Archaeologists have just made a stunning new discovery in Belize, uncovering the first, perfectly preserved Maya salt-making compound, or salinas, called Cho-ok Ayin. One of the most important archaeological sites in the region, it has been inhabited since the Late Classic period (around AD 550 to 800). Cho-ok Ayin, located on Punta Ycacos Lagoon, is approximately 32 by 27 meters. This site is an archeological treasure which has uncovered the ancient Maya civilization’s sophisticated salt production methods.
While working on a flotation survey, researchers had found Cho-ok Ayin. This survey was primarily concerned with locating flooded archaeological sites discoverable in the area. These findings bring to light not only the design of the ancestral compound but its exceptional preservation environments. That was thanks in part to an anaerobic environment—which disallows the bacteria that eat at organic materials—found throughout the wooden structures on the site.
Unique Preservation Conditions
The preservation of wooden buildings and objects at Cho-ok Ayin is unprecedented along the coasts of Belize and the Yucatan. Researchers can explore the ancient Maya’s architecture and daily life in extraordinary detail. Their unique state of conservation allows them to find new things.
Today, the site features 56 restored hardwood posts, as well as three palmetto-palm restoration posts. A portion of the Maya house compound together, these elements provide the basis for a standard Maya household compound consisting of four distinct structures. Building A would have been the sleeping quarters, while Buildings B and C were probably used as salt kitchens. Furthermore, Building D had been used for the production of salt enriched processes.
“The preservation of the wooden buildings and wooden objects at the submerged Classic Maya sites in Punta Ycacos Lagoon has not been found elsewhere along the coasts of Belize and the Yucatan.” – Dr. Heather McKillop
Dr. Heather McKillop, from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, stresses the importance of this find. It sheds light on Maya culture, revealing their technological innovations in salt production.
Economic and Cultural Significance
The people of Cho-ok Ayin realized large-scale salt production, which was the lifeblood of their economy. Salt became doubly important, not only because it was necessary to preserve food, but because it became an even more lucrative item of trade itself. Archaeological evidence suggests that salt was moved by a variety of methods. People hauled dry loose salt in wickerwork baskets or packed dry hard cakes of salt in clay receptacles.
Dr. McKillop elaborated on traditional salt transport methods, stating that “Salt was either transported as loose salt in containers (baskets, pots) or hardened into salt cakes and transported in the clay pots, or the pots were broken and only the salt cakes were transported.” This architectural practice puts on focus innovative techniques still practiced in areas such as Sacapulas, Guatemala. There, families boil the brine to make cakes of salt to be transported east.
The residents of Cho-ok Ayin obtained decoration style Belize Red pottery from the upper Belize River valley. This startling find points to their direct engagement in regional and long distance trade networks. They imported obsidian from highland Guatemala and fine chert tools from northern Belize. This adds yet another layer of proof to show their energetic participation in larger economic flows.
Archaeological Insights
The Cho-ok Ayin site represents a unique archeological record thanks especially to its focus on domestic activities and commercial practices. The arrangement of buildings suggests a well-planned community dedicated to salt production, with specialized spaces for both cooking and processing.
Scholars hope that this site can shed light on how the ancient Maya adapted their technologies to their environment. The findings at Cho-ok Ayin may shed light on similar sites across Mesoamerica, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s historical development.