Giant Sloths, Ancient Maya Jars, and the Cave of the Black Mirror: Underwater Cenote Research at the Cara Blanca Pools, Belize

Author(s): Andrew J Kinkella

Year: 2018

Summary

This research focuses on ancient Maya settlement at the Cara Blanca Pools, a string of 25 freshwater cenotes and lakes located in west-central Belize.  Pool 1 has been the most extensively explored, with a depth of 235 feet and a geological makeup where the pool extends deep underneath the surrounding cliffs, becoming an underwater cave.  The underwater cave component is named "Actun Ek Nen," which translates to "Black Mirror Cave" in the Mayan language.  Our underwater exploration, methodology, and archaeological finds will be discussed, including Maya ceramic sherds and the remains of a giant sloth.  Maya settlement immediately surrounding the pool will also be discussed, as these structures indicate the pool was used as a pilgrimage center and sacred location for water ritual during the Late and Terminal Classic Period of ancient Maya society (AD 600-925).

Cite this Record

Giant Sloths, Ancient Maya Jars, and the Cave of the Black Mirror: Underwater Cenote Research at the Cara Blanca Pools, Belize. Andrew J Kinkella. Presented at Society for Historical Archaeology, New Orleans, Louisiana. 2018 ( tDAR id: 441860)

Spatial Coverage

min long: -129.199; min lat: 24.495 ; max long: -66.973; max lat: 49.359 ;

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 990