In this Book
- Chan: An Ancient Maya Farming Community
- Book
- 2012
- Published by: University Press of Florida
- Series: Maya Studies
The farming community of Chan thrived for over twenty centuries, surpassing the longevity of many larger Maya urban centers. Between 800 BC and 1200 AD it was a major food production center, and this collection of essays reveals the important role played by Maya farmers in the development of ancient Maya society.
Chan offers a synthesis of compelling and groundbreaking discoveries gathered over ten years of research at this one archaeological site in Belize. The contributors develop three central themes, which structure the book. They examine how sustainable farming practices maintained the surrounding forest, allowing the community to exist for two millennia. They trace the origins of elite Maya state religion to the complex religious belief system developed in small communities such as Chan. Finally, they describe how the group-focused political strategies employed by local leaders differed from the highly hierarchical strategies of the Classic Maya kings in their large cities.
In breadth, methodology, and findings, this volume scales new heights in the study of Maya society and culture.
Table of Contents
- Title Page, Copyright Page
- pp. 2-7
- List of Figures
- pp. 10-11
- List of Tables
- pp. 12-13
- Acknowledgments
- pp. 16-21
- Part 1. Time, Space, and Landscapes
- 3. Ceramics and Chronology at Chan
- pp. 63-91
- Part 2. Life in a Farming Community Center
- 6. Ritual in a Farming Community
- pp. 134-153
- Part 3. Diversity across the Chan Community
- Part 4. Bodies, Material Culture, and Meaning
- 13. Creating Community with Shell
- pp. 274-291
- Part 5. Conclusion
- References
- pp. 364-403
- List of Contributors
- pp. 404-407