MAYFLOWER BOCAWINA NATIONAL PARK
Mayan Heritage
Mayflower Bocawina National Park has evidence of the Mayan heritage throughout the park.
The park has two unexcavated Mayan Temple Mounds, as well as many other unexplored Mayan sites. A small teaching center is located in the plaza area, with an exhibit that includes a brief history of the local ancient Maya, as well as modern man’s impact on the area. Interactive exhibits are designed particularly for younger visitors.
This Mayan Site consists of a total of 11 structures, with two pyramid mounds, a formal cluster and two aguadas (water reservoirs). Artifacts found here include hammer stone, pottery shreds, crushed vases, effigy censer, a mortar cup and one light green stone bead. The site was occupied during the Post Classic Period (late 800/early 900AD.)
Mayan Temples
AU WITZ TEMPLE
Tau Witz means “dwelling of the local god of the hill”, and is a broad terrace platform built during the Terminal Classic Period. The temple which faces east towards the rising sun, measures 64 meters by 43 meters rising 160 meters above sea level. Nearby is a granite stone quarry, the only known quarry located close to these sites. A stelae still stands on the trail.
MAINTZUNUN TERRACE TEMPLE MOUND
This Mayan word means “hummingbird”, and the mound measures 108 meters by 48 meters, rising 15 meters above Silk Grass Creek. It is an acropolis complex, with construction dated back to approximately 800AD.
UNEXCAVATED MOUNDS
Mayflower Bocawina National Park has evidence of the Mayan heritage throughout the park.
The park has two unexcavated Mayan Temple Mounds, as well as many other unexplored Mayan sites. A small teaching center is located in the plaza area, with an exhibit that includes a brief history of the local ancient Maya, as well as modern man’s impact on the area. Interactive exhibits are designed particularly for younger visitors.
