Beyond archaeological sites: approaching Maya heritage through more-than-human relationalities in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

In the Yucatán peninsula, Mexico, institutionalised management and conservation of archaeological heritage have given limited consideration to the relationships between humans and non-human guardian entities (i.e. yuumtsilo’ob and aluxo’ob). Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in Maya villages in Quintana Roo and Campeche, this article shows how the authority of guardian entities shapes the ways in which peoples relate to local archaeological heritage, especially to unrestored archaeological structures known as múulo’ob and cuyos. It shows not only that Maya people regard these ancient constructions to be inhabited by guardian entities but also that this informs current practices involved in regulating land use, providing natural resources and influencing the health of humans and domestic animals. At work here are not just a set of static significances but, instead, dynamic processes of adaptation and change, which can be seen in practices of making offerings, requesting certain permissions, paying respect, and even forms of avoidance. The article argues that it is important to understand these relations between local people and guardian entities in order to grasp their relationships to archaeological heritage; and that institutionalised forms of heritage management and conservation need to take these into account in developing their policies and practices.