Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: The goal of this thesis is to examine the diet of ancient Maya living in Northwest Belize using stable isotopic analysis of human bone collagen..The specific area of study is within the boundaries of the Río Bravo Conservation and Management Area, a nature preserve in the Three Rivers Region.This conservation district includes 250,000 acres (~1,052 km 2 ) of land and more than fifty ancient Maya sites.The Programme for Belize Archaeological Project (PfBAP) has conducted original research in this area since 1992 and has amassed a large collection of artifacts from sites that varied in size and socio-political complexity.The scope of this study includes two primary regional political centers -La Milpa and Dos Hombres, and seven associated satellite sites.This thesis analyzes patterns of intra-site hierarchy and heterarchy using stable carbon 13 C) and stable nitrogen ( 15 N) isotope ratios obtained from human bone collagen from nine Maya sites.As these sites are geographically clustered and have similar access to dietary resources, I predicted that the individuals sampled will likewise have similar 13 C and 15 N values.As noted at similar Maya sites, the individuals in the Three Rivers Region should have consumed a diet consisting primarily of terrestrial animals and a mix of maize and forest resources.Beyond a few extreme outliers, this does seem to be the pattern of consumption in the majority of the sites sampled.Dr. Sarah Jackson and Dr. Linda Brown made it possible for me to gather my own samples during the summer field school at Say Kah.Thank you for the amazing experience, I enjoyed working with the two of you and the students you shepherded through their first field experience.To Holly Dorning and Meredith Coats, you guys were grand company on our solo trips to "town", though you should really try to learn how to drive a stick shift!Michael Maddox and Jackie Jay, you were such a huge help when I collected my samples from Austin.To my fellow grad students, what can I say?You are all extraordinary and my life has certainly been enriched by knowing you.You helped me remember that not only did I need to work hard, I had to play as well.I have had more fun with you lot than I had in many years.So much for being a soccer mom!A very special thanks to my best friend, Ashley McCall.You have kept me sane, young, and enjoying this entire journey.I will gladly take up the mantle of co-dictator when you rule the world with a fuzzy orange fist.You and Jessica Hughes-Skallos have been instrumental in keeping me going through the final editing stages of my thesis.Last, but certainly far from least, I want to thank my fabulous family without whom I would have never pursued my dream of becoming an archaeologist.To my wonderful husband, Chris, who has stuck by me through thick and thin for twenty years, you are my anchor in every storm.Your support and encouragement has meant everything to me during my rather lengthy process of becoming me.My beautiful daughter, Rhianna, once argued with a school mate that, "of course moms go to college!"I was truly fortunate to have your help and understanding while going to grad school.It meant more to me than I think you know.And to my shining boy, Ayden, your love and little boy hugs made the chaos of our lives all worthwhile.I hope you are v as proud of me as I am of you.I love the three of you more than anything in this world and look forward to the next great adventure in our lives!vi
Author: Denise E. Knisely
Institution: University of Cincinnati
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W133558473