Belize Ritual Caves Project

Results

In recent years, the increasing numbers of field-based projects in Belize with either a cave focus or cave component clearly demonstrates a growing archaeological interest in caves. However, an extensive body of data exists which pre-dates these more recent studies and provides a rich source of material with which to address the role of caves in ancient Maya society.

As a direct result of the research conducted with funding from FAMSI, 304 cave entrances representing over 250 caves, have been documented. Seventy (28%) of these caves were modified by the ancient Maya of Belize. To date in excess of 220 features have been identified. Nearly 100 maps, plans and sketches illustrating these modifications have been scanned and are being redrawn and standardized for inclusion in the final dissertation. Some 175 photographs documenting the range of cave modification have now been digitized, and where necessary given the age or condition of the original, being photo-enhanced. Where appropriate or necessary, photos will be incorporated with computer generated cave maps to illustrate features where no drawings are available. Wherever possible accurate UTM (Universal Trans Mercator) coordinates have been obtained. All of the cave entrances with known locations have been plotted on the 1:50,000 series topographic sheets for Belize. Digitized in 10 km squares, these distribution outsets will be redrawn with minimal topographic information and included in the final dissertation. In addition, the entire known corpus of caves will be plotted against the known distribution of surface sites to generate a surface distribution of these features.

Synthesis and analysis of these materials will provide a detailed and much needed contextual assessment of Maya cave use and modification in Belize from a broad regional perspective. Further, this project will contribute directly to the ongoing management of this non-renewable cultural resource by the government of Belize. Following completion of my research a copy of the complete database, as well as digitized photographs, cave maps, feature drawings, and UTM coordinates will be provided to the Department of Archaeology in Belize. Accurate location data, in conjunction with an inventory of utilized caves by mapping, photography, and written documentation are urgently required in the rapidly developing environment of the Belizean eco-tourism industry which, if not managed will have considerable, and possibly irreparable negative impact on this unique cultural resource.

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