Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project

Dr. Jaime J. Awe

BVAR Project Director

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Dr. Awe was born in San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize. He was educated at Trent University, Canada, the State University of New York in Albany, USA, and the University of London, England. Prior to directing BVAR in 1988, Dr. Awe conducted research at Caracol, Caledonia, Pacbitun, Cahal Pech, and the Valley of Peace. After completing his studies, Dr. Awe was employed as a Professor in the Department of Anthropology, Trent University. In 1997 he took an appointment as Professor at the University of New Hampshire and launched the Western Belize Regional Cave Project (WBRCP), under his direction. In June, 2000 he returned to Belize to take the position of Deputy Commissioner of Archaeology with the Department of Archaeology (now the Institute of Archaeology). In August, 2000 he assumed the position of Archaeological Coordinator with the Tourism Development Project (TDP). With the TDP he conducted excavations and conservation work at Caracol, Lamanai, Xunantunich, and Altun Ha. He is Belize's technical representative to the Mundo Maya Organization and Director of the Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project. In Sept, 2003 Dr. Awe became the first Director of the Institute of Archaeology and served in that position until 2014 when he decided to focus on his passion for teaching and mentoring students. He is now at Northern Arizona University. He has published articles on Cahal Pech, Baking Pot, the caves of Western Belize and completed several documentaries. He now devotes his time in the field investigating Baking Pot and several caves in western Belize.

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