Archaeology Magazine - Maya Caves of West-Central Belize: Field Notes - Archaeology Magazine Archive

Archaeology Magazine Archive

A publication of the Archaeological Institute of America

Special Introductory Offer!
interactive digs
Field Notes "Maya Caves of West-Central Belize"
Summer 2000

When the ancient Maya entered a cave, they believed they were entering the underworld, Xibalba. Because of this, rituals were performed in caves. Pottery sherds and vessels, burials, altars, and other ceremonial objects found in the caves of west-central Belize attest their ritual use in the Maya Classic period (A.D. 300-900).

[image]
Barton Creek Cave
July 10, 2000
July 17, 2000
September 27, 2000
[image]
Actun Nak Beh
June 20, 2000
July 16, 2000
August 3, 2000
[image]
Actun Chapat
December 5, 2000
[image]
Actun Halal
June 30, 2000
[image]
Actun Tunichil Muknal
[image]
Other Caves
[image]
Pook's Hill
August 21, 2000 (4A)
August 21, 2000 (2A)
[image]
Cahal Pech
July 7, 2000
July 23, 2000

Intro | Trip to Xibalba | Interview | Field Notes | Student Journals | Remote Sensing | Q&A | Map

Advertisement


Advertisement