Paul F. Healy

Caracol, Belize: Evidence of Ancient Maya Agricultural Terraces

AbstractRecent studies of ancient Maya settlement and demography indicate population densities exceeding those achievable using traditional swidden farming techniques, and suggest that more intensive farming methodologies such as terracing were employed. This paper describes recent archaeological investigations at the major Maya ceremonial center of Caracol, Cayo District, Belize, a poorly known region of the southern Maya lowlands. Research concentrated upon a six-hectare zone of terraced hillslope and included detailed mapping and excavations. An examination of the terraces and associated residential units is made, with discussion of the antiquity of these structures, their distribution, terrace size, form, and probable function. The first radiocarbon dates for Caracol, as well as data on terrace soils and pollen, are presented.

Intensive Agriculture, Social Status, and Maya Diet at Pacbitun, Belize

The reconstruction of diet using analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes of human bone collagen from the recently discovered Maya civic-ceremonial site of Pacbitun, Belize, provides some insight into the relationship between the role of intensive agricultural practice and site abandonment. Maize dependency appears to have changed in degree from the Early Classic (Tzul phase A.D. 250-550) to the Terminal Classic (Tzib phase A.D. 700-900) periods. Maize consumption reaches its peak during the period of greatest wealth and prosperity (A.D. 250-700) but falls toward the end of the sequence when agricultural intensification and maximum population size coincide (A.D. 700-900). The Pacbitun data are compared to those from Lamanai and Copán to create a picture of regional diversity and environmental distinction. Intrapopulational analysis also indicates that access to maize varied by age, sex, and social status.

Analysis of Obsidian from Moho Cay, Belize: New Evidence on Classic Maya Trade Routes

Trace element analysis of obsidian artifacts from Moho Cay, Belize, reveals that the obsidian derives primarily from the El Chayal outcrop in highland Guatemala and not from the Ixtepeque source. This is contrary to the widely accepted obsidian trade route model for Classic Maya civilization and suggests that Classic Maya obsidian trade was a more complex economic phenomenon than has been recognized.

Excavations at Pacbitun, Belize: Preliminary Report on the 1986 and 1987 Investigations

Abstract The ancient, but only recently discovered, Maya site of Pacbitun, located in the Cayo District of western Belize, is a compact, medium-sized lowland center first settled about 900 B.C., during the Middle Preclassic Period. The settlement expanded in succeeding centuries, and flourished during the Late and Terminal Classic Periods (A.C. 550–900) before being abandoned. Field investigations during 1986 and 1987 have resulted in a detailed map of the ruins, which have an acropolis center nearly 0.5 sq km in area and incorporate 5 plazas and 41 major structures. These include residential, range-type buildings, organized into courtyard quadrangles; temple-pyramids with remains of vaulted superstructures; a pair of lengthy causeways; and a ceremonial ballcourt. In this preliminary report summaries of the architectural excavations as well as brief descriptions of the monuments, burials, caches, and artifacts are provided.

An Ancient Maya Multiple Burial at Caledonia, Cayo District, Belize

Abstract Salvage excavation of a small Maya temple-pyramid at the site of Caledonia in the Cayo District of western Belize has repealed a Classic period vaulted tomb containing the remains of multiple individuals. The rich ceramic assemblage from the burial included transitional Tzakol3–Tepeu 1 (A.C.450–650) vessels(17 in total), along with obsidian blades, carved jade and shell jewelry, and other stone artifacts. Osteological examination of the human skeletal remains indicates at least eight individuals of both sexes were interred, as well as one child. On the basis of the tomb size, architectural, artifactual, and osteological remains, and a radiocarbon determination, it is likely that the Caledonia tomb was utilized over several centuries, possibly as an elite Maya family crypt. Following the last interment in the tomb the temple-pyramid was enlarged and topped by a vaulted superstructure with associated ceramics dating to Tepeu 3 times. A description of the site, tomb, osteology and artifacts is provi...

An Ancient Maya Dam in the Cayo District, Belize

Abstract Management of water systems is often considered by anthropologists and archaeologists as a catalytic force in the rise of prehistoric, highly developed societies. Recent studies of the hydraulic engineering skills of the ancient lowland Maya have shown some of their remarkable capabilities for controlling water, including the construction of stone dams. This paper examines new evidence of one such Maya construction located in western Belize, Central America, and discusses the size, form, probable age, and function of this feature.

The Ancient Maya Ballcourt at Pacbitun, Belize

Excavations of a ceremonial ballcourt, undertaken at the Lowland Maya center of Pacbitun in western Belize, have provided details about ancient construction techniques and major diachronic structural changes to this special class of Precolumbian architecture. Some of the identified building alterations may have necessitated changes in the manner of playing the sacred Maya game at Pacbitun. A brief description of the excavations and construction history is provided. Analysis of artifactual remains from the ballcourt indicate it was built during the Late Preclassic period (100 b.c. - a.d. 300), but substantially altered in form during the Late Classic period ( a.d. 550–900). The importance of the ballgame in the southern Lowlands is noted, and the particular significance of the Pacbitun court is discussed.

Survey, Settlement, and Population History at the Ancient Maya Site of Pacbitun, Belize

Abstract Survey and excavations of mounds on the outskirts of the site of Pacbitun in western Belize provide insights into the ancient Maya settlement pattern at this medium-sized regional center. This research employed two methods: analysis of structural remains from four separate 1000 m transect surveys,and a subsequent complete (100%) survey of intervening and adjacent quadrant areas. The overlap of quadrant zones with portions of the transect units permits an examination of the accuracy of transect surveys. Excavation of a 22% sample of all identified mounds provides chronological and functional information. An estimate of 200 persons for the resident elite population of the Epicenter of Pacbit un is offered. Initial settlement occurred in the Epicenter of the site during the Middle Preclassic period (900–300 B.C.), with a population rise through time until the final phase of the Late Classic period (A.D. 700–900), when density reached 550 persons (periphery Zone) to 950 persons (Core Zone) per sq km. The impact on settlement size and distribution of topography, soils,water resources,and intensive agriculture (hillside terracing) is assessed and found to be significant. At the time of florescence,the population of the 9 sq km site is estimated to have been about 5000–6000 persons. This population estimate is compared with several coeval lowland Maya centers,and found to be reasonable for a medium-sized, Late Classic Maya center.

Excavations at Rio Claro, Northeast Honduras: Preliminary Report

AbstractDuring the summer of 1975, preliminary survey, mapping, and excavations were conducted at the H-CN-12:Rio Claro site, a sizeable Pre-Hispanic village settlement in the Department of ColonNE Honduras, Central America. Artifactual remains and chronometric determinations indicate that the settlement was inhabited during the Cocal Period (ca. 1000-1530 A.C.). This report describes the location and layout of H-CN-12:Rio Claro, principal excavations, the first regional radiocarbon dates for the Cocal Period, and some of the artifacts and significant findings of the second season of fieldwork in this little-studied region of the Americas. The possibility is raised that the site is the ethnohistorical chiefdom center Papayeca.

THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF MESOAMERICAN CAVES

Caves used in antiquity had multiple functions and often long use histories. While many were employed for shelter, some became ritual sites. Revitalized interest in caves in Mesoamerica combines archaeology, ethnography, ethnohistory, epigraphy, and osteology. The current, general anthropological study of caves offers exceptional insights into early Mesoamerican customs, ceremonies, and beliefs, and indicates that caves played a significant role in religion. The evidence suggests that some caves were perceived as vital aspects of a sacred landscape and connections to the supernatural underworld. Continuity of indigenous ritual practices associated with caves remains to the present.