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Title: TOOLS OF A LOCAL ECONOMY: STANDARDIZATION AND FUNCTION AMONG SMALL CHERT TOOLS FROM CARACOL, BELIZE.
Creator: Martindale Johnson, Lucas, Chase, Arlen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis undertakes detailed analysis of a sample of 229 small chert tools from a single locus at the Maya site of Caracol, Belize. Emphasis is placed on determining the function of these tools and on the nature of their use in the broader Caracol economic system. Analysis sought to determine whether they were used for day-to-day household tasks or for specialized craft activity within the specified household locus and/or if they were prepared for broader distribution at Caracol. By...
Show moreThis thesis undertakes detailed analysis of a sample of 229 small chert tools from a single locus at the Maya site of Caracol, Belize. Emphasis is placed on determining the function of these tools and on the nature of their use in the broader Caracol economic system. Analysis sought to determine whether they were used for day-to-day household tasks or for specialized craft activity within the specified household locus and/or if they were prepared for broader distribution at Caracol. By focusing detailed analysis on artifacts from a single locus, greater insight is provided into the impact of household production on the overall Caracol economy. The thesis draws on traditional techniques of lithic analysis, while assessing tool morphology and chert reduction techniques; however, it is different from previous analyses in the Maya area in that it develops and applies specific quantifiable statistical methods (e.g., Chi-square and Coefficient of Variable) for particular tool type(s) used in the production and modification of crafts. Application of quantifiable methods and a detailed level of analysis helps to differentiate and determine chert tool variation or standardization, thus establishing ideal tool types within a craft production locus. The determination of the presence of standardization and ideal tool types elucidates that craft production was indeed taking place just outside the epicenter at Caracol and therefore suggests that not only were elites controlling the distribution of crafts via markets located at and along causeway and termini, but may have controlled the production of crafts as well. Future research aims to reanalyze tools from previously excavated craft production areas and also plans to test for the presence of additional crafting areas at or near the site's epicenter. A detailed analysis of a craft production locus and small chert flake tools reveals insight into the nature of the ancient Maya economy and into models of control over resources.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002394, ucf:47748
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002394

Title: SEX DETERMINATION USING DISCRIMINANT FUNCTION ANALYSIS OF CARPALS FROM MAYA SITES IN BELIZE FROM PRE-CLASSIC TO SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD.
Creator: Labbe, Michelle D, Williams, Lana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The sexing of human skeletal remains is important for identification and demographic purposes. It is made more difficult when elements such as the skull and pelvis are not recovered or are in too poor of a condition to assess. Previous studies have used carpal (wrist) bones of contemporary populations to assess the viability of these skeletal elements exhibiting sexual dimorphism, as these bones are small, compact elements that are usually recovered in good condition. This study evaluates the...
Show moreThe sexing of human skeletal remains is important for identification and demographic purposes. It is made more difficult when elements such as the skull and pelvis are not recovered or are in too poor of a condition to assess. Previous studies have used carpal (wrist) bones of contemporary populations to assess the viability of these skeletal elements exhibiting sexual dimorphism, as these bones are small, compact elements that are usually recovered in good condition. This study evaluates the use of carpal bones recovered from an ancient Maya population from Belize to determine the biological sex of individuals. The study sample is part of the Maya Archaeological Skeletal Collection (MASC), which contains individuals from the sites of Lamanai, San Pedro, Altun Ha, and Marco Gonzalez and dates from the Late Maya Pre-Classic (400 BC-AD 250) to the Spanish Colonial period (AD 1521-1821). Multiple measurements were taken on 36 capitate, 34 lunate, 34 scaphoid, 27 trapezium, 24 hamate, 22 triquetral, 22 trapezoid, and 16 pisiform bones from several individuals. Discriminant function analysis was used to determine if sexual dimorphism is measurable in this population using these elements. Previous studies used populations with known identities, assessing individuals from crypts, graveyards, or medical collections from the last few centuries. This study varies from previous studies as it utilizes archaeological remains, making this study one of the first to evaluate non-contemporary remains with unknown sex. Results of this study demonstrate that this population exhibits sexual dimorphism and discriminant function analysis can be used to distinguish between two groups. This demonstrates that carpals could be used to help determine biological sex of archaeological populations as well as a tool to help with identification in forensic cases.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000562, ucf:45645
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000562

Title: LINEAR ENAMEL HYPOPLASIA AT SANTA RITA COROZAL, BELIZE.
Creator: Tetlow, Andrew, Chase, Arlen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this thesis is an analysis of a sample of dentition collected from the Postclassic Maya site of Santa Rita Corozal in Northern Belize. The goal of this study is to determine what the presence (or absence) of Linear Enamel Hypoplasia (LEH) can demonstrate about the general health (i.e. stress, disease, nutrition, and weaning age) and social status of a single subset of the Late Postclassic (900-1500 CE) Maya living at Santa Rita Corozal. Specifically, this thesis focuses on...
Show moreThe focus of this thesis is an analysis of a sample of dentition collected from the Postclassic Maya site of Santa Rita Corozal in Northern Belize. The goal of this study is to determine what the presence (or absence) of Linear Enamel Hypoplasia (LEH) can demonstrate about the general health (i.e. stress, disease, nutrition, and weaning age) and social status of a single subset of the Late Postclassic (900-1500 CE) Maya living at Santa Rita Corozal. Specifically, this thesis focuses on dentition of thirteen individuals from a large Postclassic platform group. The sample consists of sub-adult and adult female dentition from individuals that are associated with the same relative time period (Late Postclassic). The question being addressed in this thesis is: why has LEH presented in these individuals? These samples will also be compared to other studies involving LEH throughout the Maya area, in both similar and dissimilar environments. The preponderance of female and sub-adult remains also makes this platform group a very interesting topic of study for LEH in the Maya area, as it is unusual to find a concentrated area of individuals such as these. Importantly, the results of this study show that there is no significant relationship between general levels of stress and the overall status of an individual. Measurements collected from the LEH affected teeth demonstrate that all of the LEH episodes occurred before the age of 6. The mean age for the teeth sampled that show signs of LEH is 3.5 years, which is consistent with theories pertaining to the weaning age of the Maya during concomitant time periods. However, the size of this sample precludes any concrete conclusions about weaning ages and stress in general among the Maya at Santa Rita Corozal. It is also possible that these events are related to larger issues such as regional droughts or water-born disease.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003481, ucf:48968
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003481

Title: BALLCOURT ICONOGRAPHY AT CARACOL, BELIZE.
Creator: Holden, Patsy, Chase, Arlen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: One of the more commonly known aspects of the ancient Maya culture is the ballgame. This ancient ballgame was played by most Mesoamerican cultures on a constructed ballcourt and many major Mesoamerican sites have at least one, if not more than one. Contemporary Mesoamericans still play versions of this ballgame today, but without the use of the ballcourts, questioning the importance and purpose of the ballcourt that is no longer the case today. After over a century of research, scholars have...
Show moreOne of the more commonly known aspects of the ancient Maya culture is the ballgame. This ancient ballgame was played by most Mesoamerican cultures on a constructed ballcourt and many major Mesoamerican sites have at least one, if not more than one. Contemporary Mesoamericans still play versions of this ballgame today, but without the use of the ballcourts, questioning the importance and purpose of the ballcourt that is no longer the case today. After over a century of research, scholars have yet to unravel all the cosmological and mythological mysteries of the ballcourt and its purpose to the ancient Maya. Although the archaeological record rarely supports the well-known Postclassic Hero Twin myth, most scholars continue to use this myth to interpret Classic ballgame iconography. In this study, I link Classic period ballcourt architecture and iconography at Caracol to Preclassic cache practices, to an Early Classic tomb, and to an elite Classic structure, demonstrating a widespread set of cosmological symbols that were not exclusively reserved for the ballcourt. I suggest that the four eroded figures on Caracol Ballcourt Markers 1 and 2 represent east, west, zenith, and nadir, and that the north-south alignment of Classic Southern Lowland ballcourts was the result of a vertical visualization of the three ballcourt markers. This study shows that the Maya ballcourt was a cosmogram, intended to delineate sacred space and demarcate a portal into the underworld.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002817, ucf:48140
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002817

