Lithic Raw Material Sources at the Southern End of the Freshwater Creek Drainage: A View from Laguna de on, Belize

Abstract

ABSTRACTStone tools at the Late Postclassic (AD 1050–1500) settlement at Laguna de On are indicative of significant inter-community exchange among the Maya of northern Belize. The lithic artifacts represent a consumer assemblage, in which the majority of formal tools were procured from the well-known stone tool production center of Colha, 10 km away. A raw material survey was conducted to see what types of stone were readily available locally. A raw material analysis of formal tools and unused lithic flakes was then independently conducted, to assess the degree to which local and imported stone was being utilized at the settlement. The data present patterns of dependence on the craft specialization of Colha for formal tools, while local materials served primarily in the manufacture of expedient tools.