Institute of Archaeology

New faces at the IA

2012-02-28T09:47:00.003-08:00

Here at the Institute of Archaeology we deal with all things ancient, from temples and old pots to colonial bottles and tobacco pipes. Sometimes, however, we do get new finds and new things coming our way, such as bright and eager new employees. We welcome aboard Ms. Sylvia Batty to the ranks, being quite sure she will add her own unique flavor to our varied crew.

"The older you get the quicker time seems to pass by.

While writing this I took the time to reflect on my employment at the IA, schooling and my volunteer work.

I feel so at home in my cozy section of the Research Department at the IA, but I’ve only been behind this desk for 5 days (4 days really, day 1 was an all day trip to Belize City). Looking back at the years it took me to get here; I can safely say that it’s been a crazy ride.

I started doing volunteer archaeology at age 10. I had always been fascinated with nature and the ‘stories’ behind everything that I saw and touched. I wanted to know more, and I spent a good part of my childhood simply trying to figure out the bigger picture behind everything. After that first field season, I gave up a few weeks of every summer to be in the field. At age 20 I now have 10 years of being in the field, and I’m looking forward to another 10.

Sylvia settles in

Over the years my reasons for doing Archaeology and the direction that I will take with it has been constantly evolving. I started out simply wanting to know more. I wanted to know every aspect of the life of the Ancient Maya. I also wanted to piece together the global history of the prehistoric world. At 15 I knew which areas of archaeology I didn’t want to specialize in but I couldn’t figure out what area I would specialize in. Day 1 as a History major at SJCJC taught me that too many youths did not have respect for their cultural patrimony; I was 17. This led me to explore the perception of archaeology among my peers from an anthropological perspective. I am still appalled by their lack of respect and appreciation for their cultural patrimony. This was also the first time I had an interest in the historic archaeology of Belize. I would like to thank Ms. Amauri Amoa, Mr. Elizardo Ricalde, Ms. Ritamae Hyde, Ms. Meg Craig and Mr. Nigel Encalada for giving me my induction into the study of history, historic archaeology and ethnography.

At age 19, after being constantly frustrated by tertiary school Belizean students who were ignorant of their History, I finally realized what I wanted to do in this field. I want to, need to, I will, bridge the gap between researcher and student. It is my hope that proper knowledge of the History of Belize will foster a greater sense of civic pride in all citizens of this country. That is my small contribution to the saga of Archaeology (both Pre-Colombian and Historic) in Belize.

Cynthia Robin-Rivera, Laura Kosakowsky, Nick Hearth, Jason Yeager, Kat Brown, Sherry Gibbs, Jaime Awe, John Morris, thank you all for your mentorship."

Imagine - your own private collection

2012-02-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

"If I find something, I wah tek that!" This is a phrase heard often enough in Belize, when people talk about possibly finding artifacts on their properties. Another one we usually get is "How much will you pay me for that?" The truth is, the artifacts are priceless, but not in the way you might imagine. A simple red bowl or colonial bottle may seem to have no real monetary value, but its value to history and our patrimony as a nation is priceless.

We have all seen or heard the stories of people trying to sell items on the black market, some of them getting caught and being charged. There are also the many rumors that if something is found on your property, that it shall be confiscated and your lande title revoked. Rest assured, these are just rumors. The really interesting thing that lots of people don't know, is that they can help in the fight against the black market and even 'own' a piece of such history. Own a piece of history? How is this possible you ask? It takes one simple process, the registration of antiquities. Many people out there have found artifacts such as vessels, arrowheads, old bottles and the like on their properties, perhaps when bulldozing or digging. Sometimes people inherit manos and metates from their parents or grandparents. Perhaps somewhere in a box in the shed or basement is a nice array of colonial bottles and inkpots. And yes, you can keep these legally.

The process of registration simply allows the Institure of Archaeology to have a record of the antiquities one may possess and to issue a proper license for said antiquities. That's it! More and more people are coming to us with stuff they have but were too scared to mention. Well now you all know, there is nothing to fear, well except fear itself. So if you have antiquities, or you are not sure, call us at 822-2106 or email us at iaresearch57@gmail.com and let us know. Help us preserve our nation's long and proud history. Help us stop the illegal selling of our nation's treasures. Help us contribute to the ever growing and changing knowledge of the history of this proud and beautiful nation, Belize.

