Summer Archaeology Expeditions

ARCHAEOLOGY IN BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA

The Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project announces its archaeological investigations for the summer of 2014!

In 2014 BVAR will continue investigations at the ancient Maya sites of Cahal Pech, Baking Pot and Lower Dover. These sites are among the largest prehistoric Maya sites in the upper Belize River Valley. Despite many years of investigations at Baking Pot, large portions of the monumental site core remain unexcavated and sections of the settlement area remain unexplored.  Lower Dover, in contrast, is a recently discovered site and investigations here are only just beginning. Excavations at Cahal Pech have revealed that this site is the location of some of the earliest Maya settlements in the Maya lowlands. 

During the 2014 season, BVAR will continue its research agenda with excavation in the monumental core of Baking Pot, with the purpose of understanding the nature and complexity of the polity’s decline. Research at Lower Dover will also focus on the monumental architecture in the site core in order to determine the sociopolitical development of this center.  The investigations at Cahal Pech will continue in the site core and periphery in an effort to further elucidate the status and complexity of this center spanning the Preclassic to Terminal Classic periods.   

Students will be involved in all aspects of these archaeological investigations, from the setting of excavation units to the production of site maps. The project also incorporates daily laboratory work where students participate in the processing and documentation of the cultural remains recovered from the site (including ceramic and lithic artifacts and human and animal remains). Weekly lectures will present an overview of Maya civilization and will provide introduction to other specific topics such as ceramic analysis, archaeological survey methods, human osteology, and ancient Maya ritual and ideology.

Dates:

Session I: June 2 to 27, 2014

Session II: July 7 to August 1, 2014

This Field Research opportunity is also available in two-week sessions:

Session I: June 2 to 13, 2014

Session II: July 7 to 18, 2014

Academic credit is available!

Registration fees for the project are $1100 U.S. per two-week session or $2100 for the one-month field school.  Fees include lodging, weekday meals, and transportation to and from the airport.  Academic credit, travel to and from Belize, and incidental expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

For applications and more information all interested parties should respond via e-mail to Myka Schwanke at: BVARarchaeology@gmail.com

Find us on the Web!  WWW.BVAR.ORG