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Reconstructing the Past: Paleoethnobotanical Evidence for Ancient Maya Plant Use Practices at the Dos Pilas Site, Guatemala

Cavallaro, Dana A
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1377869841

Abstract Details

2013, MS, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Biological Sciences.
The focus of this study was to analyze the paleoethnobotanical remains retrieved from the Late Classic (ranging from approximately A.D. 600-800) Maya polity of Dos Pilas, located in the department of Peten, Guatemala. Paleoethnobotanical macroremains and flotation samples collected during field seasons between 1989 and 1992 were separated using standard paleoethnobotanical field and laboratory methodologies, allowing for analysis and identification of many of the remains. Plant remains recovered from this site include such domesticated cultigens as maize and squash; and an assortment of wood charcoal, including palm, pine, and various dicot woods. Initially unidentified charcoal samples were further analyzed using an FEI XL30 Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) with associated EDX system in order to obtain cellular structure orientations necessary for identifying such unknowns. Wood/non-wood ratios, kernel/cupule ratios, Shannon's Diversity index, absolute counts, absolute weights, and ubiquity were all analytical methods utilized in order to assess the implications of depositional patterns of the remains. These analyses were structured in order to reveal prevailing subsistence strategies, an evaluation of the possible environmental surroundings, and socioeconomic implications across the hierarchical system at Dos Pilas. These implications were based upon differential deposition patterns in regard to the social class of associated structures or households. These results were further compared using analogous measures to the nearby site of Aguateca in order to provide a reference of Dos Pilas' comparability to other Maya sites. This study has concluded that, while Dos Pilas shares many of the characteristics of other Lowland Maya sites, its unique location and history resulted in a distinctive form of subsistence and existence.
David Lentz, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Susan Dunford, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Vernon Scarborough, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
126 p.
Biology
paleoethnobotany; Maya; Dos Pilas; Aguateca; archaeobotany; plant remains

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Cavallaro, D. A. (2013). Reconstructing the Past: Paleoethnobotanical Evidence for Ancient Maya Plant Use Practices at the Dos Pilas Site, Guatemala [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1377869841

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Cavallaro, Dana. Reconstructing the Past: Paleoethnobotanical Evidence for Ancient Maya Plant Use Practices at the Dos Pilas Site, Guatemala. 2013. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1377869841.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Cavallaro, Dana. "Reconstructing the Past: Paleoethnobotanical Evidence for Ancient Maya Plant Use Practices at the Dos Pilas Site, Guatemala." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1377869841

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1377869841
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.