Ek' Balam


If you say "Ek' Balam" quickly three times, it sounds as if you are having an attack of hiccups.  Actually "Ek' Balam" means black jaguar in Mayan.  This site of ruins is  one of newest excavated - only open about 13 years.  Jack Marshall, our expert tour guide was excited to take us there, because it is not as well known as Tulum or Chichen Itza, therefore less tourist traffic.  Jack also was allowed to give on-site lectures.

Sign by the visitor's center

I believe he was fair and open-minded in his assessments. He did humorously mention on more than one occasion that his ideas were "the gospel according to Jack."



A directional sign



Entrance arch

 From the visitor's center to the actual ruins, our group followed a rather long path.  When I saw a rather corny, pictured sign marking the way, I began to wonder if this was going to be a legitimate ruin site; but soon, my wondering was put to rest, as I saw a magnificent Mayan arch at the entrance.  Looking at the buildings through this arch, really got me excited about being in this wonderful place.



Ceiba tree

The tree of life, as spoken of in ancient records, is found on buildings at different sites, and Jack seemed to think that this particular species of tree (Ceiba tree) could have been the model used on mesmoamerica temples.  Notice the big roots.  They symbolize the journey to the underworld.  The limbs represent rising to the 13 heavens.  It is believed that the blood-letting by scraping the tongues of Mayan royalty, was accomplished by using the thorns found on the upper side of the limbs.


Steps of Mayan temple


At the east east side of the site was the largest ruin.  It had over 100 steps from the base to the top.  The steps were uneven and very steep - I know because I climbed them.  This climb was dangerous as the rock was slippery, and handrails were not available.  I took every step with great care, knowing that a slip would likely result with my ending up in a pile at the bottom.


Royalty





Mayan male



Mayan female

Halfway up the pyramid is a display with life size figures sculpted into a rock panel.  Obviously the most predominate figures were royal representations.  Notice how dignified the male is.  Now, look at the female and observe how she is holding her hands in a most feminine way.



Biggest pyramid



font used for cleansing

 The above sculptures are located about half the way up the steps of the great pyramid.  The Mayan religion must have placed great emphasis on ritual cleansing, as it seems that fonts, with steps are located in strategic locations on the site. 


Be sure to check back in a few days for an exciting update!