Francisco Estrada Belli

Francisco Estrada Belli is a renowned Guatemalan archaeologist specializing in Maya culture, particularly known for his work at the Holmul archaeological site. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of ancient Maya civilization, including the discovery of the oldest known glyph for the word 'waaj,' which means tamal. His findings have shed light on the culinary practices and cultural significance of maize in Maya society, emphasizing the tamal's role not only as food but as a sacred offering. Estrada Belli's research highlights the importance of preserving and understanding ancestral culinary traditions.