Dr. Richard Hansen of UCLA is the main archaeologist in the El Mirador and El Tigre area in Guatemala north of Tikal. His work is discussed in Robert J. Sharer's "The Ancient Maya," where we learn among other things, that Dr. Hansen's work has modified the Classic sociopolitical organization of El Mirador, and its much larger influence than was previously thought. His work has changed the entire chronology of Mayan dating systems and how early they were here in the Americas.
A phenomenal prodigy with the various languages, Richard is a marvel to talk to. He enjoyed having my art in his Mayan Gallery in Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1996, while it was operating. He told me my work was the finest he had ever seen, and what stunned him the most, besides the exact accuracy of the detail, was his ability to read my cut and carved hieroglyphs. Mayan art can be cut in most any wood, but the exotics are what bring it alive.