Photojournalism - Modern Mayans

Modern Mayans

By Lucy Hummer

Just inside the dividing fence, the first tower
was climbing by several tourists. The stairs are
tall and narrow, forcing  the climber to emulate
a slithering snake, the primary Mayan God.

“The Mayan people had the first form of currency; do you know what it was? Chocolate. They paid each other with chocolate,” Sergio the tour guide informed his interested audience about the Mayan people of Mexico. On December 1^st, 2014, eighty excited tourists listened to Sergio talk about the ancient Mayans, as they walked through Ek Balam, an ancient city of the Mayans. It was a sunny day, ramped with humidity and mosquitos. The two-hour bus ride through the Mexican jungle was long, but it could not be felt because Sergio filled the time with coffee, cookies and information.  Once the trip was finished, everyone flew off the bus, and was greeted by four hungry dogs, living on the city grounds. “I wish I could take them all home with me,” a young boy exclaimed as he looked at their visible ribs and puppy eyes. After Sergio fed the dogs biscuits and water, he led the group into the city. After a small introduction and explanation, Sergio let everyone go free to explore the expansive, fenced in area. “The area inside of the fence was only for the royal elite,” Sergio explained, “all of the regular people lived outside of the fence… in the jungle”. Many people made the climb up to the top of the huge main tower, only those afraid of heights stayed at the bottom.

After climbing the 107 steps to the top of the main
tower, two tourists enjoyed the view from the top. The
towers are in the middle of the Mexican jungle, which
is all that can be seen in all directions.

By touring Ek Balam and reading signs written in
Spanish, a tourist learned about the caste system
of this Mayan temple.

The tour guide, Sergio, fed hungry dogs
that live on the grounds every time he
gives tours of Ek Balam.

Hoping to make some money for their communities, two Mayan
men posed for tourists' photographs.

After an expansive period dedicated to going in and out of temples and up and down flights of stairs, it was time for lunch. This meal was going to be held in a real Mexican town were people are still living, so another ride through the jungle needed to be done. Once there, the tourists were greeted by smiling Mayans ready to welcome their guests. While the meal of chicken, beans and rice was getting prepared, Sergio showed everyone the magic that is obsidian, and told stories of the healing and luck that it has done for centuries. Everyone then walked through the city, able to see in to the many huts full of families, elated to share their homes. The Mayan people were clearly proud of their roots, forever ready to share their beginnings in Ek Balam.

Ek Balam Gallery

Obsidian, known as the stone of energy, was sold
everywhere in the Mayan communities. It is
said to heal people, and give good luck. 

Inside a village where people still live as Mayans,
a women spent her day weaving on
a wooden loom.

A Mayan women entertained guests of the village
with her upbeat dancing. She was able to balance a
full bottle of beer on her head throughout
the entire dance.