The Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project announces its archaeological investigations for the summer of 2018!

In 2018 BVAR will continue investigations at the ancient Maya sites of Cahal Pech, Baking Pot, Lower Dover and Xunantunich. These sites are among the largest prehistoric Maya cities in western Belize. Despite many years of investigations at Baking Pot, large portions of the monumental site core are 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. At Xunantunich, investigations of the large palaces and temples continue to examine the late rise of this major Maya city.

During the summer of 2018, BVAR will continue its research agenda in the monumental core of Baking Pot, with extra emphasis on radiocarbon dating and methodologies for chronology building. Research at Lower Dover will also focus on the monumental architecture, in order to develop a chronology for construction episodes and abandonment of the center. Investigations in the site core and periphery at Cahal Pech will continue in an effort to further elucidate the status and complexity of this center spanning the Preclassic to Terminal Classic periods. At Xunantunich, work will continue to expose and conserve the large prehistoric buildings in the main plaza.

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: May 27 to June 23, 2018

Session II: July 1 to 28, 2018

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

Session I: May 27 to June 9, 2018

Session II: July 1 to 14, 2018

Academic credit is available!

Registration fees for the project are $1150 U.S. per two-week session or $2200 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