Up the hill and under the canopy: Lidar applications for assessing issues of monumentality and socioeconomic status in Lomas Entierros, Costa Rica

Abstract

Recent lidar, survey, and excavation have facilitated the mapping of the Lomas Entierros archaeological site in Central Pacific Costa Rica, with a main occupation and construction dating from 800–1200 CE. The data document the architectural pattern of the site, which differs from other monumental sites known in the region in terms of the distribution of architectural features. The proposed regional architectural assemblage of a main mound, plaza and causeway as an epicenter of elite activity is not present at Lomas Entierros, where elites are located at the hilltop, on the northwestern sector of the site. Rather, the distribution at Lomas Entierros suggests factors such as elevation, visibility, and defensibility were more socially valued for the location of elite residences.Lay summary:The Lomas Entierros archaeological site flourished from 800–1200 CE in Central Pacific Costa Rica. However, heavy forest coverage has hindered traditional archaeological work for decades. Lidar technology now permits the mapping of the settlement’s architecture by deleting the vegetation layers collected in the data. Through the creation of digital models, survey, and excavation we have documented the architectural pattern of the site and compare it to other known settlements in the area. Lomas Entierros presents a different design that values elements of elevation, visibility, and defensibility. Understanding such differences permits us to register the variability of expressions in the use of space, construction patterns, power, and adaptation to the environment in past societies.