Small Sacred Spaces: The Results of Investigations into Subterranean Features at N950 and Grupo Agua Lluvia in northwest Belize.

Summary

This paper explores the ways in which the Maya conceptualized subterranean features as sacred landscapes within the Three Rivers Region in northwest Belize. Contemporary archaeological investigations have suggested that large cave systems served as important locations for rituals. The ubiquity of these features to the Maya indicate that these concepts of sacred space may have extended to regions, and sites without naturally forming caves. This research focuses on the utilization of small subterranean features located at two sites on the periphery of Dos Hombres. Grupo Agua Lluvia, situated approximately 1.7 km west of Dos Hombres and N950, positioned 1 km north of the site center. This paper will present interpretations using artifact and spatial analysis to determine the role in which these small features were utilized at both sites. Additionally, a comparative analysis of the features that were investigated will provide a greater understanding into how these features were used and incorporated while emphasizing evidence for ritual activity. Investigations into these features will assist in the understanding of the complexity of ancient Maya conception of cultural landscapes.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage