The Late Postclassic-Spanish Colonial Period Political Economy of Lamanai, Belize

This paper discusses certain aspects of the political economy of Lamanai during the Late Postclassic- Spanish Colonial Period. Using data from the copper assemblage along with domestic residential architecture at the site of Lamanai, this paper focuses on the nature of copper craft production in the centuries just before and after Spanish contact. The roles of craft specialists and elites are examined, particularly in the contexts of elite residential and other remains within the Spanish Church Zone. Current models addressing the relationships between craft specialization and the nature of political economies will also be evaluated using data recently obtained from investigations in the Spanish church zone at Lamanai.

The Late Postclassic-Spanish Colonial Period Political Economy of Lamanai, Belize Presentation