Uaxactun
Background: Rediscovering and Preserving Uaxactun
Located in the Petén Department of northern Guatemala, Uaxactun is one of the earliest Maya archaeological sites in the Maya Lowlands. Rediscovered in 1916 by renowned archaeologist Sylvanus Morley, the site became a foundation for modern Mesoamerican studies when formal research began in 1924. These pioneering excavations introduced methodologies still in use today, such as the identification of E-Groups, architectural clusters thought to serve as astronomical observatories. With public structures dating back to 600 B.C.—and possible earlier occupation 400 years before that—Uaxactun is one of the longest-occupied Maya settlements. Declared a national landmark in 1970, it lies within the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Tikal National Park. Despite its proximity to the popular Tikal site, Uaxactun receives relatively few visitors, underscoring the need for increased awareness and conservation. Included on the 2014 World Monuments Watch, the site faced deterioration, including damage to 18 stucco masks, highlighting its urgent preservation needs.
Collaborative Efforts in Conservation and Community Engagement
In partnership with Guatemala’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, WMF initiated a management plan for Uaxactun to strengthen institutional capacity, promote sustainable development, and establish conservation programs. Community workshops engaged local residents in discussions on the site’s significance, opportunities, and risks, fostering stewardship. During Watch Day in October 2014, participants experienced a Maya ceremony, toured the site, and learned about their role in its preservation. WMF also developed a detailed conservation plan, completed in January 2016, which outlined critical fieldwork addressing structural deterioration. Interventions included cleaning, removal of unsuitable cement repairs, restitution of stone elements, and controlling moisture, erosion, and biological growth, with a focus on the E-Group structures.
