In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

The tireless support and guidance of many people made it possible to complete this project, which began as my master’s thesis at Brigham Young University. John Clark, my thesis committee chair, imparted a foundation in archaeological method and theory and helped me understand how to develop an ethnoarchaeological study. As director of the New World Archaeological Foundation, Dr. Clark also provided financial support that allowed me to return to Guatemala to expand on this research. Finally, he encouraged me to pursue its publication, and for his help and direction, I am especially grateful. Members of my graduate committee also contributed significantly to this project. John Hawkins’s knowledge of the K’iche’ culture proved invaluable, and he offered much needed criticism on the final project. I am also grateful for Donald Forsyth’s instruction on the ancient Maya and for giving me a place to stay while I conducted research in Guatemala. The people most integral to this project were the informants, guides, and friends in Guatemala who gave of their time and knowledge. Jose Alberto Pop, Alejandro Ca’al, Alberto Che, and Diego Telesfoto led me to the many homes of those who participated in my survey, and they translated when I needed it most. The metateros of Nahualá and San Luis Jilotepeque endured my incessant questioning. Amalia Che, Rosa Ca’al, Yessenia Garcia de Lemus, and Manuela Tambriz all allowed me to stay in their homes and eat with their families. Living with these families proved to be one of the most enriching experiences of my life, and I am eternally grateful for their hospitality, delicious meals, and life lessons. I could not have completed this research without their help. Bantiox ere. All the names of my informants included in this book are pseudonyms. Several others also contributed to this project, including fellow students whose encouraging words were much appreciated. Countless times they were available to listen to ideas and make suggestions. I am also indebted Acknowledgments to Mary Pye who initially edited an earlier draft of this manuscript. She helped me not only improve my writing but also taught me valuable lessons about surviving and succeeding in graduate school. I thank Scott Ure for sharing his technical expertise concerning GIS, graphics, and publishing software. Winston Scott, lin loy, provided valuable information about the Q’eqchi’ and their language. He was the first to teach me how to be a true participant observer. I am also grateful to my brother Adam Searcy for his companionship during my first field season in Guatemala , where he willingly hiked to the most remote villages, hauling equipment and providing comic relief. To Paul Minnis, Evie Forsythe, Ian Robertson, and Andrew Fisher, I express my sincerest gratitude for not only assisting me with this particular project but also contributing so much to my broader education. As for the publication of this research, Allyson Carter at the University of Arizona Press has patiently guided me through this process. I want to thank her and the UA Press staff for always being accessible and willing to address my inquiries and concerns. In addition, two anonymous reviewers provided detailed critiques that greatly improved the final version of this book. Finally, I am most grateful to Amie, my wife, for enduring the many weeks alone with our daughter while I was out of the country. I appreciate the hours she dedicated to typing my field notes. Her encouraging words have always kept me going, and I hope she realizes how important her contributions were to the fruition of this project. acknowledgments xii ...

Share