Long-term indigenous history on a colonial frontier: Archaeology at a 15th-17th century Maya village, Progresso Lagoon, Belize

This study examines Maya community change at the 15 th-17th century occupation of Progresso Lagoon, in northern Belize. This community was known historically for its role in the 16th century anti-Spanish resistance movement of the Colonial Period. Yet aside from the addition of some Spanish artifacts at the site, there are few material changes that occur with the imposition of colonial rule. This study found that the most substantial changes at the site came during the 15th century, one hundred years before the Spanish arrival, because of Indigenous political and economic changes throughout the Maya lowlands. Indigenous Maya changes during the 15th century indicate increasing political instability, a declining economy, and a decrease in activities that promoted intra- and inter-community integration. I argue that these changes significantly affected the Colonial Period relationships between the Maya residents of Progresso Lagoon, the Spanish authority, and other Maya groups.;This dissertation adopts a postcolonial perspective, in an attempt to illuminate the motivations and worldviews of the 15th-17 th century residents at Progresso Lagoon. I argue that Colonial Period events must be viewed within a long-term historical perspective, particularly on colonial frontiers, where Indigenous people had less contact with Europeans, and the ability to interact with other semi-conquered or unconquered Indigenous groups. I suggest that we use the pre-colonial archaeological record to situate colonial events on a deep Indigenous timeline.;To establish a deep history of pre-colonial change at Progresso Lagoon, I call on historical political economy and household archaeology. This allows me to explore the intersection between structural changes and everyday life, in both the Pre-Colonial and Colonial Periods. Using household archaeological data, I detail political, economic and social changes of the 15th century, and reflect on how these changes would have informed the decisions and actions of Progresso Lagoon residents during the Colonial Period.