las Colinas is identified, strong similarities of the remaining construction stages to those at other sites indicate that there was a shared concept of the appropriate formal organization of the mounds, which might be presumed to reflect similarities in their function within the society.