Title: Garden Soils: Reviewing the Viability of Soil Phosphate Analyses in the Archaeological Identification of Ancient Maya Kitchen Gardens.
Creator: Foster, Cheryl, Chase, Arlen, Chase, Diane, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The study of ancient Maya intensive, intra-site agricultural systems, such as kitchen gardens, has gained new interest in recent years as a valuable way of interpreting numerous aspects of the ancient Maya's daily life (e.g. subsistence and settlement patterns, population growth, diet and nutrition, gender roles). However, while contemporary Maya kitchen gardens can often be easily identified and studied by cultural anthropologists and archaeologists, ancient kitchen gardens are usually much...
Show moreThe study of ancient Maya intensive, intra-site agricultural systems, such as kitchen gardens, has gained new interest in recent years as a valuable way of interpreting numerous aspects of the ancient Maya's daily life (e.g. subsistence and settlement patterns, population growth, diet and nutrition, gender roles). However, while contemporary Maya kitchen gardens can often be easily identified and studied by cultural anthropologists and archaeologists, ancient kitchen gardens are usually much harder to identify by traditional archaeological techniques because of their lack of architectural structures and other identifying features. To compensate for this limitation, various forms of chemical testing (primarily phosphate analysis) are being used to positively identify kitchen gardens and other specific anthropogenically modified spaces that are invisible to standard archaeological techniques. The archaeological community trusts these methods to be a reliable way of testing soils in archaeological sites for specific agricultural features, even though there has been little research conducted to conclusively prove this assertion. In response to this lack of research, this thesis investigates the viability of phosphate analysis and other chemical tests through a comprehensive literary review of previous and current research and an analysis of the data presented within it. While soil phosphate analysis has been used in past and current research to identify general agricultural features with great success, the chemical signatures produced from this method only give vague information about the soil and what was done to it, making soil Phosphate analysis unreliable to definitively discern specific agricultural areas, such as kitchen gardens, from general agricultural areas.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005949, ucf:50811
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005949

Title: The Crossed Bands Motif: What does it mean?.
Creator: Luther, Brittany, Barber, Sarah, Chase, Arlen, Walker, John, Callaghan, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The crossed bands motif is an iconographic symbol that appears among many Mesoamerican cultures' art including Olmec, Izapan and Maya spanning from the Early Pre-Classic to the Classic periods in Mesoamerica. Pierce explains in his theory on signs that icons, symbols and indices all contain meaning. This meaning was given to the signs by the one who commissioned the medium on which the sign is placed; therefore it is important to understand the meaning of these signs to learn more about the...
Show moreThe crossed bands motif is an iconographic symbol that appears among many Mesoamerican cultures' art including Olmec, Izapan and Maya spanning from the Early Pre-Classic to the Classic periods in Mesoamerica. Pierce explains in his theory on signs that icons, symbols and indices all contain meaning. This meaning was given to the signs by the one who commissioned the medium on which the sign is placed; therefore it is important to understand the meaning of these signs to learn more about the person or people who built them. The crossed bands motif has previously been studied based on individual pieces but never looked at as a symbol throughout geographical space and temporal existence. In this paper, I catalogue pieces of art in Olmec, Izapan and Maya sites that show the crossed bands motif. I delineated them based on what they represented, where the icon was present on the piece of art and when it was made. I found that in the Early Preclassic sites, the icon represented the existence of a deity and the sacred essence that the deity depicted on the stone monuments held. It transitioned in the Middle to Late Preclassic sites to signify the a connection between the deity and the human as a sort of transference of divinity. In the Classic Period, among Maya iconography, the meaning shifted again to represent the legitimacy of a ruler. The results of this research allow us to better understand the importance and relevance that these cultures placed on their deities not only in ritual life but in the legitimacy of their rulers and their right to rule. It allows us to understand that it was necessary for the rulership at these sites to publically state and show the ritual acts or the proof that their rule was sacred and had been legitimized by a deity.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006137, ucf:51179
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006137

Title: Traversing the Terrain: A Least Cost Analysis on Intersite Causeways in the Maya Region.
Creator: Rivas, Alexander, Chase, Arlen, Chase, Diane, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The study of ancient Maya causeways is crucial for understanding Maya social and spatial organization. Archaeologists have been interested in Maya causeways for decades, specifically documenting their locations. More recently, the use of Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, has been used for understanding the spatial organization of archaeological sites. GIS analyses on ancient Maya causeways however have been very limited. This thesis aims to evaluate ancient Maya causeways through GIS...
Show moreThe study of ancient Maya causeways is crucial for understanding Maya social and spatial organization. Archaeologists have been interested in Maya causeways for decades, specifically documenting their locations. More recently, the use of Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, has been used for understanding the spatial organization of archaeological sites. GIS analyses on ancient Maya causeways however have been very limited. This thesis aims to evaluate ancient Maya causeways through GIS analysis. Specifically, five intersite causeway systems are looked at: the Mirador Basin, Yaxuna-Coba-Ixil, Uxmal-Nohpat-Kabah, Ake-Izamal-Kantunil, and Uci-Kancab-Ukana- Cansahcab. These causeway systems were evaluated using least-cost paths based on the terrain. In this thesis, I argue that the intersite causeways do not follow a least-cost path based on terrain and that the purpose of these roads varies between sites and regions.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005404, ucf:50426
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005404

