Doctor Marion Popenoe de Hatch is a Guatemalan-American archaeologist who has worked tirelessly to reconstruct an important part of Guatemala’s prehispanic history. This book is the culmination of over 45 years of her research at many sites in Guatemala’s Highlands and South Coast, particularly Monte Alto, Semetabaj, Tak’alik Ab’aj, and Kaminaljuyu.
In addition to publishing extensively, she has been deeply committed to the education of Guatemalan archaeologists. She founded the Department of Archaeology and the Centro de Investigaciones Arqueológicas y Antropológicas at Universidad del Valle de Guatemala.
Popenoe de Hatch has received various awards for her contributions to Guatemalan archaeology and her untiring dedication to scientific inquiry. These include the Medalla de Ciencia y Tecnología and the Orden del Pop.
She was the first to receive the Orden Marion Popenoe de Hatch, created in recognition of her work on behalf of Antigua Guatemala.