Initiated in 1997, the Xibun Archaeological Project aims to document the history of settlement along the course of the Sibun River as well as the ritual use of the labyrinthine cave system of the Sibun-Manatee cone- karst. One of the richest cacao-growing regions of Belize, the Sibun River was called "home" by ancient Maya and, more recently, Creole families. In the narrative section, you will see images of our archaeological fieldwork and our discoveries during the first field season along the middle reaches of the Sibun River. We share with you our ideas as to the meaning and significance of our discoveries in regard to the relatively late settlement of the valley and the intensive Maya ritual use of the nearby caves.