October 8th, 2009 Posted in Artifact | 6 Comments »
Have you ever dreamt of exploring the archaeological ruins of an ancient society? Open to the general public since 1998, the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave in Belize offers just that. This cave is full of over a thousand artifacts left behind by the Mayan civilization. !–more–>These items, dated from 1 to 1000 AD include pottery, tools, and ceremonial items, in addition to 200 vessels. Four hundred ceramic jars helped archaeologists to determine that the cave was often used for ceremonial purposes; these jars, used to hold water, are believed to have been a part of a ceremony petitioning the rain god to end a severe drought. Throughout the cave there are also 14 skeletons: 7 adults, and 7 children, all under the age of 5. Most of these are thought to be connected to sacrificial deaths. There is also a small grotto alongside the riverbed where visitors can imagine Mayan men and women partaking in traditional blood letting ceremonies. The most famous remains are known as “The Crystal Maiden.” This skeleton of a young woman, who was most likely a sacrifice victim, has been completely covered by the natural processes of the cave. As a result, the bones have a sparkling appearance.
For many the journey starts, not at the hourglass entrance to the limestone cave, but in the city of San Ignacio, about an hour away. Setting out from the city, one first drives half an hour on the highway, before departing off the road and toward the Tapir Mountain Reserve. At the edge of the reserve the real fun begins. From there, it is a 45 minute hike through the lush subtropical forest to the cave. While traveling through, visitors have a chance to see many different types of wildlife. Typical sightings include Tapirs, Howler Monkeys, Silky Anteaters, White Tail Deer, and sometimes even Jaguars. Upon reaching the entrance, many pause to eat and gear up; standard hiking gear includes helmets, lights, and waterproof bags.
Excitement mounts as you enter the mouth of the cave and begin the 10 meter swim through water that has a maximum depth of only 5 meters. Upon reaching the rock shelf on the other side, you begin a half hour long hike. This trip calls for caution; there are many sharp and slippery edges. The water depth also varies greatly here; there are parts where you can walk through, and parts where you must swim. Along the way you will notice various calcite formations that have been partially carved by the Mayans. The hidden dry chamber lies just a few meters above the water bed, and is considered sacred ground. It is here that the majority of the artifacts are found. The trip in itself is a journey, leading deep into the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, and deep into the ancient past of the Mayan Civilization.
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