The Maya Arise again on Preclassic Burns Avenue

2012-01-23T19:54:00.000-08:00

So, pretty wild right? Finding cultural remains under Burns Avenue on a Sunday? Well, Sunday was just the appetizer, a trailer if you will, to the utter delight and amazement of more great finds today. It was not only a day of linking to the past, but a day where the community came together, to learn of the history of their town, to band together to help those in the hole, or to view with eager curiosity the spectacle that as exploded on the busiest street in town.

At 7am I was on the scene with Josue Ramos and Fernando Cruz. The guys from the ongoing tourism project were there with excavator in tow, to help us go down a some more to reach to the cultural level, making our jobs just so much easier. And after clearing back about 3 more meters of road, about 1.5 meters down, Josue's ever careful eyes spotted archaeology paydirt, which for us is human remains. Well, a part of it anyway. LOVE FM were on the scene early to interview and document the days events, which promised to be quite exciting.

As this was Monday, the busiest street in town indeed grew quite busy, with spectators lining up the see the

events unfold, to gasp in awe and comment on the skeletal remains that were being uncovered, to speculate how long they thought they were there, and how this individual had met his end. And yes I say his, as Dr. Awe nicely pointed out, the robustness of the leg bones suggest the oddly positioned remains to be that of a man. And this individual did not travel alone into Xibalba, at least the heads of a deer and a peccary joined him in that voyage, as peccary teeth and and antler were found, much to our own excitement and amazement, and that of the lookers on.Eventually our very own bone expert Sherry Gibbs was on the site, in time to see the bones still in situ.

As the day progressed, everyone came out in force to help, from small children helping to screen backdirt, to Mr. Juan and the staff from Mayawalk helping with lights, sweeping the general area to help us with debris and even providing delicious food to fuel or working bodies. Flayvas was on the scene with rich caffeine filled beverages and even jumping in to pull buckets and screen dirt, and even Serendib Restaurant joining the assisting crew by providing much needed dinners to further workers after quite a long day. Did I mention that Nazim Juan and his son Aaron saw my red neck as a sign of sun exposure and quickly came to my aid with a tarp over us? People downtown today were just brimming with good ideas and good old fashioned neighborly help. Even Taylon Angelino, a tourist passing through, made sure to drop by and be our line level dude once more.

All in all, 3 simultaneous units were bring worked on, the previous unit being dug deeper by the students from Galen who were eager to jump in for this once in a lifetime change, the crew in the bone pit comprising of myself, Josue Ramos, Kim Ringland and Luisa Carillo, and April and Gonzo in one smaller unit, where by just scraping the surface they uncovered a beautiful obsidian blade fragment. All in all, today yielded human remains in a baffling position, an antler, long peccary tooth, obsidian fragments, conch shell fragment, and a beautiful partial Joventud red vessel with etches on it, which according to our very own Dr. Awe, possible dates the burial to as early as the Middle PreClassic. But as this partial vessel was associated with the burial, its possible this was a token for the dear departed. All we can certainly tell, is the no Classic vessel fragments were found, so this downtown site is definitely as early as the Late Preclassic.

There was a lot going on today. There is not enough space on this blog to contain it all. I might forget a few things, but today we were very thankful to anyone who helped in anyway. This project is soon over, and the road will get back to normal. There is a bit more work to be done. But we can all agree that this is one of the most exciting moments in our town's history, and those of us there will always be glad we were part of it. And worry not, as they work progresses and new finds are found, I shall be here to keep everyone informed, about the wonder being uncovered in our little town. Right about now, some chamomile tea and some ibuprofen will help me sink into beautiful slumber, as tomorrow promises to be another glorious day.

Who says we get the day off? Burns Avenus becomes new Tenochtitlan

2012-01-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

Sunday is supposed to be the day of rest right? How surprised I was to receive a call from my uncle Fernando Cruz, that pottery was being unearthed from beneath Burns Avenue, the principal street in San Ignacio Town. I thought to myself, should I go and take some pictures of a few sherds they are finding and call it a day? At least that's what I thought it was. I was not ready for the Sunday that unfolded, where for once in my life, myself and the fellow archaeology enthusiasts became tourist attractions for a day.

