A rare 1959 glimpse into the daily life and work at Tikal, Guatemala
In short: This unedited 14-minute 16mm film captures the routine of archaeologists, local workers, and visitors at the Tikal excavation site in 1959. It offers a candid look at the camp infrastructure, research methods, and the social atmosphere surrounding one of the most significant archaeological projects of the era.
The footage documents the logistical realities of the Tikal project, from the construction of the Hotel Posada de la Selva by Tono Ortiz to the daily movements of researchers like Ed Shook, Bob Carr, and Ann Chowning. The film captures diverse scenes, including workers loading onto trucks at the Great Plaza, football practice, and the arrival of tourists who observed excavations at the House Mounds, including the uncovering of Burials 20 and 21.
Beyond the excavation, the film provides a historical record of the site's environment and visitors, such as the visit by President Ydigoras on May 17, 1959. It also highlights specific research techniques of the time, such as Norman Johnston’s use of a grid system to document sculptures at Pyramid Temple II, and captures the local flora, including the Ceiba tree and Bayal palm vines.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 1959 Tikal Reel 2 of 3
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