Abstract
- This paper presents a discussion of the Maya Archaeometallurgy Project (MAP), a research program aimed at studying the specialized production of copper objects and the role this craft activity played in shaping Maya political economies around the time of Spanish contact. The MAP is focused on addressing questions regarding continuities and changes in political economies during an important period of Maya cultural transition – Postclassic to Spanish Colonial times. Some of these changes and continuities can be seen in the area of craft specialization. Recent MAP research has narrowed on understanding the role that native elites may have played in administering productive activities as a means to strengthen their political and social positions within Lamanai’s contact period community. In addition, the MAP seeks to elucidate the organizational nature of copper production as a relatively new, specialized craft activity that appeared in the Maya world in late precolumbian times. This paper includes a summary of the theoretical background for the work, goals of the project, current work being conducted at the site of Lamanai, and recent research results.