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Middle Preclassic Buildings and Burials at Cuello, Belize: 1990 Investigations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Norman Hammond
Affiliation:
Department of Archaeology, Boston University, 675 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Amanda Clarke
Affiliation:
York Archaeological Trust, 1 Pavement, York YO1 2NA, North Yorkshire, England
Cynthia Robin
Affiliation:
Department of Archaeology, Belmopan, Belize, Central America

Abstract

Two areas of Middle Preclassic architecture flanking a courtyard dating between ca. 650 and 400 B. C. were investigated. Successive plaster-floored houses were found that had perishable superstructures, and which demonstrated periodic partial demolition and rebuilding. Thirteen burials had a range of grave goods and orientations; burial position may, however, be lineage specific. While adult grave goods do not indicate social diversity, abundant shell jewelry with children suggests a status based on family rank rather than on individual achievement.

Se investigaron dos áreas de arquitectura del Preclásico Medio que rodean un patio ocupado durante 900-400 A. C. junto con porciones de la Plataforma 34 (400 A. C.-250 D. C.) que lo cubrió. Se hallaron casas sucesivas con pisos de yeso y estructuras perecederas. Los trece entierros incluyeron niños: mientras que las ofrendas de entierro de los adultos no sugieren diversidad social. Los abundantes adornos de concha en los entierros de niños indica posición social que depende del renombre de la familia, más bien que logros individuales.

Type
Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 1991

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References

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