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Ancient Maya Tree Cropping
A viable subsistence adaptation for the island Maya
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 October 2008
Abstract
The predominance of tree crops among abundant, well-preserved plant food remains from coastal sites in southern Belize suggests that these island Maya had a specialized subsistence focus. Limited arable land on offshore islands, together with a maritime economy, may have been important factors in the use of tree crops. The Wild Cane Cay Maya utilized a variety of native palm fruits – Orbignya cohune, Acrocomia mexicana, and Bactris major, as well as other wild tree fruits, in addition to corn. These coastal data support the view that specialized adaptation to diverse environments was a feature of ancient Maya subsistence.
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- Special Section: Classic Maya Landscape Archaelogy
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994
References
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