Institute of Maya Studies

A world of pomp and state: Investigating the politics and history of Northcentral Belize

with Helen Haines, Ph.D.

With its prolific epigraphic record, the Central Petén has long served as the focal point for discussions regarding the political interactions of the ancient Maya. When these discussions have extended eastward into Belize they have conentrated on large centres in, or south of, the Belize River Valley such as Caracol and Xunantunich. This focus has had the effect of rendering Northcentral Belize virtually invisible on the political landscape. By showcasing new research from the site of Ka’kabish, and combining it with data from Lamanai and Altun Ha, this talk will show that rather than sitting placidly on the sidelines of Maya history, Northcentral Belize not only engaged in political machinations similar to those of its neighbor to the west, but it was an active participant in the larger Maya world.

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Dr. Helen Haines
is an Associate Professor of Anthropology with Trent University, Canada. She is also the Director of the Ka’kabish Archaeological Research Project (KARP) which she founded in 2006. KARP is based on the Trent University Durham GTA campus, where Dr. Haines is the Associate Chair of Anthropology, and in Indian Church Village, Orange Walk District Belize. Trent University Durham GTA also is home to KARL, the laboratory arm of the KARP project. She received her Honours BA in Anthropology from the University of Toronto, and her Ph.D. in Archaeology, from Institute of Archaeology, UCL, University of London where she is holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer Position. Dr. Haines is also a Research Associate at the Royal Ontario Museum. Along with her academic appointments, she is also a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society and a Fellow International of the Explorers’ Club and is a recipient of the Canadian Explorers’ Club’s Stefansson Medal in honour of her research.

A Link to a recording of this presentation is available to IMS members.

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