Haslam, Michael (Archaeological Sciences Laboratories, University of Queensland)

Zea Mays-ing Maya: Integrating Microscopic Evidence for Corn Processing at Copan, Honduras

Archaeologists have long known that corn (Zea mays) played an important role in the diet of the ancient Maya peoples of Mesoamerica. This belief is based on several indirect lines of evidence, including ethnographic analogy, the presence of stone grinding tools, stable isotope studies, and palaeobotanical research. Microscopic residue analysis of stone artefacts can now be added to this suite of approaches. The examination of 150 lithic artefacts from Copan, Honduras, revealed direct evidence for the processing of Zea mays 2,000 years ago.

file size: 306 kb

pdf file size: 407 kb