Archaeology Under the Canopy

What is it?

Developed by archaeologist Dr. Anabel Ford, Archaeology Under the Canopy is a revolutionary conservation strategy that keeps the forest surrounding ancient monuments intact.  The cover of the forest canopy safeguards ancient monuments from erosion-causing elements, preserves the ecology of the surrounding Maya forest garden, and reveals structures within their natural forest garden context.

Archaeology Under the Canopy recognizes the forest as an equal and integral element in Maya archeological sites. The clearing and replacement of the forest with manicured lawns is the usual approach to showcase ancient monuments. This approach, however, exposes the monuments to wind, rain, and acid-producing microbes that results in extensive damage. It also distorts the picture of ancient Maya history. The forest surrounding these monuments is a garden, the result of a co-creative historical process between humans and nature that extends back more than four millennia to the agricultural pioneers of the Maya forest region.  Ancient structures without the forest presents an incomplete image of ancient Maya civilization.

The objective of Archaeology Under the Canopy is to introduce monuments in the context of the forest that historically sustained the ancient Maya. Embedding the monuments in their surrounding environment preserves the integrity of structures for the future.

Archaeology Under the Canopy at El Pilar Archaeological Reserve

The El Pilar  Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna is pioneering the way ancient Maya sites are managed, practicing the principles of Archaeology Under the Canopy as part of the reserve’s adaptive management plan. This innovative style of presentation offers visitors a unique experience: monuments embraced by the forest, showcasing the foliage as much as the ancient Maya city itself, creating an atmosphere of mystery and discovery.  This is evident at the fully excavated and consolidated house site, Tzunu’un, which honors the cultural heritage of Maya forest gardening and provides insight into everyday Maya life. El Pilar is the largest ancient Maya city in the Belize River area and is successfully managed using the principles of Archaeology Under the Canopy. This management philosophy is a sustainable and achievable alternative model that sets an example for ancient forested sites around the world.