In the hot sun (and nursing a hangover) I arrived at the site, to find a large trench dug, apparently for drainage pipes. I saw the men pulling out pieces of pottery, and lots of shells as well. I said to myself, you're brave enough, give them the cease and desist order. I puffed out my chest, asked who was in charge, and gave the order. I was told of further vessels that were pulled out, resting in the office of Pacz tours, under the careful eyes of one Mr. Bob Jones. To my amazement, there were partially or almost whole vessels.

I was very glad when Bryan Woodye and George Thompson, both of the IA, arrived with a police officer to give the official cease of duty order. With the vessels in safety, as well as a bone fragment, shells and hundreds of sherds, they went on their way on previous errands with the treasure in tow. The real fun of the day began, when an impromptu dig was green lighted. Myself, Sherry Gibbs and Fernando Cruz began the salvage operation, and eventually added Galen University students and former students Josue Ramos, Rubio Tzib, Adrienne Wright, April Martinez and Sylvia Batty. Calling in reinforcement and getting tools and buckets, we set up the 1X1 meter unit, and began to descend further beneath the busiest street in San Ignacio.

We quickly became a point of interest for the passersby, some who stood or sat and watched for hours as we dug, exclaiming over each pretty pottery piece coming out, the large amount of shells, the ONE obsidian fragment, and even more curious, what seemed like a fragment of historic period porcelain. Tyler Hess (center) and Samantha MacFarland (left) hung around most of the day, giving moral support, encouraging us, and Taylon Angelino (right) became our official line level dude, and how could we not with his years of experience in engineering?

The biggest surprise of the day was when chief Belize Maya archaeologist, Dr. Jaime Awe, showed up to declare that the vessel fragments found thus far were of the Late Preclassic Period, which is about 2000 + more years before Flayvas and Mayawalk were even conceived. And we were glad to know this, as unfortunately to myself and Ms. Gibbs, Dr. Jim Aimers was not around to quickly classify each piece. Ahh Jimmy, we miss you. Dr. Awe, straight from the aiport and quite possible a long flight, came straight to the site, looker as eager as can be just to be witnessing the events unfolding on Burns Avenue, an actual archaeological dig. What can be said except trowels must run in his blood and line levels in his dreams.

After six excavation levels, bags of beautiful chert, nice slipped ceramics, an obsidian flake, lots of shell and jute, and even bone, we had to call it a day when the sun decided to set anyway, and visibility became dim. It is truly something interesting for San Ignacio, particularly in 2012, that we can say that the Maya made their presence known as far as down town, and not only on the glamorous hills of Cahal Pech. My neck is red, my back and legs are sore, and I am dusty and dirty. All I can say, it was the BEST Sunday I have had in years.

Antonio Beardall

2011-12-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

St. Ignatius High School sends brave intern to the IA

2011-12-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

Here at the Institute of Archaeology we have exciting jobs, where we get dirty and wet at times, or are whisked away to far corners of the country knee deep in mud. Ok, so we are not exactly like Indiana Jones would have you believe. There is no shooting of bad guys in the temples or rescuing treasures while avoiding booby traps.
I think our new intern would be happy that we won't have her visiting any Temples of Doom in the near future, or having to fend off Nazis from stealing the crystal skulls. Gladis comes to us at 17, to get a taste of what it is like to work in the IA. These are her words:

My name is Gladis Bautista. I’m 17 year old and I live in United Ville Village. I attend St. Ignacious High school in Santa Elena Town. I’m in fourth form and I’m studying in the science field. It’s a bit challenging but it allows you to take out your skills and show yourself that u can challenge any thing to the best of your ability. I chose this area of study because I believe it has many things u can learn from. Science can be difficult but never impossible to challenge.

