Animal Use in Ancient Maya Terminal Deposits: Examining Faunal Remains from sites in the Belize Valley to Identify Ritual Activities

Summary

Zooarchaeological materials from terminal deposits in the Belize Valley have the potential to assist archaeologists with understanding if terminal deposits represent ritual activities. This poster presents the results of zooarchaeological investigations of terminal deposits at the sites of Lower Dover and Baking Pot. While archaeologists from the Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project (BVAR) have focused on the pottery and lithic materials in these deposits a thorough comparative analysis of the faunal remains from both sites has not previously been completed. Our analysis focuses specifically on the skeletal elements and species present, evidence for worked bone or cut marks, and taphonomic features that may assist with deciphering influences on the deposits through time. Comparing these two sites will assist with understanding if the faunal materials from terminal deposits can provide information on the use of animals in ritual activities by the Maya and to further the understanding of the purpose for terminal deposits in the region.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 15562