Changes in Ancient Maya Labour Organization at the Paynes Creek Salt Works, Belize

This paper highlights results from an ongoing project investigating the organization of salt production at the Paynes Creek Salt Works. Research focused on two large underwater sites, each with the remains of 10 pole and thatch structures marked by wooden building posts preserved in red mangrove peat (Rhizophora mangle) below the sea floor. Were these sites temporary camps for people who lived elsewhere or did people live at the salt works? Did local overseers of inland polities control production or distribution? Survey and excavation at Ta’ab Nuk in 2019 and Ek Way Nal in 2022 revealed dedicated salt kitchens and residences. While the buildings initially appeared to be contemporaneous due to the even deposition of mangrove peat on the sea floor, radiocarbon dating of a wooden post from each building indicated that both sites were occupied for more than one time period. The third field season in 2023 focused on investigation of sites near Ta’ab Nuk Na. One of the sites, Jay-yi Na, revealed pottery that was different from the other salt works and lacked imported chert, obsidian, or pottery. There was an Early Classic date on a building post. These new data suggest the salt works dated to different times during the Classic period and household groups, with year-round residents and dedicated salt kitchens