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| Leaving Jobo, you retrace your steps back and into the
narrow Plaza Kibix, your formal entry way into H'mena. Kibix
is named for the cow foot vine, an important medicinal plant. The
plaza is a narrow and rectangular one, with range buildings on the
east and west sides and small raised stiles (steps crossing low walls),
on the north and south ends. These multi-roomed structures would be
for meetings, contemplation, negotiations, and adjudication. Privacy
and diplomacy would have been the watchwords here. |
| Continuing on, you enter Plaza Manax. Manax
is Mayan for the delicious wild cherry tree. Ahead to the west you
will see an impressive pyramid. This is known as Kinhunkal. Kin
is for sun and hun kal is for a score, or 20, in Mayan. This
western pyramid is the highest structure at El Pilar, rising more
than 20 meters (66 feet) above the surface to the west. From this
point, we head to the top of Kinhunkal before descending to Plaza
Lec. |
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| From Plaza Manax, at the base of the Kunhunkal pyramid,
climb up to the summit. Reaching the top of this pyramid is a reward.
The area is very special; unique varieties of trees, bushes, ferns,
orchids, and bromeliads can be found here. As you reach this dramatic
space, note the large, scarred tree on your left. This is a Chicozapote
or Sapodilla tree that was harvested for chicle, orginially
the prime ingredient in chewing gum. |
| Climbing further up, skirting a Ramón tree on your left,
you can note its majestic roots where recently grew a beautiful black
orchid, the national flower of Belize. Regrettably, vandals have
removed this prized flowering orchid for their own benefit. The bare
scar reminds us of our important responsibility as stewards of the
El Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna. Each of
us is entrusted with our world's natural treasures--here a legacy
of the Maya forest needs our care so it can be enjoyed for generations. |
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| Reaching the summit, you are now at one of the most
enchanting vistas of El Pilar. Take advantage of the bench, vista,
and photo opportunities. Sunsets from this view are magnificent. Birds
fly to and from large trees, and we have often observed more than
a dozen toucans frolicking in the evening light. To the southwest,
you can see the high trees of Pilar
Poniente in Guatemala. |
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