Research Contribution 20 presents the barrigones or “potbellies” of Monte Alto, Escuintla, Guatemala, currently located in the central park of nearby La Democracia, photographed on the nights of March 10-12, 2025. We are pleased to have the world’s expert on the archaeology of the south coast of Guatemala, Oswaldo Chinchilla, write an introduction and overview for our readers, and we thank museum curator Selvin González for facilitating Love’s access to the monuments.

-Bruce Love and Meghan Rubenstein

Research Contribution 20: The “Potbellies” (Barrigones) of Monte Alto, Escuintla, Guatemala