Title: In search of Maya sea traders /
Authors: McKillop, Heather Irene, 1953-
Publisher: Texas A&M University Press,
Year: 2005
Subjects: Mayas Commerce.; Mayas Antiquities; Excavations (Archaeology) Belize Punta Gorda Region.; Underwater archaeology Belize Punta Gorda Region.; Coastwise navigation Belize Punta Gorda Region.; Wild Cane Cay Site (Belize); Punta Gorda Region (Belize) Antiquities.
Abstract: "In this book, McKillop tells the story of the search for the Maya sea traders, as well as the story of the traders themselves as it emerges from the excavations. In Search of Maya Sea Traders describes the trading port of Wild Cane Cay, where exotic obsidian, jade, gold, and other goods - including highly crafted pots - were traded from distant lands. McKillop also tells us about the more coastal-inland trade of salt, seafood, and other marine resources." "Through the story of her own work and that of her students and volunteers, McKillop models both the research design and the field work that are required to interpret the civilizations of the past. She includes the adventure of discovery, the challenges of working in wild environments (from snakes and rising sea levels to falling coconuts), and the tedium of daily measured digs in a near-tropical setting."--Jacket.
Contents: My first visit to Wild Cane Cay, 1981 -- Fieldwork at Wild Cane Cay -- Trips to town and visitors to the cay -- Household archaeology -- Obsidian trade -- Maya ancestors : keeping the dead at home -- A new dory -- Underwater archaeology -- Volunteers -- In search of the coastal Maya -- Returning to Wild Cane Cay in 1992 -- Provisions from Punta Gorda -- Submerged ancient saltworks -- Sea-level rise and ancient trade -- Settlement patterns -- Target practice -- Rough seas, submerged sites -- Coral architecture -- Truce with the sea.