The skeletal remains of an adult Maya, along with several artifacts and ceramics – reported to be over 2000 years old – was discovered during the replacement of drainage pipes on Burns Avenue: one of the busiest streets in San Ignacio, Cayo.

In addition, bone tools, ceramic vessels, conch shell fragments, deer antlers, obsidian blade fragments, peccary teeth and pottery shards were buried with the individual who, according to renowned archaeologist Dr. Jaime Awe, was a male. Of the ceramic vessels obtained, three were complete while the pottery shards included an etched Juventud-Red vessel which possibly dates the site as early as the Middle Pre-Classic Period. What’s more is that the situ, which may have been abandoned after being destroyed by flood waters, is believed to be a part of Cahal Pech, thus proving that the “Place Of Ticks” was as extensive a settlement as was originally thought.

The artifacts, ceramics and remains will be displayed in the Welcome Center which is currently under construction as part of the development and rehabilitation of San Ignacio Town. For the time being, though, locals and tourists alike flock to the site to offer assistance, speculation and support to the archaeologists who’ve halted public works until their excavation is completed.

For more information read “Burns Avenue Becomes New Tenochtitlan” and “The Maya Arise On Preclassic Burns Avenue.”

Dr. Jaime Awe is one of Belize’s pioneering and most prominent archaeologists, who has personally excavated Belize’s major projects. Having achieved a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Anthropology at Trent University, Canada, as well as a Doctorate from the Institute Of Archaeology at the University Of London, England, he became the first native Belizean to receive a Ph.D in Archaeology. Since then, he has taught at universities in Canada, England, U.S.A. and is currently an associate professor at Galen University in Belize. He is also Director of the Institute Of Archaeology in the National Institute Of Culture And History (NICH) and one of the best field researchers in the country as he is well-versed in all things Maya.

Upon returning to Belize, Dr. Awe’s mission has been to unveil the mysteries and secrets of the Maya Underworld on his expeditions into the sacred spelunks hidden in the jungles. He has coordinated key projects in the region’s most popular Maya Caves and Ruins – Actun Tunichil Muknal, Altun Ha, Cahal Pech, Caracol, Lamanai and Xunantunich to name a few. During his archaeology career, Awe has published numerous articles and stories in several books, journals, and magazines, and his research has been featured in various international as well as national documentaries; yet his continues to be written.

For more information visit: Ultimate Belize Adventure.