The remains found in the Chapat burial chamber seem to represent 2 individuals. Measurements of longbone robusticity based on standards by Wrobel et al (2002) and features of the cranium all consistently indicate that both individuals are male. The relative lack of dental attrition suggests an age in the range of the very late teens or early 20s. Differences in the staining and weathering on the bone surfaces are likely the result of being placed in different areas of the chamber. The porotic hyperostosis of the cranial vault is an indication of anemia, a condition that is typical of ancient agricultural populations with a high carbohydrate / low protein diet. The rodent gnaw marks on the fibula (SB4B) is perhaps an indication that the bones were moved, since rodents would not be found in such a deep portion of a cave. Rodent activity has been noted in remains found at surface sites, especially in contexts with an airspace, such as tombs or burial urns (Cook 1999).
In May of 2008 the XMET, Marcos Cucul and myself went over the rim stone dam to see how much more cave passage we would find.
After hiking for awhile we came to BONES. Bones from a human body. How did they get back there? We barely got back there with equipment. Carried by the flooding waters, human hands, or did they walk in on their own. They were old, from the Mayan times. Thanks to Gabe and NICHE we were able to find out some answers to the puzzle.
Gabe took these pictures after he received the bones and cleaned them up. He put the jaw with the skull and looked at all the other bones we brought out.
What a great day. Cave passage that no one had been in for at least 1200 years and then finding the human bones. What was going on with these individuals? Perhaps they came from another entrance found farther back in the cave? Based on what Gabe said, they may have been buried in a tomb in another location then exhumed and carried to this spot? Carried here for their final journey through the underworld? Were they elite who had been buried in a tomb in a site above ground, only to have been moved later?
Oh, we found more.
Posted by Belizean Sun Tours