Belize Jade Head - The Maya Sun God - Kinich Ahau displayed for one day only at the Musuem of Belize

By: Will Moreno
2/16/2012

On February 15th, 2011, for one day only, The Museum of Belize (NICH) offered the general public a rare glimpse into the past by showcasing a magnificent and unique Maya Artifact that is near and dear to the nation of Belize and its people, the Jade Head of the Sun God, Kinich Ahau.

Unedited for purpose of realism of color and tones
Photos by: Will Moreno

The Belize Maya Jade Head of the Maya Sun God (Kinich Ahau) was removed from the vault and its casing from an undisclosed location to see the light of day once again in Belize. Many proud Belizeans including school children, as well as, cruise tour visitors lined up at the Museum of Belize to share a rare glimpse of this beautiful Maya Jade Head and Jewel of Belize.

It was a truly inspiring and amazing experience to work alongside the Museum of Belize (NICH) as the Jade Head of Kinich Ahau was unveiled to the public. Capturing images of visitors and the beautiful Maya artifact is an experience I will hold near and dear to my heart. Standing there capturing the images had me wondering what if this silent, yet so beautiful Maya Jade Head of Belize could speak. I can just imagine the wonderful stories of the life of the Maya that it would tell!

The famous Maya Jade head was discovered in 1968 by Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum of Canada and several of his Belizean workers that were working at the Maya site of Altun Ha in Belize. The Maya Ruin of Altun Ha is conveniently located 31 miles north of Belize City off the old northern highway.

The Jade Head along with forty other objects were found in a large tomb that was located located just below the stair block on the Temple of The Masonry Altars (Structure B4). The roof of the tomb had already collapsed from the growth of the roots of trees growing at the site and penetrating the tomb. The tomb contained the remains of a elderly adult male, who was likely an important ruler of the famous Maya site during his time.  Although the exact date the Jade Head was carved is unknown the analysis of the cultural remains found in the tomb dates back to somewhere around 600 and 650 A.D.  It is believed that the Maya took months maybe even years to create such a significant jade masterpiece using the primitive carving tools of their time. The Maya Ruler may have commissioned an artist to to produce the Jade Head to commemorate the important events of his life and his time as ruler of the site. The Jade Head may have also been passed down from generation to generation finally ending up in this Maya ruler's tomb due to his importance.

This, not only beautiful, but also remarkable piece of Maya artwork, is significant because its the only one ever found in the Mundo Maya. It was carved from one solid piece of jade which was the most precious of stones to the Maya. According to the studies done on the Jade Head, it is believed that the large piece of jade that was used to carve this Maya masterpiece came from the Motagua River Valley area in Guatemala.

Weighing only 9.75 pounds and measuring 5.86 inches high, the magnificent Maya Jade Head of Kinich Ahau, The Maya Sun God has a marbled effect and resembles that beautiful green hue of the Caribbean Sea that caresses the shores of Belize. This is truly a Jewel of the Mayas and a Jewel of Belize. It is a sight to behold!

For more images of the wonderful experience you can check with the Museum of Belize (NICH) or Will Moreno

Belize unveils its Maya 2012 Celendar

On Wednesday, January, 11th the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) alongside the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) launched the Maya 2012 Calender of Events. The event was held at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts in Belize City.

The opening entertainment definitely set the mood for the event. The harmonious melodies of Maya music filled the air from an amazing flutist, Pablo Collado who certainly kept a captive audience not only with his melodies, but also with his talented handiwork on the flute.

The Otaxa Deer Dancers certainly entertained the attendees with the traditional Mayan Deer Dance. They were accompanied by marimba music and the flute. The Maya Deer Dance symbolizes the important relationships between humanity and nature and was evident in the variety of masks worn by the dancers. Some of the dancers wore masks of the faces of men and women, and others wore masks with the faces of the deer, jaguar, monkey among others. All the dancers wore clothing that was very colorfully adorned.

After the opening entertainment, Pablo Collado once again played a beautiful rendition of the Belize National Anthem on his flute and was followed by a prayer by Reverend Canon Leroy Flowers.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, Hon. Manuel Heredia gave the welcome address and invited everyone to enjoy the night's festivities. Minister Heredia's keynote was that Belize is the Heartland of the Maya.