Title: Ancient Maya Stone Polishers and Issues with the Terminology for the Artifacts Polished with These Tools.
Creator: Landry, Rachael, Chase, Arlen, Walker, John, Barber, Sarah, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The ancient Maya adorned themselves with ornamental objects. This study investigates a type of polishing tool used by the ancient Maya to manufacture certain types of ornaments. Five stone polishing tools used by the ancient Maya are presented and analyzed. Relevant artifact forms are examined to establish which types of artifacts were being polished with these tools. An extensive discussion of the archaeological record and artistic representations of miniature earflares and buttons, which...
Show moreThe ancient Maya adorned themselves with ornamental objects. This study investigates a type of polishing tool used by the ancient Maya to manufacture certain types of ornaments. Five stone polishing tools used by the ancient Maya are presented and analyzed. Relevant artifact forms are examined to establish which types of artifacts were being polished with these tools. An extensive discussion of the archaeological record and artistic representations of miniature earflares and buttons, which were polished with many of these stone polishing tools, is also included because the terminology used to refer to these objects has varied throughout the academic literature and is in need of clarification.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005020, ucf:50012
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005020

Title: Chert Tool Production and Exchange at Two Late Postclassic Coastal Maya Households.
Creator: Marino, Marc, Chase, Arlen, Chase, Diane, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Chert tool production and exchange has long been studied for the Maya Preclassic to Terminal Classic Periods of Northern Belize (1000 B.C.-A.D. 950). It is increasingly clear that lithic systems of production and exchange were an integral part of the economic environment for this region, yet lithic research pertaining to the Maya Postclassic Period (A.D. 950-1530) is not well represented in the general literature. A recent examination of 110 chert, chalcedony, and obsidian small side-notched...
Show moreChert tool production and exchange has long been studied for the Maya Preclassic to Terminal Classic Periods of Northern Belize (1000 B.C.-A.D. 950). It is increasingly clear that lithic systems of production and exchange were an integral part of the economic environment for this region, yet lithic research pertaining to the Maya Postclassic Period (A.D. 950-1530) is not well represented in the general literature. A recent examination of 110 chert, chalcedony, and obsidian small side-notched projectile points and point preforms, as well as 2,163 pieces of associated production debitage from two Late Postclassic households at Santa Rita Corozal, Belize, has yielded the identification of two lithic craft production areas. Examination of the complete lithic collection from these residences, as well as an additional 176 projectile points located throughout the site, reveals the need for new models of lithic production and exchange for this region during the Postclassic Period.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005525, ucf:50328
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005525

Title: ALTERNATIVE EPIGRAPHIC INTERPRETATIONS OF THE MAYA SNAKE EMBLEM GLYPH.
Creator: Savage, Christopher, Chase, Arlen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis seeks to demonstrate that the Maya snake emblem glyph is associated with religious specialists, instead of geographic locations, as emblem glyphs are typically understood to be. The inscriptions and the media on which the snake emblem glyph occurs will be analyzed to determine the role or function of the "Lord of the Snake." Temporal and spatial data has also been collected to aid in understanding the enigmatic glyph. The snake emblem glyph has recently been identified as...
Show moreThis thesis seeks to demonstrate that the Maya snake emblem glyph is associated with religious specialists, instead of geographic locations, as emblem glyphs are typically understood to be. The inscriptions and the media on which the snake emblem glyph occurs will be analyzed to determine the role or function of the "Lord of the Snake." Temporal and spatial data has also been collected to aid in understanding the enigmatic glyph. The snake emblem glyph has recently been identified as originating from a broad area containing the sites of El Perú and La Corona in Guatemala, and Dzibanche, Mexico, a departure from the longstanding choice of Calakmul, Mexico. Unprovenanced snake emblem glyph texts have been cataloged under a "Site Q" designation („Q‟ for the Spanish word Que, meaning "which") by Peter Mathews. Site Q is thus not securely identified geographically, which confounds efforts to designate a particular site as the snake emblem glyph site. Other problems with the snake emblem glyph, such as its geographically wide dispersal, hint that it is not a title of a particular city or region. Yet another problem is "a proper fit" between the individuals listed on unprovenanced material and individuals named at sites associated with the snake emblem glyph. It is argued that the interpretation of the snake emblem glyph differs from how emblem glyphs are presently understood. Rather than representing a physical location, the snake emblem glyph represents a mythological place or "state," containing members who legitimize their lineage (association) through ritual events such as communication with supernaturals via the vision serpent. The specialists perform rituals, scatterings, are ballplayers, and witness events. They are rarely associated with accession, which by current interpretation is implicitly tied to emblem glyphs.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001842, ucf:47368
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001842

