From the construction of the earliest masonry buildings in the Middle Preclassic period, the Maya... more From the construction of the earliest masonry buildings in the Middle Preclassic period, the Maya of western Belize, like their contemporaries in greater Mesoamerica, utilized architecture as a medium for artistic expression and as manifestations of elite power and prestige. This practice culminates in the Late Classic period when monumental architecture at these lowland sites was deliberately used to also demarcate public from private spaces. This paper examines the architectural morphology of important structures at Cahal Pech, Xunantunich and Caracol, three very different Classic period Maya polities, and demonstrates how these distinct communities utilized different architectural forms to convey similar expressions of power and socio-political stature.
This paper describes the recent discovery of a Spanish sword and olive jar in two separate cave s... more This paper describes the recent discovery of a Spanish sword and olive jar in two separate cave sites in the Roaring Creek Valley in central Belize. Analysis of the sword and olive jar places their date of manufacture between the late sixteenth and the midseventeenth century. The socio-political environment that prevailed along the seventeenthcentury colonial frontier in Belize suggests that the sword may have been forcibly acquired by the Maya, whereas the archaeological contexts in which the European-made objects were discovered provide evidence for native ritual continuity amidst persistent proselytization efforts by the Spanish invaders.
In contrast to sites such as Tikal, Calakmul, Palenque, Caracol and Copan, determining the sequen... more In contrast to sites such as Tikal, Calakmul, Palenque, Caracol and Copan, determining the sequence of rulers at Maya polities that lack inscribed monuments is a particularly challenging task for the archaeologist. In spite of the inherent difficulties, however, it is possible to identify rulers at these sites through a systematic examination of the context and contents of elite burials and their associated symbolism. Applying this approach, this paper aims to demonstrate that we can identify a sequence of rulers, spanning from Preclassic to Terminal Classic times, at Cahal Pech.
A typical architectural assemblage of the monumental site core of upper Belize River valley sites... more A typical architectural assemblage of the monumental site core of upper Belize River valley sites includes three structures in a linear, north to south, arrangement on the east side of large public plazas. To the west of this triadic assemblage are often found a pyramidal structure or a range-type building. Often, and primarily on the basis of this spatial configuration, several researchers have classified these architectural assemblages as E-Group complexes. According to Aimers and Rice , E-Groups may have originally functioned as astronomical observatories then transitioned to "settings for valedictory ceremonies" such as katun endings in the Classic period. Actual archaeological investigations of these purported E-Groups in the Belize Valley, however, do not support either of these two functions. Instead, the evidence suggests that these architectural assemblages were primarily used for ancestor related rituals and that classifying them as Eastern Triadic Shrines may be a more appropriate label.
Mr. 6 198 1 The historical imponsncc ofllaxcala in Lhe cultural developmcm of Lhe d highlands. In... more Mr. 6 198 1 The historical imponsncc ofllaxcala in Lhe cultural developmcm of Lhe d highlands. In: Jeremy A. Sabloff ( 4 ) . HHdbodr of . U r d d l e m Indrms: Fupplement I Archaeology: 244-276. l-n~ Unircrrj. of T c x a~ A-(;:uii;l Cook. Angel and B. Leonor Merino Camh I O x X Yonr sobre la ccdmica prehispanica en Tlaxcala Iar Mari Carmen Sem Pllchc and Carlos Navanac Ckcrcs (cds.), Emayos dc AlCmria Rc'Gpinh , : ill~.t6rica dc Mesoarnkica. Homcnaje a Eduardo So_crmra A m 275-5SL
This paper presents and contextualizes the osteological evidence for scalping on two crania inclu... more This paper presents and contextualizes the osteological evidence for scalping on two crania included in a multi-component ritual deposit at Structure 190, Baking Pot, Belize. The crania, associated with other deposits of dismembered human remains at this causeway terminus structure, evidence part of a series of rituals requiring interpersonal violence and extensive manipulation of human remains. The evidence for scalping and its significance in terminus structure ritual are discussed in the context of warfare, sacrifice and the cycle of death and rebirth among Mesoamerican cultures and the Classic period Lowland Maya.
Advances in remote sensing and space-based imaging have led to an increased understanding of past... more Advances in remote sensing and space-based imaging have led to an increased understanding of past settlements and landscape use, but e until now e the images in tropical regions have not been detailed enough to provide datasets that permitted the computation of digital elevation models for heavily forested and hilly terrain. The application of airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) remote sensing provides a detailed raster image that mimics a 3-D view (technically, it is 2.5-D) of a 200 sq km area covering the settlement of Caracol, a long-term occupied (600 BC-A.D. 250e900) Maya archaeological site in Belize, literally "seeing" though gaps in the rainforest canopy. Penetrating the encompassing jungle, LiDAR-derived images accurately portray not only the topography of the landscape, but also, structures, causeways, and agricultural terraces e even those with relatively low relief of 5e30 cm. These data demonstrate the ability of the ancient Maya to modify, radically, their landscape in order to create a sustainable urban environment. Given the time and intensive effort involved in producing traditional large-scale maps, swath mapping LiDAR is a powerful cost-efficient tool to analyze past settlement and landscape modifications in tropical regions as it covers large study areas in a relatively short time. The use of LiDAR technology, as illustrated here, will ultimately replace traditional settlement mapping in tropical rainforest environments, such as the Maya region, although ground verification will continue to be necessary to test its efficacy.
