Dental Pathology and Paleodiet: Exploring Spatial and Temporal Variability of Ancient Maya Subsistence Practices in Northwestern Belize

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2019: General Sessions" session, at the 84th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The osteological analysis of skeletal remains provides a unique lens for viewing social behaviors within ancient complex societies at the level of the individual as well as the population. The dentition from skeletal remains can be especially useful for answering questions regarding dietary practices as the consumption of specific foods leave identifiable macroscopic markings on teeth, which preserve well in archaeological contexts. Presented in this paper are the results of an analysis of the observable macroscopic indicators of dental pathology from ancient Maya populations located at three sites in northwestern Belize. Given its prolonged occupation (AD 250 to 1000), this region is ideal for investigating evidence of changes and/or variations within Maya society over time and space. Thus, this research explores the consistencies and variations of food distributions and other patterns of dietary practices across different Maya social groups over a span of 700+ years. The results of this investigation reveal spatial and temporal stability in dental health and thereby diet throughout these ancient Maya populations, concurring with the archaeological and geoarchaeological evidence of dynamic and sustainable agricultural practices in this region.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 84th Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, NM (2019)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 25231