Have you ever wondered if the Mayans were the first people to live in Belize, if they lived in caves, or if they were able to read and write? Those are three of the 101 questions answered in a new book by Director of the Institute of Archaeology Dr. Jaime Awe. The book was launched this morning at the Image Factory and Keith Swift found out that Belize's most telegenic archaeologist not only gives a mean interview, he also writes a great read.
Keith Swift Reporting,
We've seen him slip the ancient jade head out of the vault at the bank and cradle it like a child, watched him squat in an ancient Maya sauna, seen him slipping through cracks in the earth's surface, joined him spelunking in caves, unearthing human remains, and leading us all on a quest to learn more about the Mayas. And now Dr. Jaime Awe is taking his awareness effort about the Mayas one step forward, he's written a book.
Dr. Jaime Awe,
"This book goes a long way in or efforts to bring archaeology to Belizeans and the reason why is that if you go out and you buy most books on the Mayas, you will find very few examples of Belize. What I've tried to do here is I've tried to use more Belizean examples and only Belizean examples wherever I could. So in that sense, it is more about Belize than say about the sites in Guatemala or Mexico."
101 questions and answers about the ancient Maya of Belize was launched this morning at the Image Factory. The book does just that, asks and answers 101 questions you didn't know but probably wanted to ask about the ancient Mayan civilizations.
Keith Swift,
Why 101 questions?
Dr. Jaime Awe,
"That's a really good question. Why 101 questions? The idea to do this, many times people think ideas are unique and the idea to do this came from two sources. One like I said is because every time I was at Mayan sites visiting, tour guides would always come up to me and ask me, why this or why that,' about the Maya. So that was the first source of interest that spurred me on to doing it. And when I started to write the questions I know that I ended up with 101 questions. It was going to be 100 and then I thought what the heck. I went through it and I thought which questions I should cut and I couldn't find any of them that I thought we should cut so 101."
On the front there is this picture of Mayan mask found buried in Santa Rita. And with its vivid illustrations and colorful pictures, as well as the concise answers, will become a student's best friend. But Awe the book isn't for the classroom - it is a must read for all.
Dr. Jaime Awe,
"This book can be used for students, teachers, visitors, the taxi driver downtown-anybody with an interest in the Mayas or anybody who takes tourists to Maya sites or for anyone really wanting to know more about this amazing culture."
The book is available now at the Image Factory for a special price of $15. After January it will be available at retailers.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited and Prepared for the internet by Keith Swift
