Thesis
Paleoenvironmental investigations near Hattieville, central Belize: implications for ancient Maya salt production
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/105405
Abstract
Analysis of three sediment cores collected from central Belize in 2007 reveals a complex history of past environmental change, including evidence for coastal instability and subsidence. Coupled with archaeological evidence from the region, we now are beginning to see a clearer picture of past human activities in the area. Changing lagoonal salinity is indicated by changing mangrove assemblages, which offers further insight into past salt-making efforts in the region. The three samples were taken in conjunction with major research being conducted by the XARP (Xibun Archaeological Project). The area chosen for palynological testing is close to salt-production refuse mounds (Wits Cah Ak'al ) that date to the Late Classic to Terminal Classic eras. Further palynological analysis, in conjunction with radiocarbon testing, has confirmed that the Maya may have been producing salt in this area prior to the Late Classic. Several radiocarbon dates were obtained for sediment Cores 2 and 3, dating to approximately 4435 + 37 years B.P. and 3562 + 36 years B.P. Pollen from plants which grow in brackish conditions (mangrove) is present around the radiocarbon date of 4435 + 37 years B.P. for Core 2, and sometime after 3562 + 36 years B.P. for Core 3. Analysis has concluded that brackish conditions were present within this area well before the Preclassic. Additionally, salt production was likely practiced well before the Late/Terminal Classic, as charcoal concentration values performed for Core 3 indicate. Charcoal concentration values near the base of Core 3 suggest natural forest fire. However, later charcoal counts indicate human use of fire within this area, which otherwise appears to have not been a permanent habitation site. This thesis argues that palynological data can indicate environmental change, as well as helping to provide indicators for discerning salt production. In cooperation with radiocarbon and charcoal data, I have suggested that the Maya may have indeed produced salt using the sal cocida method of salt production prior to the Late/Terminal Classic near the Wits Cah Ak'al mounds in central Belize.
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Details
- Title
- Paleoenvironmental investigations near Hattieville, central Belize
- Creators
- Ashley L. Hallock
- Contributors
- John G. Jones (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Anthropology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525297401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis