Abstract

During the 1996 and 1997 field seasons, two chultunob were excavated at the site of X-ual-canil in the Cayo District of Belize, Central America. These sub-surface features have been the focus of discussion and curiosity since the initial investigation in Central America began. An attempt to determine the function of these features within the X-ual-canil site prompted the excavation of these chultunob. The purpose of our continuing excavations in the 1998 field season is to define the construction and usage pattern of the chultunob at this site. Unlike the chultun or cisterns of the Northern Maya Lowlands which were utilized as water catchment areas, the chultunob of the Southern Maya Lowlands appear to serve two functions: human burial and possibly storage chambers. This paper will discuss the excavation of these two chultunob, the associated artifacts and the osteology report. I will also briefly discuss the site of X-ual-canil and its association and connection to other sites in the Belize Valley.