Why I chose the Institute Of Archaeology to do my work experience? I chose this place because my dream is to become an archeologist one day and what better place could I have gone. It really inspired me from the time I began high school. This is because I believe its really interesting and it can allow me to learn many new things. Therefore, as an intern at The Institute of Archaeology I’m looking forward to learning interesting facts of archaeology and the job of an archeologist. I also hope to have the opportunity to visit one of the sites. I’m willing to give the best of my ability to learn and to do a good job here. Nevertheless, as a young girl aiming for the best I’m looking forward to studying hard and someday finding myself here working as an archaeologist. Thank you.

Myself and Ms. Badillo welcome Gladis to the fold and will do our best to show her the ropes. It is always encouraging to meet young people who have an interest in archaeology.

2012...end of days?

2011-11-28T08:40:00.000-08:00

Ok. So most of us have seen the movie 2012, and those who were lucky, did not. The whole 2012 doomsday prophecy is becoming quite a phenomenon. It ties in with the end of the Maya Long Count Cycle, and some people may see this as proof that the end of the world is nigh. Then again, wasn’t Y2K or SARS or H1N1 also heralded as the end of days?

Think of the Christian Armageddon, disease, anthrax or celestial bombardment, the concept of 2012 can scare people into hopeless situations. So let’s look at 2012 by first examining where the whole 2012 concept comes from.

The Mayan Long Count calendar is quite unique among those of Mesoamerica. It counts the progression of days, and using a base 20 system, created a five number system to count the passing of time since the date of creation. Essentially the Long Count leads up to the ending of a grand cycle, which is about 5,126 years.

According to this then, the Maya creation began sometime on or around August 13, 3114 BC. Of course we know from archaeology that humanity existed long before this date. How this date was concocted is a question to ponder over eternally. It can be seen that the Maya saw the Great Cycle as one World Age.

The Maya believed that the cosmos had a way of affecting what happened on Earth. Each planet, galaxy and constellation had a specific way that they affected time and the events that happened or were to come. The alignment of these bodies with the sun also affected outcomes. By observing the cycles the Maya were able to determine and understand future and past events. Their study of alignments in the cosmos helped to create the excitement about December 21, 2012, the end of the current Great Cycle.

What does all this mean, if anything? The predictions of a declined civilization are freaking people out. People are prone to spreading and believing hysteria. New Age movements in the West have also long been talking about a Changing of the Age, and use the 2012 date to confirm their theory. Hollywood used it as the basis of a movie to make more money, causing many to believe a lot of the hype surrounding 2012. (Many in Taiwan questioned me about it, fearing for their futures)

So there's no real need to freak out. If you're worried about something happening in 2012, just take sensible steps like making sure you have sufficient food and water for about a week, just in case. It's something you should be doing anyway and the feeling of security you get from being prepared should help you with any pre-2012 jitters.

Antonio Beardall

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Belize Tops Nat Geo’s Top 10 Sacred Caves List

2011-11-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Ambergris Today for posting this article:

We are very pleased to see that Belize’s Actun Tunichil Muknal is on the top of the list of National Geographic’s Top 10 Sacred Caves. The list is published in the National Geographic book Sacred Places of a Lifetime.

This inspirational book showcases 500 of the world's most powerful and spiritual places—and guides modern-day travelers to and around them. From prehistoric burial chambers to modern monuments and sanctuaries, each site's history, lore, and appeal is evocatively detailed.
Nearly 300 locator maps point out pilgrimage routes, temples, mountains, churches, and holy places. This beautiful book answers the call of the spiritual traveler while also appealing to the many readers interested in sites of unique cultural heritage.

1. Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize

In myths, journeys to the underworld are never easy, and after visiting Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulchre), you may feel that you have been through your own epic test. Access to the Maya sacrificial site within the cave involves hiking, wading, and underwater swimming, but nearly a mile (1.6 kilometers) underground you will reach the resting place of the “crystal maiden,” a complete female skeleton that sparkles from eons of crystal calcification. The cave also contains Maya pottery shards, many showing the “kill hole” intended to allow spirits to escape.

