Project archaeologists Frank Tribe (left) and John Walden (right) working at the site of Lower Dover.
Reconstructing the lives and kinship networks of the Classic Maya
The Belize River Valley has a history of archaeological excavations stretching back more than a century, making it one of the most intensely archaeologically studied regions of the Classic Maya. In combination with public outreach and early career researcher training in Belize, this project seeks to apply cutting edge technologies in paleogenomics, bioarchaeology, and stable isotope analysis to leverage this century of archaeological research to reconstruct a detailed picture of the lives of the
ancient Maya. The project explores the social and biological kinship relationships of all levels of Classic Maya society, from the commoners to the elites, and seeks to understand how marriage and kinship networks at sites across the valley, including Baking Pot, Cahal Pech, and Lower Dover, formed the basis of the region’s political power. Project partners include the Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance (BVAR) project and the Heritage Education Network Belize (HENB).
Community Outreach and Events
The project began with canvassing to determine interest in the project by local Maya and other community members in villages and towns in the Belize Valley. Led by Frank Tzib and John Walden, interviews and surveys with community members found strong support and interest in the development of an ancient DNA project. As the project developed, snail bakes, site tours, and educational workshops were organized to allow community members to see first hand the working being done and to interact directly with the archaeologists and scientists.
Local high school students participated in summer excavations, and students from around the world joined the project field schools.
Early Career Researcher Training
In 2024, project partners Frank Tzib (Galen University) and April Martinez (HENB) joined the Warinner Lab for an extended internship in ancient DNA laboratory training and osteological collections management at Harvard University and the Peabody Museum.
