The Fifteenth-Seventeenth Century Lithic Economy at Progresso Lagoon, Belize (original) (raw)

This article examines the fifteenth-seventeenth century lithic economy at Progresso Lagoon, Belize, as a tool for understanding indigenous Maya motivations and conditions before and after Spanish colonialism. The lithic assemblage indicates a high reliance on recycled and refurbished tools from the former tool production center of Colha, and a decrease in the utilization of obsidian obtained through long-distance trade. The increase in projectile point production and use in the fifteenth century suggests conflict between Maya communities even before the arrival of Spaniards in the region. Alongside other archaeological evidence, the lithic material suggests that the Progresso Lagoon community was experiencing an economic decline and political tensions at the point of Spanish contact.