Ancient Maya Plant Use Activities and Agroforestry at Tikal, Guatemala
Interim Report
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Research Year:  2004
Culture:  Maya
Chronology:  Pre-Classic to Post Classic
Location:  Guatemala
Site:  Tikal

Table of Contents

Introduction
Specific Objectives
Methodology
Contribution to our Current Understanding of Ancient Mesoamerican Culture
List of Figures
Sources Cited

Introduction

The goal of this project is to conduct a paleoethnobotanical study of the plant materials from Tikal, perhaps the preeminent civic-ceremonial site of the ancient Maya. Although no paleoethnobotanical samples per se were collected during excavations, there were over 1500 samples collected for radiocarbon dating (a purpose for which they are no longer needed), and many of these weigh over 100 g.  The PI of this project, Lentz, went to the University of Pennsylvania University Museum in May of 2004 to talk with curators, inspect the Tikal plant materials and arrange for shipment. The personnel at the University Museum were extraordinarily kind in all respects and shipped the Tikal plant remains to the Chicago Botanic Garden on June 20, 2004.  The remains arrived without incident and were received in good condition. These samples are composed almost entirely of seeds and charred wood. Unearthed from strata ranging from Pre-Classic (ca. 450 B.C.) to Terminal Classic/Post Classic (ca. A.D. 900+) times and represent an extraordinary opportunity to study the plant use practices of the ancient Maya in the heart of their foremost polity.

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Submitted 08/26/2004 by:
David L. Lentz, Ph.D.
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
dlentz@chicagobotanic.org

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