Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Institute of Archaeology has upgraded the stairway to Xunantunich.  Looks great!  Thanks, IA!

They also stopped by Howard Smith Nazarene primary school to teach the students about the Popul Vuh.

"In our efforts to improve access and safety at our archaeological reserves, the IA completed a new and improved access stairway to the main plaza at Xunantunich. Visit the site today and remember that it is also free for Belizean residents on Sunday!"

The Institute of Archaeology is celebrating International Archaeology Day tomorrow at the Museum Building in Belmopan.  They'll be announcing the winners of the 'Preserving the Past for the Future' poster competition.  They'll also have many Maya artifacts on display, and the IA team will be there to test your skills with some trivia. 

"Inviting schools to bring their students to visit on Friday October 18th, 2013."

The Art Fiesta for the Benque HoC's 12th anniversary was this weekend.  The Institute for Social and Cultural Research got some good pictures. 

The Rompe Rajas Band was there in the evening to provide entertainment.  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=673126362710974

"Benque House of Culture (NICH) celebrated their Duodecennial Anniversary with an Art Fiesta and Latin Musical Concert this past Saturday.  Various artisans showcasde their work and products.  Various musical performances included the Benque Viejo Marching, the Benque Marimba Academy, Caracol Group and Rompe Rajas Band.  Here are a few shots!  Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize"

The Institute of Archaeology is have a poster competition to celebrate International Archaeology Day, which is October 18th.  The theme is 'preserving the past for the future,' and it's open to high school and primary school students in standard 4 through standard 6.  The deadline to submit is October 4th.  For more information email research@nichbelize.org.  The prizes are a tablet, digital camera, and school supplies.  Good luck!

The 11th BAAS will be held at the SIRH's Bedran Hall, where it will start on July 2nd, and go through the 5th.  The theme this year will be: 'Ancient Maya: Household and Social Identity in Belize.'  Lectures start at 8:30am every day.  For more information, including schedules, go to NICH's or the Institiute of Archaeology's pages.

"The 11th instalment of the Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium (BAAS) is scheduled for July 2nd - July 5th, 2013 in San Ignacio, Belize.  Registration for the conference will begin on March 4th, 2013.  Participants are encouraged to pre-register and make travel plans early so that they can be guaranteed a place as well as advantageous rates on travel.  Presentations of the symposium proper will be held inside the San Ignacio Resort Hotel Bedran Hall starting on Tuesday July 2nd  and continue through to Friday July 5th, 2013."

Today in Belmopan, they had Public Service Information Day, where many different booths from Belizean agencies were set up. 

Here are some from the Institute of Archaeology:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151944657764966.1073741828.103208099965

"Institute Of Archaeology is represented by Mr. Antonio Beardall and Ms. Sylvia Batty, at the Public Service Information Day 2013 under the Belize Tourism Tent."

The Institute of Archaeology is doing some conservation work on Xunantunich's structure A13.  When was the last time you visited Xunantunich?

"The Institute of Archaeology continues on with its mission of preserving our sites and enhancing them for visitation. Conservation works were carried out on Structure A13 at Xunantunich. Visit the site today and see the work that was done!"

The National Institute of Culture and History, along with the Institute of Archaeology, are having the inauguration of the new Caracol Conservation Post tomorrow.  Beautiful weather, the coolest Mayan archaeological site in Belize, and a new conservation post make for a great day.

"You are invited.... for more information, please contact Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize"

The Institute of Archaeology celebrated International Archaeology Day by having an exhibit at their main office in Belmopan.  They got many great pictures of the event and the primary school students that were able to attend it.  Dr. Jaime Awe, Antonio Beardall, and the rest were there celebrating the event and imparting their knowledge of archaeology.  Daniel Meza, of New Life Presbyterian School in Orange Walk, won the poster competition.  Thanks, IA!

The Institute of Archaeology is having a Winter solstice overnight camping trip at Caracol.  The trip will include a traditional Mayan dinner, multiple ceremonies, a guided tour, a presentation, transport, and more.  Contact the IA for more information at research@nichbelize.org.

The Institute of Archaeology along with the Institute for Social and Cultural Research spent National Service Day revitalizing Harriot Topsey Park in Belmopan.  Thanks, everyone, it looks great!

"The staff of the Institute for Social & Cultural Research & the Institute of Archaeology teamed up together to give the Harriot Topsey Park a fresh paint job!"

More pictures.  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151581531896856.1073741838.261352761855

The Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium starts tomorrow.  It'll be at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel from Tuesday, July 2nd, through Friday, July 5th.  The Institute of Archaeology has the schedule posted on their page, along with updates and pictures from the event setup.  Looks like a lot of knowledge will be imparted this week.  Dr. Jaime Awe and Dr. Anabel Ford will be presenting, along with a nice line up of other well published experts in the archaeological field. 

Pictures of the setting up at the Bedran Hall.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152041280239966.1073741831.103208099965