Archaeological Investigations in the Candelaria Caves and La Lima, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

Investigations in the Candelaria Caves

The cave system is centered around seven river caves along a 25 km stretch of the Río Candelaria, although hundreds of small hill-caves are located above and around them, of which VUPACS was able to reconnoiter 22 of these caves with the help of FAMSI. Ten caves or cave segments were mapped, and areas of ancient and modern use were identified and registered (Figure 3 and Figure 4).

Rituals here seem to have been undertaken in the same manner as pyramids, with evidence of public ritual on high, naturally-lit ledges above cave floors or the valleys outside (Woodfill et al. 2004). Amid the ash, incense burners, smashed and burnt pots, and hundreds of obsidian blades were found, along with shell "tinklers" and other evidence of ceremonial regalia. Behind these ledges, "backstage" parts of the ceremonies appear to have occurred, evinced by the presence of altars, hearths, and unslipped wares. In several caves, flat platforms were built below these stages, probably to accommodate more observers (Ibid.).

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