A chronological gap between the Terminal Classic and Postclassic periods exists at most sites in northern Belize. Using Colha as a baseline, it was first believed that an interface might be defined between the end of the Classic and the “new” occupants defining Postclassic life. However, the site of Lamanai provided evidence for a phase at this interface that demonstrated some combined features or attributes, particularly as observed in the ceramics.
That “interface” complex was absent at Colha and at most sites in northern Belize (and generally at most sites in the central lowland area that present a Postclassic occupation-reoccupation). With an interface complex identified, it is clear that there exists a gap in occupational sequence at most sites. This gap in habitation is estimated to range from fifty to 100 years. The reason for the age estimate is based on the length of time required for forest rejuvenation. It has been argued (John Masson, personal communication 1994) that it takes only fifty years or so for a deforested area to return to a climax forest. While trees of 150 or 300 years of age will not be present, all species of the forest will be present and secondary growth will be subdued.
The ceramics, tools, and so forth brought in and used by the Postclassic Maya are distinctly different from those identified for the Late Classic period. There are two significant reasons that may account for the differences. First, there are cultural preferences and/or influences from the north (Yucatan). It is believed that the new Postclassic occupants may be from the northern areas, moving into abandoned locations that were nonetheless resource-rich (e. g., chert at Colha). The second factor in material culture change is that quite a different environment existed in the Early Postclassic from what was available in the Late Classic. The forest reclaimed many locations, new creatures inhabited the returned forest, and, therefore, a different inventory of tools was required for a fuller exploitation of the available resources. Hunting, processing, and collecting tools, as well as meal preparation items (stone tools, pottery, etc.), vary from their Terminal Classic counterparts.
Therefore, the Terminal Classic at most locations represents a complete end of a particular lifeway. The transition to a new “system” is clear at Lamanai and a distinctive Postclassic adaptation is noticeable at many sites. The Postclassic reoccupation of many abandoned locations is an adaptation to an environment that was unknown to the Terminal Classic Maya.
World History
