WELCOME!

to TAK’ALIK AB’AJ 2012

… end of 13 Baktun coming up!!!

El Mirador 2011

El Mirador 2011

Tak’alik Ab’aj 2012

“Mr Cernikovsky’s Friends of Archaeology”

WELCOME !!!

October 2012:

2,500 years old royal tomb found at Tak’alik Ab’aj, the oldest so far found in Mesoamerica

Tak’alik Ab’aj…

…a privileged visit

… with Doctora Marion Popenoe

de Hatch

• Dr Wilson Popenoe• Botanist, plant explorer, came to Guatemala in 1916 • Created the Zamorano School for the United Fruit

Company in Honduras, the foremost agricultural school in Central America

• Bought a ruined 17th century house in Antigua and restored it

• Now, the “Popenoe House” is owned by the Universidad Fransisco Marroquin”

• Dra Marion• Founded the Archaeology Department at

Universidad del Valle• Works at Tak’alik Ab’aj a week a month• Is an analyst of ceramics recuperated from the

excavations• Works in two labs, one at UVG and one at

Tak’alik Ab’aj and she will give you a glimpse of that tomorrow

WELCOME!

to TAK’ALIK AB’AJ

¿What is known about Takalik Abaj?

Themes of the presentation

• Origins of TA• Function of TA• Intellectual achievements …

astronomical observatory• History of TA• How ceramics give information

Why was it founded there?

1. Fertile soils?2. Defense?3. Resources?4. Commerce?

Trade routes: 800 B.C.-100 A.D.

Map of Takalik Abaj

Trade routes: 800 B.C.-100 A.D.

Ocós ceramics: 1500-1000 B.C.

Cuadros ceramics (Olmec): 1200-900 B.C.

What is “Olmec”?

1. Early culture in Mesoamérica (1200-500 B.C.)2. Sculptural style from the Gulf of México.3. Non-Maya ethnic group.4. Early ideology in Mesoamérica.

OlmecFigures

Olmec figures

• Shook AltarSouth Coast

Takalik Abaj: Olmec Monuments

Takalik Abaj:

Mon. 64

Takalik Abaj: Maya sculptures

Takalik Abaj: Estela 5

Takalik Abaj: Stela 13

Takalik Abaj: Potbelly

sculpture

Takalik Abaj: a trade center

Olmec sites: 1200-600 B.C.

Trade Routes: 800 B.C.-100 A.D.

Takalik Abaj and the Maya Calendar

Map of Takalik Abaj

Takalik Abaj: Structure 7

Takalik Abaj: Structure 7

Takalik Abaj: Observatory

Takalik Abaj: Stela 13

Takalik Abaj: Stela 13

Offering in front of Estela 13

Radical change in orientation 150 D.C.

Takalik Abaj: Observatory

Takalik Abaj: Stela 13

Takalik Abaj: Observatory 200 A.D.

Takalik Abaj: Altar

46

Takalik Abaj: Estela 5

Trade Routes: 800 B.C.-100 A.D.

Intrusion:

Early Classic Intrusion: 100 A.D.

earClásico: 100 D.C.Ee

Expansion through South Coast: 100 A.C. – 100 D.C.

Late Classic changes: 700 DC

Postclásico Temprano 1000 D.C. Expansión Quiché

Expansión QuichePostclásico TempranoExpansión Quiché

Themes of the presentation

• Origins of TA• Function of TA• Intellectual achievements …

astronomical observatory• History of TA

• How ceramics give information

A recent exampleYou were all involved in this through the radio carbon dating test

A recent example

• We recently found the oldest Maya royal tomb found in Mesoamerica … 2,500 years old

• How did we get the date ???

• Look the figurines …• … at the ceramics

• BANG … here’s the date! (you just need 20-30 years of experience doing this stuff)

• Confirm with radio carbon dating test, “rarely possible” … expensive!

What can we learn from all of this ?

• Need for resources• The choices are:

Innovation – alliance – or invasion ?• Tak’alik Ab’aj solved its problems without

conflict, through alliances … survived 1,800 years

• Was ultimately conquered about 1,000 AD• … but they did not disappear !

… but they are still here !

Now:Q’echi

PoqomchiPoqomamUzpanteco

TzutujilKaqchiek

Kiche’

IxilAwakateco

MamTeco

Q’anjobalAkatecoJacalteco

ChujTojolobal

TzotzilTzeltal

ChortíChol

Chontal

ItzaMopán

LacandonYucateco

ChicomulatecoHuateco

THANK YOU FOR COMING

A SPECIAL GIFT TO “Mr. Cernikovsky’s 42 FRIENDS OF ARCHAELOGY”

A PRIVATE TOUR OF THE POPENOE HOUSE

MONDAY JANUARY 14 at 2 p.m.

THANK YOU,MARION!

•

Dinner across the courtyard in the Mexican restaurant

Remember if you ordered vegetarian

2 non alcoholic drinks includedBeer & Wine … cash bar

Dinner across the courtyard in the Mexican restaurant

Remember if you ordered vegetarian

2 non-alcoholic drinks includedBeer – Wine … Cash Bar

6:15 Sunrise6:30 Sandwich making party meet here,

please7 – 8 Breakfast

8:30 latest – checkoutBefore 9 a.m. leave for Tak’alik Ab’aj

LOOK FOR YOUR NAME TO GET ON THE RIGHT BUS!!!

9:30 arrive at TA10 a.m. two separate tours

Visit Dra. Marion’s lab!11:45 Maya Ceremony – Stela 5

1 p.m. pic nic lunch2 p.m. leave for AntiguaLOOK FOR YOUR NAME

TO GET ON THE RIGHT BUS!!!… burning the devil at night!

2013“Friends of

Archaeology”?“SITE Q” … La Corona

Helicopter archaeology again