Hon. Manuel Heredia was followed by none other than Dr. Jaime Awe, who is Belize's Director at the Institute of Archaeology. Dr. Awe has been in the field of archaeology for over 30 years. Dr. Jaime Awe has been one of Belize's pioneering and most prominent archaeologists and has worked on many of Belize's major excavations. Dr. Jaime Awe, however, did not want to take away any accolades from the guest of the evening, Dr. Mark Van Stone who was yet to present his topic of the evening. "What The Mayas Actually Said About 2012".

Then came time for the unveiling of the calendar of events for the Maya 2012 Calendar. I must admit that the calendar is filled with many events covering various parts of the country and numerous activities. There are great events scheduled for each month of the year 2012. President of NICH and Chairperson of the 2012 Committee, Ms. Diane C. Haylock, definitely stressed the importance of this years activities for 2012 and the goals they are trying to achieve by having such activities. Ms. Diane Haylock made mention again of Belize being the Heartland of the Maya. Belize is unique among its neighbors of the Mundo Maya because here, a visitor can easily experience several of the Maya sites in one day as the distances between sites are relatively small and there is a high concentration of Maya sites within Belizen borders. In most countries of the Mundo Maya, the archaeological sites are separated by long distances.  Then came time for Ms. Diane Haylock to unveil the Maya 2012 Passport. A phenomenal deal is being offered where for the price of visiting two Maya ruins you get an opportunity to visit ten different Maya sites. You can get your 2012 Maya Passport stamped as you visit the different sites around Belize.

The Belize Tourism Board then officially launched its website for this year Maya 2012. You can see the website here:  http://belizemaya2012.com. The website is very informative so feel free to take a look.

Before the lecture began the attendees were treated to mouth watering Maya dishes including, corn panades, tamales, chicken cooked in 'col' which is a richly spiced tomato and corn based sauce, and dukunu as well as a delicious array of fresh vegetables and tropical fruits. The Otaxa Deer Dancers took to the stage entertaining the audience as they flowed into the Center for Performing Arts Auditorium for the lecture by Dr. Mark Van Stone.

Dr Jaime Awe then introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Dr. Mark Van Stone who was to present, "What The Ancient Maya Actually Said About 2012".  Dr. Mark Van Stone is a Maya expert specializing in Maya Hieroglyphs and calligraphy. Van Stone’s books include “2012: Science and Prophecy of the Ancient Maya” inspired by Maya inscriptions, astronomical knowledge, math, and myth, and “Reading the Maya Glyphs”. Responding to the recent upsurge in interest in “the Maya prophecies”, Prof. Mark Van Stone has spent the last several years researching what the Ancient Maya actually said about 2012.
Dr. Van Stone made sure to mention that nowhere in the history of the Maya is a doomsday prophecy emphasized, but they did, in fact, mention of a renewal period and a change in the Maya Calendar from a short period calendar to a long period calendar. There is also evidence from the the Maya history found on stellaes, that life and history actually continue to 4772 A.D. as can be seen below in the photo. He believes that the Sosltices were not as important to the Maya as we believe they were. He also made mention that with only 1% of the Maya civilization being unearthed that there is not much data and still so much more that we need to learn about the mystical and ancient civilization of the Maya. Dr. Mark Van Stone said that whatever data have been unearthed are contradictory since the Maya did not believe in correcting errors. The Maya did not change errors because they saw it as a sign from the gods that it was meant to be so. Maya scholars also disagree on the information that has been found and their interpretations.

The Maya 2012 Calender of events is shown below:

One of the very special events taking place this year on the calender is a very new and unique concept in Belize. The date 12-12-12 offers a great opportunity for 36 lucky couples, who are interested in being a part of the mysticism of the Maya, to get married or renew their vows on the ancient Maya Ruin of Cahal Pech in the Cayo District of Belize. This once in a lifetime event is being spearheaded by Lara Goldman of Romantic Travel Belize. For more information visit 2012 Maya Weddings.