Holley Moyes explores caves and examines artifacts to
understand the rituals of ancient people. By studying the artifacts left by ancient
Mayans, anthropological archaeologist and assistant professor at the University
of California at Merced, Moyes hopes to both preserve Mayan culture and
discover stories of these ancient people. Moyes has spent the past 20 years
exploring more than 100 caves in Belize, finding everything from tools to
sacrificial remains to everyday pottery, to uncover how the Mayans' ideologies
were created and maintained.
Discovering the why behind ancient people's decision-making
allows us to understand the implications of their decisions. One particular
ritual Moyes focused on was why Mayans performed human sacrifices deep inside
of caves. Though it's a developing theory, Moyes believes the Mayans cared
deeply about rain (their lands were dry for many months of the year) and left
increasingly large sacrifices to their god, Chac, to lift a devastating
drought.
#ewls #womencavers #speleology
SOURCE: http://goo.gl/PlKUja
Report Submitted by Carole Devillers
Report Submitted by Carole Devillers
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