Incense Burner from M8-17
Structure M8-17 was a relatively small square-shaped structure, measuring approximately 6.0 x 4.1 m on the exterior. We excavated the western half of this building. In contrast to the other three structures in this area, room floors of Str. M8-17 were relatively clean of artifacts. Excavated materials included two complete stingray spines, figurines, and a broken incense burner. These objects suggest that the structure was a shrine. In addition, the interior of the structure appears to have been divided into three rooms by partitions running parallel to the front and back walls. This configuration of rooms is similar to the well-known temples of Tikal and other Maya centers, although this structure at Aguateca is low and small. Some artifacts showed signs of heat damage, indicating that this structure was also burned. Thus, it is most likely that the small amount of artifacts from this building was not due to a different pattern of abandonment but to a different function of the structure.