The Cellar - Sept 24th, 2017: Holtun Cenote

Large areas in southern Mexico and Guatemala are mainly limestone and as such develop sinkholes like Florida. Usually they
dissolve below ground forming a cave then the roof collapses. This was the domain of the Maya who worshiped a bunch of
deities, some of which lived underground, so these caves often became sites of worship… and sacrifices.
Not very impressive above ground.

http://cellar.org/2017/cenote1.jpg

Quote:

Holtun, originally named La Máquina, is a Maya archaeological site located in the Petén Department of northern Guatemala on the road to Melchor de Mencos from Flores. The city had a long period of occupation that lasted from the Middle Preclassic through to the Late Classicperiods. The site was officially recognized by the Guatemalan authorities in 1994 in response to reports from the local community of looting activity in the area. This looting had revealed large masks sculpted onto the side of one of the principal structures at the site. Holtun is the southernmost site in the Maya lowlands that is known to have such masks.

http://cellar.org/2017/cenote2.jpg

Quote:

An expedition to a cenote at the well known archaeological site of Chichén Itzáin Mexico has led to a discovery of the bones of six humans, including two children, jade beads, shells, and stone tools.
The Cenote Cult archaeological project in association with Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History, explored and surveyed 33 caves and cenotes at Maya sites across the Yucatán Peninsula looking specifically for evidence ritual activities.

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