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

Conclusions

Research in the Candelaria Caves and associated settlements had several important outcomes. With FAMSI-sponsored and subsequent investigations, the Candelaria system is the first large ritual center in the southern lowlands to have been intensely studied. A paradigm of patterns of traffic and trade along this segment of the trade route has been created with data obtained, which will be tested in further investigations. As the first archaeological investigation at "ground zero" of the highland-lowland transition, VUPACS was able to see the changing relationships between these two regions throughout the Classic period and the impact of the collapse and changes in the trade route had on the northern highland Maya.

But the most important result of these investigations there may be largely unrelated to archaeology. The Q'eqchi', who are among the poorest in the Maya World, are now stewards of their own patrimony and co-managers of the Candelaria Caves National Park. This was only made possible through the archaeological registry made during the 2003, FAMSI-funded field season, which was a necessary step in the creation of the park.

The Q'eqchi' are still benefiting from this research, which has resulted in an archaeological manual of the Candelaria Caves used in training for local guides, and maps of the tourist caves have been modified for the local village committees in order to monitor the impact of traffic in these caves. The tourist paths themselves were created by members of VUPACS in order to assure minimum impact on fragile formations and archaeological remains.

Thanks to FAMSI, members of VUPACS have been able to have a positive effect on both archaeologists' understanding of this corner of the ancient Maya World as well as on two modern local communities. Research here and at other sites in the Cancuén area has been based on a partnership among archaeologists, the local government, and neighboring communities, which has resulted in benefits to all.

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