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Archaeological Evidence for Occupational Specialization Among the Classic Period Maya at Tikal, Guatemala

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Marshall Joseph Becker
Marshall Joseph Becker*
Affiliation:
Department of Sociology-Anthropology, West Chester State College
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Abstract

Recent models for the organization of Classic period Maya in the Guatemala lowlands suggest a complex system of stratified social classes. Much of the basic data supporting such theoretical models is derived from the evidence for the existence of numerous occupational specializations. Previously, the data have been largely inferential, but extensive and comprehensive excavations at Tikal over a period of 13 yr have provided significant information suggesting that the occupations of residents of specific buildings or house groups can be determined. This evidence also suggests techniques by which future excavations might be directed in order to augment existing information.

Type
Articles
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 38 , Issue 4 , October 1973 , pp. 396 - 406
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for American Archaeology 1973

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