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Culture - The Shaman's HandBelize is an ancient land, in many ways a land that time forgot. It is an empty land, haunted by the "bones" of a vanished Mayan Empire. Less than 300,000 mostly English-speaking people occupy this sparsely populated country. And all of them connected in some way by the entangling threads of myth, magic and mysticism ; archaic superstitions and folk beliefs passed down from mother to daughter----father to son, for generations or even centuries.But as surely as the morning sun rises, the light of a new and "modern" day is sweeping across the land. Even in the smallest villages color televisions and computers are becoming commonplace, in places which are just now discovering the wonders of electricity. Even so, the Shamans' Hand is strong upon the land! In every Maya (and Spanish) village across the green countryside, the "old ways" are still cherished. Traditional herbal medicines interspersed with ancient spiritual beliefs, sustain daily life. An old Maya Shaman once said "Change can be good, but the old ways are still better." With the peace and tranquility we see in these gentle mountain valleys, how can we disagree? The Drums Of Our Fathers...
Yes, the Maya are an ancient and proud people. But perhaps----just perhaps, the influence of an even older AFRICAN CULTURE, is that which truly gave birth to the great Maya and Aztec cultures of Central America. Long before the maya built their first temple, the Olmec Empire (which many believe to be African in origin) was already established in Mesoamerica. Is it possible that they were responsible for the introduction of Egyptian style architecture (Pyramids), hieroglyphic writing, and a multi-theistic pantheon of "gods", into the minds and budding native cultures of this land?The Olmec vanished long ago. But thousands of years later (during the colonial period) the Garifuna People re-established a rich and vibrant African Culture here in Belize. Even though as a people, they are half "Indian" (Maya, Arawak and Carib), they have chosen to cling to their African roots. With their own unique language, voodoo-like West African religion and complicated magical, mystical beliefs, they have set themselves apart from the rest of Belizean society. But the Garifuna contributions cannot be denied. It is these same seafaring people, who have settled and shaped the coastlines and cayes of Belize. Dangriga is the cultural heart of the Garifuna Nation. So on some warm and balmy night, at Spiritwind Reef Resort, when you hear the sound of drums carried upon the wind-----close your eyes and listen. It is the dark heart of Africa, beating in your soul! |
  
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Mundo Maya Expeditions Virtual TourBelize is the Heart of the "Mundo Maya"... the Ancient Mayan World. And Spirit Wind Resort is in the Cultural Heart of Belize, surrounded by the remnants of a once powerful Empire... the Mysterious Vanished Maya. From the small enigmatic ruins at "Mayflower" to the Huge and Sprawling Metropolis of "Caracol" the unfolding mystery never ends. Every Discovery, every "Answer" only leads to new "Questions."So we offer our MUNDO MAYA EXPEDITIONS: Explore Six Ancient Maya Cities in only Seven Days! Day One... Arrival Day. Relax by the riverside in your waterfront Casita. Day Two you begin your adventure in the deep south of Toledo. We will leave early in the morning to travel into beautiful southern Belize, stopping first at small but amazing "Nim-Li-Punit." This is a remarkable site, perched high upon a hilltop, with Dramatic Views of the surrounding Toledo Plains. A small ceremonial center of the Late classic Period; it is most outstanding for the Dozens of Carved Stelae (Standing Stones) which were found at the site. The second half of the day will find us farther south at "Lubaantun," a major "City State," with commercial influence over an area of at least 625 square miles. This Ancient Mayan City has been a mystery since it’s discovery in 1903. To add more to the list of questions about this incredible place, we only need to mention the beautiful and famous "CRYSTAL SKULL," for it is here at Lubaantun that the mysterious, unfathomable artifact is alleged to have been found. Day Three we travel to "Mayflower." Discovered by accident in 1975, this site poses many questions for Archaeologists. It is considered to be too small to be a "Ceremonial Center" of any kind. Yet the foundations of some large and elaborate structures still remain. Why it was built and for what purpose, remains a great mystery. Surrounded by several Waterfalls, perhaps the site held some spiritual or religious significance. A visit to Beautiful Boccawina Falls is included. Day Four, you visit the mighty "Caracol," once the home of (at least) 150,000 Rich and Prosperous Maya. This was a Great and Powerful City... perhaps the largest in the entire Maya World. The city center consists of some 20 Plazas, surrounded by Great Temples; the largest of which ("Caana") soars 145 feet above the forest floor! Impressive causeways radiate from the center of the city, for more than a mile in every direction. Lining the causeways are the remains of other Great Buildings and "Palatial Homes" of Caracol’s Elite Ruling Class. Day Five we travel to "Altun Ha," one of the great Ceremonial and Commercial Cities of the Clasical Period. Located in the coastal forests of northern Belize, it was a conduit for both Sea Trade and Cultural Exchange with the (Non-Mayan) Caribbean, as well as Mexico, and possibly farther. It was here at Altun Ha that the "Great Jade head"... a jade carving of the Sun God, "Kinich Ahau," was found. This impressive (10 Pound) carving, is still the largest Jade Artifact ever found in Mesoamerica. Nearby, we will visit a Mayan Burial Ground, where the graves mounds dot the jungle landscape. Time permitting, a Nature Tour of the famous Belize Zoo will be included, to see up close the "Sacred Animals" of the Mayan World. Day Six, we take a ferry across the Macal River to visit Impressive and Beautiful "Xunantunich." From it's hilltop position, "El Castillo" (the tallest temple in the complex), rises 130 feet above the plaza and commands a broad view of both the Guatemala Highlands to the West and the Lowland Plains of Belize to the East. This elegant and beautiful city was built very near the end of Mayan Civilization. Why it was built at this location, when it’s nearby neighboring city (the Mighty Tikal) was Already Abandoned... remains a mystery. Day Seven, you visit the Quaint Villages of Maya Center, San Juan and others, to see present day Maya, living in the traditional way. At Maya Center, you may even see Maya Women washing their clothes on rocks in the stream, as their ancestors have done for more than 1,000 years. You will also have opportunities here to see and purchase the beautiful Art and Handicrafts of the Mundo Maya. |    | |
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