Maya Initiative

Site management planning and conservation practices to address common problems found at sites throughout the Maya region

Project Details

View of the ancient Mayan site of Tikal in Guatemala, surrounded by dense forest

The Maya civilization once encompassed a vast area of parts of present-day Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.

About

Goal

Since the 19th century, thousands of sites representing the material remains of the Maya culture have been identified and many excavated—often partially reconstructed or left unprotected from nature. Many are suffering effects of vegetation growth, climate forces, and looting, and from threats posed by mass tourism development. The Maya Initiative aimed to address common problems found at Maya sites by reinforcing and developing conservation practices in collaboration with regional authorities.

Outcomes

  • A management plan for the archaeological site of Joya de Cerén was completed in 2002 and presented publicly to local and national authorities and stakeholders as well as to the vice president of El Salvador.
  • A final project report for the archaeological site of Copán, The Hieroglyphic Stairway of Copán, Honduras: Study Results and Conservation Proposals, synthesizes all the project’s studies and establishes proposals for the stabilization of the carved surfaces as well as preventive measures and maintenance.
  • The 2007 "Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites" workshop in Hammamet, Tunisia, improved understanding of the issues, principles, and practices integral to sustainable archaeological site conservation.
  • Broad dissemination of the results and lessons learned from the projects at Joya de Cerén and Copán has been carried out at local, regional, and international levels, addressing a variety of audiences, from the general public to heritage professionals.

Background

Maya civilization developed from 1800 BCE to 1200 CE, in a 400,000 sq. km area that includes parts of present-day Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Over a period of 3,000 years, the Maya culture experienced a complex evolution throughout this large territory. Maya settlements were relatively decentralized, yet surprisingly coherent and long lived. The Maya developed a very rich culture with a sophisticated alphabet and calendars, as well as impressive works of architecture and engineering, such as their religious monuments set in the midst of fairly large urban environments. Using surprising forms and incredible color palettes, they have left remains of their history and beliefs on walls as well as on ritual and domestic objects.

Project History

Partners

Instituto Hondureño de Antropología e Historia, Honduras; Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes, El Salvador; Asociación Tikal, Guatemala