The Context, Significance and Technology of Copper Metallurgy at Late Postclassic-Spanish Colonial Period Lamanai, Belize
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Recent archaeological excavations at the large site of Lamanai have added significantly to our understanding of an ancient Maya technology about which almost nothing is known at present: metallurgy. This paper presents the results of the last five seasons of fieldwork by the Maya Archaeometallurgy Project at Lamanai. Our understanding of the manner in which Lamanai’s metalsmiths created copper status and utilitarian objects during Late Postclassic-Spanish Colonial times has grown substantially during these past five years. In this paper we present new insights into the technological nature of this specialized craft activity; these perspectives have been gained from recently conducted laboratory analyses of copper objects recovered from Late Postclassic and Spanish Colonial Period deposits at the site. In addition, available ethnohistorical and archaeological information on the social identities of those involved in the specialized production of copper objects will be discussed. Finally, we will present our views on the various roles that metallurgy played in the intertwined domestic and political economies of this important site just prior to and during Spanish contact.
