Excavations in Formative and Early Classic contexts
at the Maya site of K'axob have produced a sample
of 2,568 worked-shell ornaments crafted from both marine
and freshwater species. Predominantly shell beads, the
sample also includes unique pendants, figurines, and tinklers.
A high frequency of unfinished beads in Middle Formative
and early Late Formative midden contexts provides strong
evidence of localized shell working and trading connections
with the Caribbean. Personal adornment crafted from shell
is an important item in many burials, including those of
children. The most lavish disposal of shell, however, occurs
in one of the earliest Middle Formative interments at K'axob.
An adult male—who may have been a “founder”
of K'axob—was buried with 2,019 shell beads.
Through time, fewer individuals were buried with worked
shell as the intricacy of shell working became more elaborate
and possibly iconic of roles of authority. Interpretation
of archaeological patterns indicates that shell beads can
provide significant insight into the construction of social
identities.