Semester of Graduation

Fall 2026

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Department of Geography and Anthropology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Ch'ok Ayin is part of over 110 known ancient Maya salt works surveyed in Paynes Creek National Park, Belize. The salt works are associated with wooden architecture preserved below the sea floor and submerged due to sea level rise. The purpose of the excavations of Ch'ok Ayin Building C and Plaza A was to determine the function of the space based on recovered material remains.  An eleven meter transect was placed in Building C to extend inside and outside of the building to capture activity areas associated with the building. A 2 x 2-meter excavation was placed north of Building C, located between Buildings A and B, to investigate open areas. The results of excavations indicate different functions between Building C and Plaza A. Building C is likely a salt kitchen dedicated to boiling brine over fires. Comparatively, Plaza A had a greater diversity of artifacts. The spatial distribution of artifacts reveals a variety of activities that took place at this ancient Maya household group, both for family subsistence and for participating in the broader Classic Maya economy by supplying salt cakes to the inland Maya.

Date

4-27-2026

Committee Chair

Heather McKillop

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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