Investigations at Cahal Pech, in the upper Belize River Valley region, uncovered 10 monuments: ni... more Investigations at Cahal Pech, in the upper Belize River Valley region, uncovered 10 monuments: nine stelae and one altar. Of the nine stelae recorded at the site, only one was carved. It is argued that the "wrap around" style of carving, the iconography, size, and general design all indicate that this monument dates to the Late Formative period. It is further hypothesized that carved Preclassic stelae in the Maya lowlands may have developed from an earlier, local, stucco mask tradition executed on monumental architecture. The ritual deposition of the stela in an a relatively elaborate Classic period tomb also indicates that the monument may have been kept as an heirloom, and that the human figure depicted on the stela probably represents an important member of the ruling, Late Preclassic, Cahal Pech lineage.
Advances in remote sensing and space-based imaging have led to an increased understanding of past... more Advances in remote sensing and space-based imaging have led to an increased understanding of past settlements and landscape use, but – until now – the images in tropical regions have not been detailed enough to provide datasets that permitted the computation of digital elevation models for heavily forested and hilly terrain. The application of airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) remote sensing provides a detailed raster image that mimics a 3-D view (technically, it is 2.5-D) of a 200 sq km area covering the settlement of Caracol, a long-term occupied (600 BC-A.D. 250–900) Maya archaeological site in Belize, literally “seeing” though gaps in the rainforest canopy. Penetrating the encompassing jungle, LiDAR-derived images accurately portray not only the topography of the landscape, but also, structures, causeways, and agricultural terraces – even those with relatively low relief of 5–30 cm. These data demonstrate the ability of the ancient Maya to modify, radically, their landscape in order to create a sustainable urban environment. Given the time and intensive effort involved in producing traditional large-scale maps, swath mapping LiDAR is a powerful cost-efficient tool to analyze past settlement and landscape modifications in tropical regions as it covers large study areas in a relatively short time. The use of LiDAR technology, as illustrated here, will ultimately replace traditional settlement mapping in tropical rainforest environments, such as the Maya region, although ground verification will continue to be necessary to test its efficacy.
From the construction of the earliest masonry buildings in the Middle Preclassic period, the Maya... more From the construction of the earliest masonry buildings in the Middle Preclassic period, the Maya of western Belize, like their contemporaries in greater Mesoamerica, utilized architecture as a medium for artistic expression and as manifestations of elite power and prestige. This practice culminates in the Late Classic period when monumental architecture at these lowland sites was deliberately used to also demarcate public from private spaces. This paper examines the architectural morphology of important structures at Cahal Pech, Xunantunich and Caracol, three very different Classic period Maya polities, and demonstrates how these distinct communities utilized different architectural forms to convey similar expressions of power and socio-political stature.
This paper describes the recent discovery of a Spanish sword and olive jar in two separate cave s... more This paper describes the recent discovery of a Spanish sword and olive jar in two separate cave sites in the Roaring Creek Valley in central Belize. Analysis of the sword and olive jar places their date of manufacture between the late sixteenth and the midseventeenth century. The socio-political environment that prevailed along the seventeenthcentury colonial frontier in Belize suggests that the sword may have been forcibly acquired by the Maya, whereas the archaeological contexts in which the European-made objects were discovered provide evidence for native ritual continuity amidst persistent proselytization efforts by the Spanish invaders.
In contrast to sites such as Tikal, Calakmul, Palenque, Caracol and Copan, determining the sequen... more In contrast to sites such as Tikal, Calakmul, Palenque, Caracol and Copan, determining the sequence of rulers at Maya polities that lack inscribed monuments is a particularly challenging task for the archaeologist. In spite of the inherent difficulties, however, it is possible to identify rulers at these sites through a systematic examination of the context and contents of elite burials and their associated symbolism. Applying this approach, this paper aims to demonstrate that we can identify a sequence of rulers, spanning from Preclassic to Terminal Classic times, at Cahal Pech.
A typical architectural assemblage of the monumental site core of upper Belize River valley sites... more A typical architectural assemblage of the monumental site core of upper Belize River valley sites includes three structures in a linear, north to south, arrangement on the east side of large public plazas. To the west of this triadic assemblage are often found a pyramidal structure or a range-type building. Often, and primarily on the basis of this spatial configuration, several researchers have classified these architectural assemblages as E-Group complexes. According to Aimers and Rice , E-Groups may have originally functioned as astronomical observatories then transitioned to "settings for valedictory ceremonies" such as katun endings in the Classic period. Actual archaeological investigations of these purported E-Groups in the Belize Valley, however, do not support either of these two functions. Instead, the evidence suggests that these architectural assemblages were primarily used for ancestor related rituals and that classifying them as Eastern Triadic Shrines may be a more appropriate label.
