Recent discoveries in the heartland of Maya culture by turns awe and confuse archaeologists. The sophistication of their mathematics, calendrics and art seem to be at odds with their warfare, superstition and relatively sudden collapse. In this dig we will attempt to shed light on this mysterious culture based on discoveries at a Belizean site named Lamanai, where for 1,500 years some of the best of what the Maya did is well preserved. Students will be asked to handle the remains of people, art and architecture in such a way as to derive a coherent story of "what happened at Lamanai?" (and therefore the Maya...) over 1000 years ago. The concepts, tools and practices of archaeology will be taught and used in this camp, so students will understand by their own experience how professionals know what they know about the Maya and perhaps enable them to peer a little into the darkness surrounding this culture's most puzzling, sacred habits. The Maya may be for us in the modern world a slightly disturbing, distorted mirror: we see things in them and their experience that seem disquietingly contemporary. If your child takes nothing else from this dig, I hope it will be the sense that, no matter how ancient a culture is, humans and humanity haven't changed all that much but the differences in people from time to time and place to place is still intensely interesting! The camp's digging is interspersed with stories and pictures of Maya art, life, buildings and discoveries to aid children in their understanding of the subject matter. Learning the tools and thoughtways which disclose these cultural insights to children is ambitious, I know! But for several years now, the chance to do just that has brought diggers back to Guilderland to uncover and understand the secrets of the past. Be one of the cognoscenti! Help dig up what remains of the Maya of Lamanai this Summer, from Monday August 26th to Friday the 30th! You never know when, or where, knowledge of them might turn out to be useful...
General Information
- Campers should arrive dressed for the weather, with appropriate footwear and a cap or hat.
- Sunblock and kid-friendly bug dope may also be needed.
- All campers should pack a hearty lunch, labeled drink and a snack.
- Space is limited; please sign up early if you wish to have your children attend.
- Head Instructor: Geoffrey Purcell
- CAMP ENDS AT 2PM ON FRIDAY
- Camp will be held at the Western Turnpike Golf Course Pavilion - turn into the golf course entrance at 2350 Western Ave and follow the entrance road. The pavilion is located just before the road curves to the right - there will be signs!