American and Japanese scientists found that the production of salted fish on an industrial scale was one of the most important components of the Mayan economy. The researchers came to such conclusions after examining the utensils found at the site of a saltworks in Belize, a state on the east coast of Central America. Objects with characteristic signs of wear indicate that the Indians used them to preserve fish with salt. According to experts, Mayan finished products were exported to markets along the coast.
Scientists from Louisina State University (USA) and Ibaraki University (Japan) explored the region in Belize, where a Mayan salt mine was located a thousand years ago. On a plot of 4.8 sq. km, archaeologists have discovered about 4 thousand fragments of wooden cutting tables and many utensils.
According to scientists, representatives of the ancient civilization boiled a saline solution in boilers, then left it to cool down until salt lumps formed, suitable for preserving fish. The finished Maya products were loaded onto canoes and exported to local markets. The authors of the study noted that 300-900 BC. the Maya could sail by boat along the coast or along the river inland for about 25 km to make a deal.
“Our discovery indicates that the Maya produced salted fish and exported it within Belize,” McKillop said.
Also, on the site of the former saltworks, researchers found a clay ocarina (whistle flute) in the form of a humanoid creature. Scientists have suggested that the Maya used it for religious rituals associated with salting fish.
The authors of the study concluded that salt was an important product in the Mayan civilization, both "in itself" and as a preservative for fish, the trade of which was one of the key components of the ancient Indian economy.
Anastasia Ksenofontova
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