Actun Tunichil Muknal
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Actun Tunichil Muknal is a cave in Belize, near San Ignacio Cayo, notable as a Maya archaeological site that includes skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware. The most famous of the human remains is known as "The Crystal Maiden", the skeleton of a teenage girl, probably a sacrifice victim, whose bones which have been completely covered by the natural processes of the cave, leaving them with a sparkling appearance. There are several such skeletons in the main chamber.
The ceramics at the site are significant partially because they are marked with "kill holes", which indicates they were used for ceremonial purposes.
Entry to the cave is made by wading or swimming across a large pool before scrambling up and into the cave. The caverns where the relics are found are dry even when the area is hit by a hurricane.
Other Mayan archaeological sites in the vicinity are Cahal Pech, Chaa Creek and Xunantunich.
[edit] Tourism
The Belize Tourism Board has granted licenses to a small group of agents to conduct tours to this cave, in an attempt to balance its protection against tourist revenue.
The cave is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. To reach the cave, requires an easy 45-minute hike into the jungle. The entrance to the cave is shaped like an hour glass and is flooded with water. Travelers need to be prepared to get wet, and remain relatively wet to damp during their time in the cave. The cave system consists of a series of chambers, ending at "The Cathedral" where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. Here 14 skeletal remains have been found, and numerous examples of ancient Mayan pottery remain. It takes roughly 1 1/2 to 2 hours to reach "The Cathedral," so travelers should be prepared to be in the cave for 4 to 6 hours. Swim suits are not necessary, but quick-dry clothing is recommended. Sandals are not allowed in ATM. Travelers must remove their shoes, and must wear socks while in "The Cathedral" to protect the site from oils on the skin. Guides typically carry dry packs to keep personal items such as cameras protected from the water. In some locations, the only source of light is from helmets (required for entrance) and/or flashlights. Guides should supply these items. Travelers should keep in mind that the cave is dark and cool, and as such, may be chilled during the excursion.
[edit] References
- Marachov, Nick and Williams, Nick (ed) Below Belize ca. 1991.
- Miller, Tom Tunichil Muknal The Canadian Caver vol 21 no 2, 1989.
- Williams, Nick An Introduction to Cave Exploration in Belize. Journal of Cave and Karst Studies 58(2):69-75
- C.Michael Hogan, Chaa Creek, Megalithic Portal, ed. A. Burnham, 2007
- Cahal Pech archaeological site, Belize
[edit] External links
Coordinates: 17°11′23.56″N 88°29′51.54″W / 17.1898778°N 88.49765°W
