Plants of the Underworld: Ritual Plant Use in Ancient Maya Cave Ceremonies

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study of archaeobotanical remains from ceremonial contexts offers researchers an unexplored perspective to understand the ritual lives of the ancient Maya. An explanatory framework that emphasizes the symbolic nature of plant utilization adds substantially more depth to the interpretative process than is possible if one relies solely on the economic potential of botanical resources. This approach is strengthened by the combined application of archaeological, iconographic, epigraphic, ethnographic, and ethnohistoric data to the archaeobotanical assemblages. In addition, a regional analysis of paleoethnobotanical remains provides an opportunity to explore differential ritual practices and plant use strategies that reflect broader social, economic, and political conditions.

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