Using Multiple Lines of Evidence to Identify Prehispanic Maya Burnt-Lime Kilns in the Northern Yucatán Peninsula

Bibliographic Data

ID4374336
AuthorsKenneth E Seligson (0000-0002-8835-473X, University of Southern California), Tomás Gallareta Negrón (0000-0002-8918-092X, National Institute of Anthropology and History), Rossana May Ciau, George J Bey
Year2017
Volume28
Issue4
Pages558-576
Publication date2017-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLatin American Antiquity (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1045-6635 • E-ISSN: 2325-5080
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/laq.2017.37
OpenAlexW2758935831
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited17

This study discusses the investigation of a series of pit-kilns in and around the prehispanic site of Kiuic in the Puuc region of the northern Maya lowlands and presents the multiple lines of evidence that identify these structures as lime production features. The study reports the results of systematic excavations, archaeometric analyses, archaeological experiments, ethnographic inquiries, and spatial analyses. Burnt lime has been used for architectural, dietary, hygienic, and other purposes by the Maya for at least three millennia and yet its importance in prehispanic Maya society is belied by the lack of lime production features identified in the archaeological record. The identification of these structures as lime production features has implications for understanding subregional differences in socioeconomic organization and resource management practices among the prehispanic Maya. This report provides a model for using multiple methods and analyses to investigate and identify lime production kilns that can be applied to societies and landscapes throughout the Maya area and the broader premodern world

Maya · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis · Latin American history and culture

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