CNM Anthropology and Latin American Studies Faculty Helped with Excavation at Maya Pyramids in Guatemala

Jessica Craig, CNM Anthropology and Latin American Studies faculty member, worked at the San Bartolo excavation site as part of her graduate school studies, so when she was asked to come back to the site as an experienced archaeologist and anthropologist, she was thrilled. 

“I am a Mayan archeologist by trade, so it was really exciting to work in my specialty again,” Jessica says. 

The San Bartolo archaeological site is located in the remote jungles of Northern Guatemala and was discovered about 20 years ago. The site is most well-known for its 85-foot pyramid, Las Pinturas, that contains murals of the Mayan creation story. 

Mural in the Las Pinturas pyramid that depicts a scene from the Maya creation story known as The Popol Vuh

San Bartolo was the start of Jessica’s career as an archaeologist, so when her friend and current project leader, Heather Hurst, asked her to help excavate a large stone monument, she didn’t hesitate to say yes. 

Over the six days she was at the site, Jessica and other archeologists were able to excavate the whole stone monument, along with other artifacts. The excavation of the monument was incredibly rewarding for Jessica, but the highlight of the trip for her was seeing the murals again. 

“I love excavation, but seeing the murals again after almost 20 years brought tears to my eyes,” Jessica explains. “They call it the Sistine Chapel of the Maya, and it just floored me all over again.” 

Now that she’s back in New Mexico, Jessica is working on publishing their discoveries and is already planning a trip back to San Bartolo for next year. 

“As archeologists, once we answer one question, we start digging to try and answer another question, and I’m already looking forward to going back,” Jessica says.