Archaeological information from excavations reported here documents that marble carving traditions began in Honduras during the Early Formative period, 1600-1400 B.C., and continued until the end of the Terminal Classic period, A.D. 1000. We argue that stone carving traditions, particularly marble carving, were a local development in Honduras, which changed over time as settlement patterns and ideas of form and iconography changed. Forms became more focused. Stone carving traditions included not only marble, but also jade and freestanding stone sculpture. The majority of vases are carved from marble. In form and style vase lapidary industries of the Formative and Early Classic periods show little if any relation to Late Classic traditions.

We discuss stable isotope data from marble sources and Formative, Early Classic and Late Classic marble vases and bowls. The data suggest shifting procurement zones over time. A detailed look at settlements and procurement zones provides information regarding how stone carving traditions shifted over time in relationship to changes in settlement patterns.