New Discovery of Neogene Fossil Forests in Guatemala

Abstract

Petrified wood specimens found at Maya archaeological sites are presumed to have been used during ceremonial fire-drilling. The source of this fossil wood has been an enigma, because in modern times no fossil wood localities were known to occur in Guatemala. In 2019, field work led to the discovery of two locations where silicified wood is abundant. Physical properties and microscopic characteristics of the fossil wood from the two sites have distinctive differences, suggesting that the geologic source of material used by the Classic Maya for cultural purposes can be recognized.