POLLEN AND PHYTOLITH ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM THE MAYAN MOUNTAINS ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT, BELIZE: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

Summary

A total of 33 samples from the Bladen Branch region of the Southern Maya Mountains,

Belize were submitted for possible pollen and phytolith analysis. These samples represent

different sites and features from the Muklebal Tzul, Ek Xux, and Quebrada de Oro (QDO)

valleys situated along the Bladen Branch. Radiocarbon dates from Maya cultural contexts

suggest these sites share a Late-Terminal Classic component (A.D. 600-900). The Maya

Mountain region of Belize is dominated by tropical rainforest vegetation and is considered a

hotspot of biodiversity. The goal of the pollen and phytolith analysis is to provide information

useful to better understanding plant resources, agricultural practices and environmental

conditions during Maya occupation. Preliminary analysis has been completed on 4 of the 33

samples to assess pollen and phytolith recovery and direct future sample analysis and

additional field collection.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• PaleoResearch Institute

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