Contextualización del reconocimiento arqueológico de Eduard Seler en la Región de Chaculá, Departamento de Huehuetenango, Guatemala

This study revisits Eduard Seler's archaeological work in Guatemala, revealing new insights into the region's ancient settlements and cultural continuity.

This comprehensive study re-examines the pioneering work of Eduard Seler in the Chaculá Region of Guatemala, contextualizing his investigations within the broader historical and ethnohistorical frameworks. By critically analyzing Seler's methodologies and the archaeological practices of late 19th century Guatemala, the book sheds light on the complexities of European museum collections, particularly focusing on the Ethnological Museum Berlin. It highlights the significance of Seler's research while addressing the historical circumstances that shaped his findings.

The core of the study involves a meticulous examination of materials from the Ethnological Museum Berlin, featuring previously undocumented ceramics. Through a rigorous approach to typological cross-dating, the book establishes a new ceramic chronology for the region, indicating that significant settlements were occupied from the Late Classic to the Early Postclassic periods. This chronology serves as a foundation for a critical re-evaluation of Seler's interpretations regarding architecture, burial practices, and the cultural continuity of the Chaculá Region's ancient inhabitants.

In its conclusion, the book addresses the postcolonial challenges faced by museum collections and emphasizes the importance of connecting the archaeological past with the contemporary indigenous identity of the Chaculá Region. Contextualización del reconocimiento arqueológico de Eduard Seler en la Región de Chaculá, Departamento de Huehuetenango, Guatemala ultimately contributes to a deeper understanding of the region's rich history and its ongoing cultural significance.