The following are the rest of the top ten:

2. Elephanta Caves, Gharapuri Island, India
3. Longmen Caves, China
4. Dambulla Cave, Sri Lanka
5. Corycian Cave, Greece
6. Bronze-Age Minoan Caves, Crete, Greece
7. St. Paul’s Grotto, Malta
8. St. Michael’s Shrine, Italy
9. Grotte de Font-de-Gaume, France
10. Sof Omar Caves, Ethiopia

Click here to see the whole post by National Geographic

The Sites of Toledo, Belize

2011-11-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

Lubaantun (Place of the Fallen Stones) is located near the village of San Pedro Columbia. The site is well known for its mass of ceramic whistle figurines and three major ballcourts. Given its size and complete lack of carved stone monuments (stelae) is a curious point of interest. Lubaantun is alleged to have been the place where the Crystal Skull was found by F.A. Mitchell-Hedges.
Lubaantun is located north of the Colombia River, one mile past the village of San Pedro Colombia, and is accessible by public transportation. From Belmopan, take the Hummingbird Highway for 45 miles to the junction of the Southern Highway Exit. Turn right unto the Southern Highway and travel an additional 70 miles (2 hours) until you reach the Silver Creek cut off. Travel through the villages of San Miguel and San Pedro Columbia. Exit right on the all weather gravel road and continue for about 1 1/2 miles until you reach the reserve.

The name Nim Li Punit is derived from a carving on one of the site's twenty six stelae, which depicts a figure wearing a large headdress. In the Maya Kekchi language, Nim li Punit means "the big hat." The monument on which this carving appears is the longest stela in Belize (Stela 14), originally located in an area called Plaza of the Stelae.

Nim Li Punit is a small site in the Toledo District. It is situated on a ridge in the foothills of the Maya Mountains just off the Southern Highway, 25 miles north of Punta Gorda. Nim Li Punit is regarded as a ceremonial center consisting of two plazas, one higher than the other. There are 25 stelae of which 8 are carved. The largest structure is 33-40 feet above the plaza level and is constructed of dry, sandstone typical of sites in southern Belize. There are 3 plaza areas and a ballcourt. The concentration of so many stelae makes this a unique site.
From Belmopan, take the Hummingbird Highway for 45 miles until you reach the Southern Highway Exit. Turn right onto the Southern Highway and travel an additional 50 miles (1 ½ hours) until you reach Indian Creek Village. Exit to the right on the gravel road and continue for about 1/2 mile until you reach the reserve.

Recently discovered in 1984, Uxbenka is noted for its more than 20 stelae, at least 7 of which are carved. One of these carved stelae is dated to the Early Classic period, an otherwise non-existent date in Southern Belize, and a rare date for stelae in all the Maya area. The name is Maya for “Old Place” and was given to the site by the people of Santa Cruz where the site is located.

Pusilha translates into "Dirty/Muddy Water.”

Pusilha is a mid-size population and political center located in the extreme southwest of Belize. The site is known principally for its many carved monuments dating to the Classic period and a unique architectural feature: a triple-span bridge over the Pusilha River and two artificial diversion canals.

Welcoming the IA to the era of the BLOG

2011-11-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

We here at the Institute of Archaeology have many primary goals, such as managing and sustaining our cultural heritage, as well as the pursuit of educating the population about what we have available in our country, and why it is important to preserve them. Of course along with educating others, we must also educate ourselves and never stop learning and striving to be on top of things, to be cutting edge.

Melissa Badillo and Antonio Beardall out on a site visit

By cutting edge I meant being up-to-date, relevant, known. Social networks have done wonders in terms of linking people, are a great tool for publicising what your organization is doing, and of course links one to new audiences and target groups. Facebook has done wonders, but blogging gives us a greater chance to share our views more in depth, than just a post on Facebook.

Not too long ago we here at the IA had a newsletter called The Underground that covered internal stories and developments we wished to share. Staff members such as Rafael Guerra, Melissa Badillo and Nicholas Foster spearheaded the compilation of articles written by our very own Dr. Jaime Awe as well as other staff members. It was always a great success. However, the very idea of a newsletter is as archaic as snail mail. By the time it gets to you, the story may have lost its power. So, presto! Instant newsletter on your computer.

So consider this the new underground, but always available, saving lots of trees by not wasting paper, and where news and events gets to you as fast as you can click. We may preserve the past for the future, but we do it by using the means of the present.

Antonio Beardall

Research Assistant

Research and Education