Special Talk -
A Trip to Kiuic Archaeological Zone by Ph.D.Tomás Gallareta
Saturday, May 18 - 11 am
The Mérida English Library is honored to announce this free talk in the classroom of MEL, on Saturday, May 18th, starting at 11 am. Ph.D. Tomás Gallareta, a dear MEL member is coming to share his expertise in the subject as part of his dissertation project.
The archaeological site of Kiuic is located in the hilly zone of the Puuc region, known as the Bolonchén District. The area is characterized by its hills, productive soils, lime production, stonework, ceramic traditions, and the lack of permanent water sources. Excavated almost continuously since 2000 by the Bolonchén Regional Archaeological Project, Kiuic is one of the best-documented sites in the Yucatán Peninsula. Excavations concluded that the structure had a complex construction history that started around 800 BC and concluded at about A.D. 900 when the site was periodically depopulated. In this talk, Tomás Gallareta Cervera (Kenyon College) will discuss the project’s history, its main findings, and how it compares to other sites of the Maya world.
Tomás Gallareta Cervera is a Méxican archaeologist and anthropologist at Kenyon College, Ohio, where he is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Latino Studies
For over 20 years, he has been a professional archaeologist in the Maya area. He examines the role of place-making and monumental architecture in the development of royal authority during the Preclassic and Classic periods.
His research focuses on the rise of divine kingship during the Terminal Preclassic at the Chan Chich site in Belize, notably its Upper Plaza, a palace group elevated seven meters above the main plaza.
In addition, he is interested in understanding the power dynamics between the archaeological landscape and its various stakeholders, including locals, tourists, institutions, politicians, and archaeologists. His research project, "Voices Of The Puuc Angels: Rural Life Among The Archaeological Ruins In The Yucatan Peninsula," uses oral history to contribute to the decolonization of contemporary archaeology.
Visit his website to learn more about his work.