Title: Analyzing Pre-Inhumation Breakage Ceramics at Lamanai, Belize: A Conjunctive Approach.
Creator: Enger, Ryan, Callaghan, Michael, Kovacevich, Brigitte, Williams, Lana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: During the Terminal Classic period (9th-10th centuries A.D.), the ancient Maya at Lamanai, Belize, began to practice pre-inhumation breakage of ceramics in mortuary contexts. Previously, the custom had been to bury whole vessels with the deceased. This conspicuous shift in behavior suggests important changes in beliefs regarding the role of ceramics in death and interment at a pivotal moment in ancient Maya culture history. Despite this significant change, there has been no published research...
Show moreDuring the Terminal Classic period (9th-10th centuries A.D.), the ancient Maya at Lamanai, Belize, began to practice pre-inhumation breakage of ceramics in mortuary contexts. Previously, the custom had been to bury whole vessels with the deceased. This conspicuous shift in behavior suggests important changes in beliefs regarding the role of ceramics in death and interment at a pivotal moment in ancient Maya culture history. Despite this significant change, there has been no published research conducted specifically on these vessels. In fact, there has been no clearly delineated set of characteristics for what qualifies as a pre-inhumation breakage vessel (PBV). This study offers a working definition for PBVs and converts the original Lamanai grave descriptions of those that contain PBVs to a classification system for ease of future comparative analyses. Finally, the sex and age of individuals buried with PBVs are considered. The result is a conjunctive analysis that provides data not only on PBV forms and quantities, grave types, and the sex and age of those interred with PBVs, but also several statistically significant correlations among these variables. I argue that the conjoined data suggest that one of the primary purposes for the pre-inhumation breakage of ceramics in mortuary contexts was a strategic one, a method selected by Lamanai leadership, and enacted community-wide, as a way to protect the community from potentially harmful energies and to maintain communal confidence at a time of great uncertainty in the southern Maya lowlands.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007801, ucf:52343
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007801

Title: Maya Use and Prevalence of the Atlatl: Projectile Point Classification Function Analysis from Chich(&)#233;n Itz(&)#225;, Tikal, and Caracol.
Creator: Ciofalo, Andrew, Chase, Arlen, Chase, Diane, Barber, Sarah, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Multiple scholars have briefly discussed the Maya use of the atlatl. Yet, there has never been a decisive encompassing discussion of prevalence and use of the atlatl in the Maya region with multiple lines of support from iconographic and artifactual analyses. This thesis explores the atlatl at Chich(&)#233;n Itz(&)#225;, Tikal, and Caracol Maya sites to prove that atlatl prevalence can be interpreted primarily based on projectile point (")classification function(") analysis with support from...
Show moreMultiple scholars have briefly discussed the Maya use of the atlatl. Yet, there has never been a decisive encompassing discussion of prevalence and use of the atlatl in the Maya region with multiple lines of support from iconographic and artifactual analyses. This thesis explores the atlatl at Chich(&)#233;n Itz(&)#225;, Tikal, and Caracol Maya sites to prove that atlatl prevalence can be interpreted primarily based on projectile point (")classification function(") analysis with support from iconographic and artifactual remains. The classification functions are derived from creating mutually exclusive groups of dart points and arrow points by using discrete functional analysis. Discerning between dart and arrow points can be completed with a high degree of accuracy based on maximum shoulder width of lithic points in an assemblage. Because the atlatl and bow complexes have been primarily constructed of perishable materials, the best method to determine the prevalence of atlatl use is by identifying the launcher based on projectile point identification. Using a cross-site comparison of projectile point size, the Maya use and prevalence of the atlatl will be elucidated.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004193, ucf:49034
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004193

