Household salt production by the Late Classic Maya: underwater excavations at Ta'ab Nuk Na

Authors

Heather Mckillop, Louisiana State University and A&M College
E. Cory Sills, University of Texas at Tyler

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-19-2022

Abstract

Salt is an essential commodity; archaeological remains around the world attest to the importance of its production, exchange and consumption. Often located in coastal locations, many production sites were submerged by rising seas, including the Paynes Creek Salt Works on the southern Belize coast. Survey and excavation of these sites has identified 'kitchens' for brine boiling, as well as Terminal Classic residential structures at Ek Way Nal. The authors report the discovery of an earlier residential building alongside salt kitchens at the nearby site of Ta'ab Nuk Na. This finding indicates that surplus household production began during the Late Classic, when demand for salt from inland cities was at its peak.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Antiquity

Number

595

First Page

1232

Last Page

1250

Recommended Citation

Mckillop, H., & Sills, E. (2022). Household salt production by the Late Classic Maya: underwater excavations at Ta'ab Nuk Na. Antiquity, 96 (389), 1232-1250. https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2022.106