Unificacion Maya 2011: Uaxactun

The first Sacred Fire is laid and is ready to light to begin the ceremonies of Unificacion Maya 2011

The location of the Sacred Fire is in front of this Mayan Observatory. At this time of the year, the sun rises over the small temple to the right, as seen from the temple top from where this picture is being taken

Tata Chus Ixim Toj sounds the conch shell to call in the energies.

Tata Jose Soc and Nana Louisa Rothwell prepare the Sacred Fire.

The ceremonial team prepares … here is Tata Pedro Cauhec, Tata Pedro Cruz and Terry Rubin.

Tata Mariano.

 

Tata Chus plays the flute. In front of him, on the ground, are the pictures of the Najuales. There are 20 in total, and for the ceremony, they are placed 5 for each of the four quadrants. This is not a feature of a usual Mayan Fire Ceremony … this has been incorporated into the Unificacion Maya ceremonies as an aid to those who are just learning about the Mayan glyphs.

Nana Feliciana, Nana Marcelina and Nana Maria Luisa are in the north quadrant.

Guide, Danilo Rodriguez was also on hand to participate in the ceremony and, later, to guide participants through the site.

 

Tata Armando Cruz, from Mexico, is also part of the Unificacion team each year. Tata Armando teaches classes about Toltec knowledge during the week, and on day 6, leads a Toltec Ceremony for the group.

There are always lots of village children who are attracted to come and watch.

After the ceremony, snacks are served on site, and participants are given time to explore this half of the ancient city. (Uaxactun has been split in two by an air field that, for many years, facilitated the chicle and xate trades).

While waiting for lunch at El Chiclero, the on-site museum was opened for viewing, and the owner, Tono, talked about many of the pieces.

Here are a couple of previous residents of the area.

The village of Uaxactun is not only in the deeper jungle, but the only road in is closed each night from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Services are minimal and homes and restaurants are equipped with only the most basic of home appliances. This stove cooked a delicious meal for 25 people.

After lunch and a class by Tata Chus (no photos available) the participants were able to explore the other side of the ancient city.

 

This is an example of the architecture of Uaxactun, which is pre-classic and one of the oldest sites in the area.