Title: Relating ancient Maya land use legacies to the contemporary forest of Caracol, Belize.
Creator: Hightower, Jessica, Weishampel, John, Quintana-Ascencio, Pedro, VonHolle, Mary, Chase, Arlen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Human land use legacies have significant and long lasting impacts across landscapes. However, investigating the impacts of ancient land use legacies ((>)400 years) remains problematic due to the difficulty in detecting ancient land uses, especially those beneath dense canopies. The city of Caracol, one of the most important Maya archaeological sites in Belize, was abandoned after the collapse of the Maya civilization (ca. A.D. 900), leaving behind numerous structures, causeways, and...
Show moreHuman land use legacies have significant and long lasting impacts across landscapes. However, investigating the impacts of ancient land use legacies ((>)400 years) remains problematic due to the difficulty in detecting ancient land uses, especially those beneath dense canopies. The city of Caracol, one of the most important Maya archaeological sites in Belize, was abandoned after the collapse of the Maya civilization (ca. A.D. 900), leaving behind numerous structures, causeways, and agricultural terraces that persist beneath the dense tropical forest of western Belize. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology enables detection of below canopy Maya archaeological features, providing an ideal opportunity to study the effects of ancient land use legacies on contemporary tropical forest composition. LiDAR also provided us with a detailed record of the 3-dimensional forest structure over the 200 km2 study area. This allowed the investigation how ancient land uses continue to impact both forest composition, in terms of tree species, and forest structure. I recorded tree species over four land use categories: 1) structures, 2) causeways, 3) terraced, and 4) non-terraced land. Using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) and multi-response permutation procedures (MRPP) to test for differences between the classes, I found significantly distinct tree communities associated with the presence of terraces and the underlying topography. Terraced slopes appear to function as micro-valleys on the side of a hill, creating an environmental "bridge" between slope and valley tree communities. Tree species composition over causeways and structures was also found to be significantly different from terraced and non-terraced plots. Forest structure was assessed by extracting LiDAR points for terraced (n=150) and non-terraced (n=150) 0.25 ha plots. I calculated average canopy height, canopy closure, and vertical diversity from the height bins of the LiDAR points, using slope, elevation, and aspect as covariates. Using PerMANOVA I determined that forest structure over terraces was significantly different from non-terraced land. Terraces appear to mediate the effect of slope, resulting in less structural variation between slope and non-sloped land. These results led to the conclusion that human land uses abandoned (>)1000 years ago continue to impact the contemporary forests.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004250, ucf:49497
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004250

Title: Chetumal's Dragonglass: Postclassic Obsidian Production and Exchange at Santa Rita Corozal, Belize.
Creator: Seidita, Max, Chase, Arlen, Chase, Diane, Barber, Sarah, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Obsidian is one of the most common materials preserved in the archaeological record of Mesoamerica. Because of this and obsidian's unique chemical properties, it has become one of the most common means by which to explain ancient exchange and production. Northern Belize has largely been absent from discussions of Postclassic Mesoamerican economies. The limited amount of obsidian research that has been done is unable to draw comparisons to the region's primary site during this period, Santa...
Show moreObsidian is one of the most common materials preserved in the archaeological record of Mesoamerica. Because of this and obsidian's unique chemical properties, it has become one of the most common means by which to explain ancient exchange and production. Northern Belize has largely been absent from discussions of Postclassic Mesoamerican economies. The limited amount of obsidian research that has been done is unable to draw comparisons to the region's primary site during this period, Santa Rita Corozal. This thesis remedies this by exploring the importation, production, and distribution of obsidian at the Postclassic Maya primary center of Santa Rita Corozal, Belize. Through the application of the lithic technology approach and the use of pXRF (portable X-ray fluorescence) spectrometry, it is possible to establish the sources of obsidian being exploited, the stage of reduction of obsidian imports, the major obsidian industry, and obsidian distribution for Santa Rita Corozal's Postclassic Period.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005997, ucf:50778
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005997

