TWO LATE CLASSIC ROYAL BURIALS FROM BUENAVISTA DEL CAYO, BELIZE

Abstract

We describe two Late Classic royal tombs excavated by the Mopan Valley Archaeological Project at Buenavista del Cayo. Feature 385-6, excavated in 2018, was located in Structure 3c and dates to around AD 600. The large masonry tomb contained an individual laid to rest on an elevated wooden bier, accompanied by 19 ceramic vessels, obsidian and stingray spine bloodletters, a mirrored headdress, and a jade bead. Among the more remarkable findings in the tomb were hundreds of desiccated popcorn kernels and two pyrite mirrors, one with Teotihuacan-style painting. Feature 385-30 is another masonry tomb, excavated in 2019 in Structure 3b. Dating to the late 7th century AD, this tomb contained an adult individual wrapped in textiles, accompanied by two jade artifacts and 27 ceramic vessels, some of which were elaborately painted. Of particular note, two parallel rows of chert lithics were found immediately under the body: a row of five very fine, large bifacial axes, and a row of nine eccentrics. Three additional eccentrics were found near the head. These tombs indicate that the line of kings that was established at Buenavista by at least ca. AD 450 reigned for at least two centuries.