(lodging, meals, transportation from airport, and daily travel to and from the site)
Karst cave.
| Location: | Western Belize |
| Open: | |
| Fee: |
2-week session $1050, month $1750. (lodging, meals, transportation from airport, and daily travel to and from the site) |
| Classification: |
Karst cave.
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| Light: | none |
| Dimension: | |
| Guided tours: | |
| Bibliography: | |
| Address: |
E-mail: |
| Last update: | $Date: 2008/07/01 20:17:04 $ |
| 1993 | work of Dr. Awe featured in a National Geographic Explorer documentary film titled, Journey through the Underworld. |
As you might have guessed: Western Belize Regional Cave Project is not the name of a cave, but the name of a project. To be exact it is an achaeologic research project by scientists from Indiana University and the University of New Hampshire. They are studying the use of caves by the prehistoric Maya. Each year excavations in some caves in western Belize are made, and they always need volunteers. But the project is mostly a training for experienced participants in the techniques of speleoarchaeology. So it is intended mainly for students of archaeology. Beneath the excavation work the participants get lectures about Maya civilization.
The area has numerous caves, and each year some of them are excavated. In 2002 this are Actun Chapat (Cave of the Centipede) and Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulcher). Other caves are Actun Uyazba Kab, Actun Yaxteel Ahau, Actun Che Chem Ha, Actun Halal, and Actun Nakbe.
This caves are not show caves. The caves are not dangerous or very difficult, still some experience and physical fitness is a must. The visit is "guided" and the trip is organized, although it is not a weekend trip. Definitiely an interesting experience for archaeologists and enthusiasts. Sort of semi-public.
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Dr Jaime Awe, from the University of New Hampshire, was the first archaeologist to explore Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre). It was named after the sacrificial chamber within the cave where the remains of a young woman were found. Fourteen burials have been found in Actun Tunichil Muknal. The cave also contains two slate stelae in front of which Maya elites cut themselves with obsidian blades to collect their blood and offer it to the gods. A stream flows out of this cave, providing the main water supply for the camp. Actun Tunichil Muknal also contains large broken pottery. Calcite from dripwater has encased many of these finds over the centuries. Numeous tourist outfits lead trips to the cave. Text by Tony Oldham (2004). With kind permission. |
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