Mr. 6 198 1 The historical imponsncc ofllaxcala in Lhe cultural developmcm of Lhe d highlands. In... more Mr. 6 198 1 The historical imponsncc ofllaxcala in Lhe cultural developmcm of Lhe d highlands. In: Jeremy A. Sabloff ( 4 ) . HHdbodr of . U r d d l e m Indrms: Fupplement I Archaeology: 244-276. l-n~ Unircrrj. of T c x a~ A-(;:uii;l Cook. Angel and B. Leonor Merino Camh I O x X Yonr sobre la ccdmica prehispanica en Tlaxcala Iar Mari Carmen Sem Pllchc and Carlos Navanac Ckcrcs (cds.), Emayos dc AlCmria Rc'Gpinh , : ill~.t6rica dc Mesoarnkica. Homcnaje a Eduardo So_crmra A m 275-5SL
This paper presents and contextualizes the osteological evidence for scalping on two crania inclu... more This paper presents and contextualizes the osteological evidence for scalping on two crania included in a multi-component ritual deposit at Structure 190, Baking Pot, Belize. The crania, associated with other deposits of dismembered human remains at this causeway terminus structure, evidence part of a series of rituals requiring interpersonal violence and extensive manipulation of human remains. The evidence for scalping and its significance in terminus structure ritual are discussed in the context of warfare, sacrifice and the cycle of death and rebirth among Mesoamerican cultures and the Classic period Lowland Maya.
Advances in remote sensing and space-based imaging have led to an increased understanding of past... more Advances in remote sensing and space-based imaging have led to an increased understanding of past settlements and landscape use, but e until now e the images in tropical regions have not been detailed enough to provide datasets that permitted the computation of digital elevation models for heavily forested and hilly terrain. The application of airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) remote sensing provides a detailed raster image that mimics a 3-D view (technically, it is 2.5-D) of a 200 sq km area covering the settlement of Caracol, a long-term occupied (600 BC-A.D. 250e900) Maya archaeological site in Belize, literally "seeing" though gaps in the rainforest canopy. Penetrating the encompassing jungle, LiDAR-derived images accurately portray not only the topography of the landscape, but also, structures, causeways, and agricultural terraces e even those with relatively low relief of 5e30 cm. These data demonstrate the ability of the ancient Maya to modify, radically, their landscape in order to create a sustainable urban environment. Given the time and intensive effort involved in producing traditional large-scale maps, swath mapping LiDAR is a powerful cost-efficient tool to analyze past settlement and landscape modifications in tropical regions as it covers large study areas in a relatively short time. The use of LiDAR technology, as illustrated here, will ultimately replace traditional settlement mapping in tropical rainforest environments, such as the Maya region, although ground verification will continue to be necessary to test its efficacy.
Investigations at Cahal Pech, in the upper Belize River Valley region, uncovered 10 monuments: ni... more Investigations at Cahal Pech, in the upper Belize River Valley region, uncovered 10 monuments: nine stelae and one altar. Of the nine stelae recorded at the site, only one was carved. It is argued that the "wrap around" style of carving, the iconography, size, and general design all indicate that this monument dates to the Late Formative period. It is further hypothesized that carved Preclassic stelae in the Maya lowlands may have developed from an earlier, local, stucco mask tradition executed on monumental architecture. The ritual deposition of the stela in an a relatively elaborate Classic period tomb also indicates that the monument may have been kept as an heirloom, and that the human figure depicted on the stela probably represents an important member of the ruling, Late Preclassic, Cahal Pech lineage.
Advances in remote sensing and space-based imaging have led to an increased understanding of past... more Advances in remote sensing and space-based imaging have led to an increased understanding of past settlements and landscape use, but – until now – the images in tropical regions have not been detailed enough to provide datasets that permitted the computation of digital elevation models for heavily forested and hilly terrain. The application of airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) remote sensing provides a detailed raster image that mimics a 3-D view (technically, it is 2.5-D) of a 200 sq km area covering the settlement of Caracol, a long-term occupied (600 BC-A.D. 250–900) Maya archaeological site in Belize, literally “seeing” though gaps in the rainforest canopy. Penetrating the encompassing jungle, LiDAR-derived images accurately portray not only the topography of the landscape, but also, structures, causeways, and agricultural terraces – even those with relatively low relief of 5–30 cm. These data demonstrate the ability of the ancient Maya to modify, radically, their landscape in order to create a sustainable urban environment. Given the time and intensive effort involved in producing traditional large-scale maps, swath mapping LiDAR is a powerful cost-efficient tool to analyze past settlement and landscape modifications in tropical regions as it covers large study areas in a relatively short time. The use of LiDAR technology, as illustrated here, will ultimately replace traditional settlement mapping in tropical rainforest environments, such as the Maya region, although ground verification will continue to be necessary to test its efficacy.
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