Archaeologists gather to share theories, discoveries

On a per capita basis, Belize probably contains the remains of more ancient communities than any place on earth. Yet, despite the abundance of sites and their steadily growing stream of visitors, the science of archaeology has never really captured the imagination of most Belizeans. As archaeologists from around the world gather at the Bliss, News Five's Janelle Chanona looks at the latest theories and discoveries.
Janelle Chanona, Reporting
For the past four years, archaeologists working in Belize have met annually to share their findings with each other and the public.
This year’s discussions, to be held over the next three days, will focus on the Post Classic Maya Culture. That was the period when the ancient civilisation was undergoing dramatic changes in its system of governance. Some archaeologists believe that following uprisings by the masses, dictatorship by the royals was replaced by a loose form of democracy. But around that same time, the Spanish arrived in the New World and the conquistadors were determined to convert the Maya to Christianity. That conversion was not always smooth as archaeologists continue to unearth evidence of a rebellion against the new religion.
Dr. Jaime Awe, Director, Institute of Archaeology
“These are all post classic period objects and it’s just amazing to find these things, because it gives you a sense of their, not just the art, it’s a magnificent pieces of art but also their belief systems. And also the fact that they were located next to a Christian church makes it even more interesting. The Maya kept fighting right to the bitter end.”
Three weeks ago, Director of the Institute of Archaeology, Dr. Jaime Awe found what he and his team have dubbed the “Centi-Fish” because the images carved into the clay are believed to be half centipede, half cat fish. Inside the mouth, the artist depicts a man emerging from within. The ceramic figurine is the second such artefact to be found at Lamanai: the first was half crocodile, half shark. Read More

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