Title: On the Back of the Crocodile: Extent, Energetics, and Productivity in Wetland Agricultural Systems, Northern Belize.
Creator: Montgomery, Shane, Chase, Arlen, Chase, Diane, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Ancient populations across the globe successfully employed wetland agricultural techniques in a variety of environmentally and climatically diverse landscapes throughout prehistory. Within the Maya Lowlands, these agricultural features figure prominently in the region comprised of northern Belize and southern Quintana Roo, an area supporting low-outflow rivers, large lagoons, and numerous bajo (swamp) features. Along the banks of the Hondo and New Rivers, the Maya effectively utilized wetland...
Show moreAncient populations across the globe successfully employed wetland agricultural techniques in a variety of environmentally and climatically diverse landscapes throughout prehistory. Within the Maya Lowlands, these agricultural features figure prominently in the region comprised of northern Belize and southern Quintana Roo, an area supporting low-outflow rivers, large lagoons, and numerous bajo (swamp) features. Along the banks of the Hondo and New Rivers, the Maya effectively utilized wetland agricultural practices from the Middle Preclassic to the Terminal Classic Periods (1000 B.C.(-)A.D. 950). A number of past archaeological projects have thoroughly examined the construction and impact of these swampland modifications. After four decades of study, a more precise picture has formed in relation to the roles that these ditched field systems played in the regional development of the area. However, a detailed record of the full spatial extent, combined construction costs, and potential agricultural productivity has not been attempted on a larger scale. This thesis highlights these avenues of interest through data obtained from high- and medium-resolution satellite imagery and manipulated through geographic information systems (GIS) technology. The research explores environmental factors and topographic elements dictating the distribution of such entities, the energetic involvement required to construct and maintain the systems, and the efficiency of wetland techniques as compared to traditional milpa agriculture. Spatial analyses reveal a total of 254 distinct wetland field systems within the 6560 square kilometer area of interest, clustered along navigable waterways, seasonal lagoons, and upland landscapes separating the Hondo and New Rivers. Energetic estimates illustrate substantial investment in wetland field construction, spanning several generations based on a locally available workforce. However, productivity calculations associated with the ditched field systems commonly exceed those attributed to milpa techniques, suggesting agricultural surplus far beyond the immediate need. These combined data indicate the potential export of maize and other agricultural commodities to regional centers in northern Belize and further abroad during the Late Preclassic and Late to Terminal Classic Periods through riverine trade networks. Additionally, these data help illustrate participation trends and patterns of connectivity relating to tiered sites within the area of interest. This research contributes to the overall understanding of wetland agriculture within Mesoamerica as well as provides insight into the political management of intensive agricultural production during Maya prehistory.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006360, ucf:51514
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006360

Title: Identifying Archetypal Attributes of Maya Ceremonial Architecture: Clues to the Late Classic Sociopolitical Status of Pacbitun, Belize.
Creator: Micheletti, George, Chase, Arlen, Barber, Sarah, Powis, Terry, Chase, Diane, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The E Group complex is one of the most widely known archetypes in Maya archaeology. The complex's easily recognized configuration has helped archaeologists to identify this archetype at hundreds of sites throughout the Southern Maya Lowlands. However, things are not always what they appear to be. Conducted by Jaime Awe and colleagues (2016), a reinvestigation of excavation data of assemblages long designated as E Group complexes in a region known as the Belize River Valley revealed several...
Show moreThe E Group complex is one of the most widely known archetypes in Maya archaeology. The complex's easily recognized configuration has helped archaeologists to identify this archetype at hundreds of sites throughout the Southern Maya Lowlands. However, things are not always what they appear to be. Conducted by Jaime Awe and colleagues (2016), a reinvestigation of excavation data of assemblages long designated as E Group complexes in a region known as the Belize River Valley revealed several unique attributes not typical of the E Group complex. Awe et al. (2016) suggest that these assemblages appear to function more as (")eastern shrines(") than E Groups and propose they be relabeled as (")eastern triadic assemblages.(") Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to provide a more comprehensive and methodological study of a single Belize Valley assemblage located at the site of Pacbitun, Belize. The temporal examination of Pacbitun's assemblage provided in this thesis was able to identify physical, spatial, and functional attributes associated with each phase of construction. These attributes were then compared with attributes associated with E Groups, eastern shrines, and eastern triadic assemblages. The results revealed that, while Pacbitun's assemblage does follow the architectural progression exhibited by other Belize Valley assemblages, the assemblage does not truly become an eastern triadic assemblage until the beginning of the Late Classic period (AD 550). Furthermore, the transition of Pacbitun's assemblage coincides with several other architectural modifications in and around the site suggesting that Pacbitun was experiencing sociopolitical change or unrest at this time. The breakdown of the political organization of the Belize Valley will provide scenarios concerning Pacbitun's political situation as well as an explanation for the unique architectural progression of Pacbitun's assemblage through time. This study hopes to not only contribute to current and future research of the Belize Valley eastern triadic assemblages but also to the understanding of the Classic period political situation of Pacbitun in the Belize River Valley.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006356, ucf:51539
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006356

