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Balamku
 Balamku
is a small ruin that at first seems very unimpressive,
especially after the ruins of Calakmul and the monster
mouths of Becan
and Chicanna.
However, Balamku includes some of the best architectural
reliefs in Mexico. These reliefs are covered by a metal
shed, so the pyramid is not too spectacular from the
outside. The archaeological site is located inside a
woodland area, offering to the visitor the opportunity
of cohabiting with nature while going through this interesting
prehispanic city. In Balamk a frieze made of polichromated
molded stucco, unique in the Mayan area, which was built
between the years 550 and 650 A. D. Later on, this structure
was covered with a pyramidal foundation that hid and
protected the frieze. The detail reading of this work
of great iconographic wealth reveals the ancient Mayan's
complex conception of the world.
 The
frieze represents the surface of the Earth formed by
several images such as jaguars that symbolize war, aquatic
elements that represent fertility and masks of the Monster
of the Earth (Cauac), separating the underworld (kingdom
of the dead), from the supraworld (kingdom of the gods).
From this surface aquatic animals emerge (2 toads and
2 crocodiles) with their mouth opened, which represent
the Earth in its vegetative and fertile feature. The
kings of the supraworld responsible for the abundance
and wealth of its subjects, emerge from them. While
penetrating the edifice through its 3 doors that are
located under the frieze, symbolizes the entrance to
the Maya underworld.
 Balamk
which in Maya means "Jaguar's Temple" (balam- jaguar,
ku- temple) has carvings that are remarkable in their
detail. Consisting of the three large images of a rabbit,
an alligator and a jaguar, the major reliefs are flanked
by many small animal carvings.
Original
paintings can be seen on the carvings, therefore you
cannot use flash to take a picture. The wall has to
be photographed in sections, as it is at least 50 feet
long, & is enclosed in a building, it is difficult
to get back far enough to photograph the entire wall.
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