Analysis and Conservation of a Wooden Figurine
Recovered from Xmuqlebal Xheton Cave in Southern Belize, C.A.

Conclusions

Caves represent the most sacred features in the sacred landscape of the ancient and modern Maya. Xmuqlebal Xheton, with its long use and multiple deposits was clearly an important local, and possibly regional ceremonial cave and it is likely that the residents of the Muklebal Tzul utilized it repeatedly. The figurine recovered from the cave was probably deposited during the occupation of the site. Iconographic analysis of the figurine shows a strong morphological resemblance to Late Classic Manikin Scepters depicted on monuments and ceramics found across the Maya Lowlands. However, the primary figure depicted on Manikin Scepters, God Kawil, is clearly not the individual shown on the Xmuqlebal Xheton figurine. Pending further iconographic analysis, his identity remains a mystery.

The recovery of such a rare and unusual artifact offers insights into the use figurines by the ancient Maya. The prompt attention to the material needs of the object have resulted in its preservation as part of the patrimony of Belize and adds to a small but growing number of wooden artifacts that have survived the ravages of time in the moist tropics.

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