Book
Preclassic Maya burials at Cuello, Belize
B.A.R. • Oxford, England • Published In 1989 • Pages: xii, 412
By: Robin, Cynthia.
Abstract
This is an excavation report on 142 burials uncovered at the Cuello site in northern Belize. All tomb excavations were part of a large-scale area excavation (a roughly 90 X 70 meter square area) of the western half of Platform 34. Most of the burials (124) date from the Preclassic Period and 103, or 82 percent, from the Late Preclassic Cocos Phase (300 BC- 250 AD). In general, Robin notes a fairly even distribution of grave goods. In many cases, ceramic bowls were used to cover specific parts of the body. Robins documents the change in the platform's function from a domestic patio to public plaza between the Middle and Late Preclassic. Two Late Preclassic mass graves including 12 and 32 individuals reveal mutilations and decapitations, which Robin interprets as ceremonial sanctification of a hereditary ruling lineage.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2001
- Region
- Middle America and the Caribbean
- Sub Region
- Maya Area
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Archaeologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 2000
- Field Date
- 1975-1987 (Cuello Project)
- Coverage Date
- 2900-1750 BP (1750-1400 BP)
- Coverage Place
- Cuello, Belize
- Notes
- Cynthia Robin
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 407-412)
- LCCN
- 89175288
- LCSH
- Mayas--Antiquities