Ka'kabish Archaeological Research Project (KARP)

Project Overview

Excavators at Ka'kabish with lush background

Founded in 2007 by Dr. Haines, Ka'kabish Archaeological Research Project is centered around the ancient Maya city of Ka’kabish, in north-central Belize. Despite the wealth of knowledge about the ancient Maya, the bulk of our knowledge centres around sites in the Central Petèn and the Belize River Valley, with very little known about the politic landscape of north-central Belize. Research conducted by KARP attempts to address this gap by providing information not only from one of the largest known sites in the area, but from one of the longest surviving cities in the region as well.

On-going excavation work at the site, which incorporates a Trent University Field School, has revealed that that Ka'Kabish enjoyed a long history of occupation, thriving for 2,300 years. This work also has discovered that the site is considerably larger than originally identified, and to date we have mapped over 100 structures in twelve groups, up from the 21 structures initially documented.

A masked student works in the KARL lab space in Durham.The Ka’kabish Archaeological Research Lab (KARL) is part of the larger Ka’kabish Archaeological Research Project (KARP). This project is centered on laboratory based research of the material culture recovered during the course of excavations. KARL spans both the Durham GTA and Peterborough campuses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research Partners:

Current Research:

  • A dental anthropological investigation of Post-Classic Maya health and diet
  • Understanding of residential mortuary practices
  • Investigations into chultun use and mortuary activities
  • Ritual architecture and urban design
  • Obsidian analysis and exchange patterns

Available Research Projects:

  • Settlement pattern analyses
  • Ceramic analysis and termination ritual activities
  • Architectural studies at intermediate sites and courtyard group

Students interested in field and laboratory based graduate research can visit the Ka’kabish Archaeological Research Project website to learn about potential projects or can contact Dr. Haines directly to discuss opportunities.

Contact

Helen HainesDr. Helen R. Haines

Ka’kabish Archaeology Research Lab
Durham GTA – 181

helenhaines@trentu.ca
705 748-1011 x5045

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