Regional perspective of ancient Maya burial patterns in northwest Belize, Central America (original) (raw)

This dissertation represents seven years of dedication, hard work, stress, travel, research, and the wonderful guidance, assistance, and support of numerous individuals. First and foremost, I extend endless gratitude to Dr. Fred Valdez, Jr. Thank you for believing in me and allowing me the wonderful opportunity to work alongside you over the years. I am grateful for everything you have provided me, including your patience and guidance, your humor, and your wonderful treatment of my family. I also would like to thank Dr. Palma Buttles for her support through kindness, warmth, great stories about Fred, and delicious cooking! My family has enjoyed our experiences with yours over the past years, and we hope to continue our relationship in the future! The completion of this dissertation was also possible thanks to the guidance and advice of the wonderful members of my committee. I would like to thank Drs. Michelle Hamilton, Martha Menchaca, Allan Moore, and Sam Wilson for standing by me in this process. I am indebted to you all for your insights into bioarchaeology, cultural anthropology, public outreach and Maya archaeology, and data analysis and statistics. You each have inspired me through your teaching, your research and outreach projects, and your assistance. Thanks so much for putting up with my myriad questions, helping me sort through confusion to find nuggets of clarity (no matter how long it took), and for the kindness and genuineness you showed me over the past years. Thanks also for reading my whole dissertation-I imagine that, in and of itself, was quite the feat! Thank you to the Institute of Archaeology (IA) in Belize and its staff, who entrust researchers at the Programme for Belize Archaeological Project (PfBAP) with the ability to conduct archaeological research at PfB (Programme for Belize) every year. In particular vi I would like to thank Dr. Jaime Awe, George Thompson, Bryan Woodye, Sherilyne Jones, and Dr. John Morris for your dedication and hard work to protect and conserve the archaeological heritage of Belize. Thanks also to the people of Belize-your culture, history, people, food, and environment are absolutely delightful. I have sincerely enjoyed my eight years of visits and fully intend to continue enjoying Belize's wonders in the many years to come! I am also thankful to the University of Texas at Austin (UT), the Graduate School, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Department of Anthropology for all of the support (financial, professional, and intellectual) I have received in the past eight years. My experiences from these institutions have allowed me to grow intellectually, personally, and emotionally and I am forever grateful for the various opportunities I was provided. I would like to extend a warm thank you to the chairs and associate chairs of the Department of