Where Mayan Artifacts Were Discovered

There are about a hundred locations in which Mayan artifacts have been spotted and retrieved.  All over Central and South America, ruins with vast varieties of cultural representations are emerging.  Ranging from imperial locations to just local villages, potteries and tools that are crude but very effective can be found in these locations.  Although poor in western treasures like most Roman ruins have, they are very rich in culture. They have a great culture that has tailored their history, religion, language and way of living for centuries.

One of these sites that depict the richness of the Mayan culture is Chichen Itza.  Located in present day Mexico, it is situated in the Yucatan Peninsula.  It has one of the richest locations for pre-Columbian archeology like bas-relief, roof combs and arrowheads.  What makes this site so special is it suggests a period when a certain cultural diffusion happened.  This assumption is based on the similarities of their earlier architecture to that of a different tribe from the center of the Mayan Empire.  

Another site located on southern Mexico is Palenque or known as Bàak’ from the inscriptions of Mayan hieroglyphs.  It has shown the world the finest artifacts that the Mayans have ever made.  Even with its smaller size compared to other states, it had been found out through their hieroglyphics that they were able to hold fierce competition with their neighboring states.   Using other hieroglyphics, the site went through years of restorations.  Now, the site has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in Mexico.

The city of Piedras Negras or black stones in Spanish is known in the Mayan tongue as Yo’k’ib’ which can be translated as the “great gateway.”  However, there are other skeptics of the name saying that the city is named after its founder who, they say, is inscribed on some hieroglyphs.  This site is located on the north of the Usumacinta River in Guatemala.

One of the most impressive sites as of present day is known Yaxha.  With its current restoration, about 500 structures have been located and returned to its former glory.  Located in northern Guatemala, under the department of Petén, it is considered as the biggest and most visited site in the area.  According to findings by archeologists who had extensive studies with Mayan hieroglyphs, the city was the center for ceremonial activities during the pre-Columbian Maya civilization.  It was also discovered in this site that they had a strong alliance with the cities Nakum and Naranjo.  With a quick glance of the map, these three allies form a triangle with a vast area of jungle in between. 

Further exploration of that area of the jungle resulted to more discoveries of minor sites.  One of the area’s most visited sites is Topoxte, which is an outpost of the city.

Indian reserves of North America have dwindled over the years and that same trouble might come to these sites.  Artifacts for sale at black markets and other man-made manipulations are becoming more rampant.  We must stop this now or else none of these precious treasures of our history will be left for our future to ponder on and learn from.