The Maya planted the Breadnut over two thousand years ago. It became a staple of the Maya diet. By most accounts, it nearly killed the people too -- especially children. While it's high in vitamins, fiber and antioxidents, it has almost no nutritional value. Because they mixed the nuts with corn with more of the former than the latter, the Maya became malnourished and vulnerable to all sorts of conditions. It is often called "the famine food" now.
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| Breadnut |
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| stelae |
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| Maya dates |
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| Heiroglyphic Stairway |
This stairway is the longest Maya text found so far, giving the life and times of Copan rulers. Beneath, researchers found other structures and amazing pieces of art. It was completed in 756 AD by ruler number 15, K'ak' Yipyaj Chan K'awiil. Archeologists discovered him in his tomb along with jade, ceramic censers, a flint knife and other ceremonial objects involved with bloodletting.
The Stairway is protected from the climate by a tarp now. But the government is investing other materials that are more durable and pleasing to the eye.
In a few minutes, I'm leaving to visit the home of my instructor. I'm so pleased she's invited me. I've seen three homes so far. Julia is a community leader and standing up to the men who insist on dominating the community even though they are not as educated as she is.
During one heated argument with them over the management of the community's water supply, she said to them, "Who gave birth to you and raised you, your mother or your father?" They had no reply. But they still simmer and her mother-in-law isn't speaking with her.
Hasta pronto
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