Title: A PROPOSED METHODOLOGY FOR PREDICTING THE CARBON AND NITROGEN STABLE ISOTOPE MEASURES OF K'INICH YAX K'UK MO', COPAN DYNASTIC FOUNDER.
Creator: Edwards, Keith, Chase, Dr. Arlen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this thesis is to show that stable isotope analysis can be used to predict K'inich Yax K'uk Mo's stable isotope measures based on Stuart's (2007) hypothesis that K'inich Yax K'uk Mo', the dynastic founder of the Copan royal lineage, was a Caracol lord. There is significant and convincing evidence that K'inich Yak K'uk Mo' had a non-Copanec origin. Stable isotope analysis is a tested and reliable method for detailing diets and migratory paths of ancient humans and this theory is...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to show that stable isotope analysis can be used to predict K'inich Yax K'uk Mo's stable isotope measures based on Stuart's (2007) hypothesis that K'inich Yax K'uk Mo', the dynastic founder of the Copan royal lineage, was a Caracol lord. There is significant and convincing evidence that K'inich Yak K'uk Mo' had a non-Copanec origin. Stable isotope analysis is a tested and reliable method for detailing diets and migratory paths of ancient humans and this theory is applied as a predictor of the stable isotope measures of K'inich Yax K'uk Mo', if he did in fact originate in Caracol. The literature is rich with explanations of stable isotopes and the writings of a few stalwarts in the field were utilized to gain an understanding of the associated technologies and techniques utilized in its analysis. Data from the Copan (Whittington and Reed 1997) and Caracol (Chase and Chase 2001) stable isotope studies were utilized to show the application of stable isotope analysis in areas "associated" with K'inich Yax K'uk Mo' and to illustrate how the palace diet identified by Chase and Chase (2001; Chase et al. 2001) could be aligned with the Stuart hypothesis to predict the stable isotope ranges for K'inich Yax K'uk Mo'.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003876, ucf:48722
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003876

Maya (27)	+ -
iconography (5)	+ -
Ancient Maya (4)	+ -
Belize (4)	+ -
Caracol (4)	+ -

GIS (4)	+ -
Archaeology (3)	+ -
Iconography (3)	+ -
Maya Archaeology (3)	+ -
Anthropology (2)	+ -
Lamanai (2)	+ -
Mesoamerica (2)	+ -
Postclassic (2)	+ -
Santa Rita Corozal (2)	+ -
archaeology (2)	+ -
cosmology (2)	+ -
maya (2)	+ -
Agricultural Productivity (1)	+ -
Agriculture (1)	+ -
Ancient Agriculture (1)	+ -
Astronomy (1)	+ -
Belize Valley (1)	+ -
Bioarchaeology (1)	+ -
Buttons (1)	+ -
Calakmul (1)	+ -
Chichen Itza (1)	+ -
Classic Period (1)	+ -
Construction Energetics (1)	+ -
Copan (1)	+ -
Craft specialization (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (34)	+ -
Honors Collection (3)	+ -

University of Central Florida (37)	+ -
Chase, Arlen (28)	+ -
Chase, Diane (15)	+ -
Barber, Sarah (11)	+ -
Walker, John (8)	+ -

Callaghan, Michael (7)	+ -
Kovacevich, Brigitte (4)	+ -
Williams, Lana (3)	+ -
Reyes-Foster, Beatriz (2)	+ -
Beck, William (1)	+ -
Branting, Scott (1)	+ -
Carroll, Patrick (1)	+ -
Chase, Dr. Arlen (1)	+ -
Ciofalo, Andrew (1)	+ -
Crandall, James (1)	+ -
Cunningham-Smith, Petra (1)	+ -
Dao, Lillie (1)	+ -
Dupras, Tosha (1)	+ -
Edwards, Keith (1)	+ -
Enger, Ryan (1)	+ -
Foster, Cheryl (1)	+ -
Gill, Rachel (1)	+ -
Goldblatt, Benjamin (1)	+ -
Groff, Amanda (1)	+ -
Guzman Piedrasanta, Melvin (1)	+ -
Hightower, Jessica (1)	+ -
Holden, Patsy (1)	+ -
Ingalls, Victoria (1)	+ -
Izzo, Victoria (1)	+ -
Kangas, Rachael (1)	+ -

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