Archaeological Structures Destroyed at El Pozito Site

The Institute of Archaeology is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for the destruction of Complex D and associated structures at the El Pozito archaeological site near Guinea Grass Village in the Orange Walk District. The discovery was made yesterday on Monday, August 17, during a routine inspection by the Institute’s Research and Enforcement Unit. The area has been under close monitoring because of land-clearing activities near the site core, which had already resulted in partial damage to some structures. Senior Archaeologist Josue Ramos says the latest destruction is particularly concerning because of what may have been lost along with the physical structures.

Josue Ramos, Senior Archaeologist: “Over the years, the Institute of Archaeology has seen the need to have an enforcement unit attached to the research component and through that mechanism then we have routine inspections throughout the country. And over the last year we have seen some land clearing getting closer to the site core or some of these sites. So hence we have upped our inspection routine. Of recent we have been doing monthly inspection. So our 1976 map will be updated shortly. However, using that map, we know that the complex D or what we refer to as plazuela plazas. So in this case it would have been plaza B to D was partially destroyed by the use of mechanized equipment, probably a bulldozer based on the track on the ground. It’s unfortunate because it’s really part of the site core itself of El Posito. We haven’t seen any sign that this area is intended for quarrying or mining. In fact, we reached out to our colleagues at the mining unit and they have no permit issued for that area. So because it’s within a farming community, farming area, we suspect it was done by some farmer. And that’s hence the reason we decided we wanted to put a press release to get the public assistance because more than likely someone saw something, heard something or know of something. And if they know any information then we are asking if they can kindly reach out to us or to the police department. It’s important to highlight as it was mentioned on the press release though, that the penalties now has increased. What was $5,000 is now $75,000. That’s any first instance.”

Under the National Institute of Culture and History Act, anyone who wilfully damages, destroys or disturbs an ancient monument commits an offence. A conviction can result in a fine of up to seventy-five thousand dollars, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. The Institute of Archaeology is asking anyone with information on the destruction at El Pozito to contact the nearest police station or reach out directly to the Institute. El Pozito is a Maya archaeological site that has been studied since the 1970s. Between 1974 and 1976, archaeologists mapped the site core and documented six architectural complexes, providing an important foundation for understanding the ancient settlement. Research at El Pozito recently resumed this summer through a partnership between the Institute of Archaeology and the College of East Texas, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Keith Eppich. /