In the inhospitable lowland regions of Middle America, prehistoric Mayan peoples evolved a civilization which produced dramatic large scale architecture, a highly centralized class stratified society and which integrated large areas through well developed trade mechanisms. Although this phenomenon has intrigued archaeologists for almost a century, they still do not understand the processes which led to the emergence and maintenance of this society. Dr. Anabel Ford has worked for many years in the Belize River area of Belize. Based on extensive survey and the analysis of recovered materials, she has postulated a model of economic specialization in which household units living in slightly different environmental zones focussed on slightly different activities and then traded across these zones. This, she believes, provides the underlying basis for Mayan development in this area. With NSF support, Dr. Ford will excavate a series of small household sites located in one remaining zone which she has not studied in detail. This will set her survey data into a broader and more meaningful context and will provide a basis for cross zone comparison. She will conduct large scale horizontal exposures to uncover entire household units. The ceramics, chert and obsidian remains will be collected and analyzed to address three major questions: the character of the domestic economy; the kinds and degree of craft production and distribution; and the influence of local, regional and inter-regional exchange. Since both "elite" and peasant" households will be included in the sample, it should be possible to determine how such strategies are related to class. This research is important for several reasons. Although archaeologists have excavated many Mayan sites, the primary focus has been on large ceremonial centers. Dr. Ford's project, which concentrates on household structures will help to remedy this situation. The project includes an undergraduate student and will contribute to the development of a promising young scientist.
