BARTON CREEK CAVE
Belize’s cave network is extensive and varied, so whether you’re eager to peek into a world of prehistoric panoramas, want to take in the sights by kayak or canoe, or you’d like to settle into a big inner tube to sail past limestone and granite chambers, Belize is your destination. Barton Creek is a great example of a cave that offers a bit of everything. It remains a working archaeological site, so in addition to rock formations, artifacts and skeletal remains, you may even bump into an anthropologist committed to unearthing more mysteries.
Because Barton Creek Cave is nearly five miles long, allow plenty of time to investigate the areas that have been opened for tourists. From the comfort of a canoe, you will pass speleothems shaped by time and water over thousands of years. Your primary point of interest will likely be ten ledges researchers have identified as former staging areas for Mayan rituals. Evidence shows the scope of religious practices conducted deep within this cave that include conducting fertility rites, human sacrifices and acting as a burial chamber.
Because Barton Creek Cave is nearly five miles long, allow plenty of time to investigate the areas that have been opened for tourists. From the comfort of a canoe, you will pass speleothems shaped by time and water over thousands of years. Your primary point of interest will likely be ten ledges researchers have identified as former staging areas for Mayan rituals. Evidence shows the scope of religious practices conducted deep within this cave that include conducting fertility rites, human sacrifices and acting as a burial chamber.
THE SITE
Although Barton Creek Cave is several kilometers long, cultural remains have only been found within the first kilometer from the entrance. This area contains ten ledges above the river with evidence of ancient Maya activity. The first ledge is located on the left just inside the entrance to the cave, and continues to roughly 30 meters beyond the so-called Maya Bridge. The "bridge" is actually a natural flow stone formation left straddling the main passage when the level of the river dropped due to riverbed erosion.
A large number of hearths, identified by ash lens with flecks of charcoal, were discovered in the cave. Typically they are located against the walls or near the drop to the river. Little evidence of cooking has been found associated with these hearths suggesting that their functions was primarily associated with the burning of copal incense and other offerings. One hearth contained between six and ten burnt corncobs plus several corn stems and leaves. Other plant remains included pine needles that had been spread over the floor of the ledge. A similar practice continues in Chiapas and Highland Guatemala where the contemporary Maya spread a bed of pine needles and flowers over the floor of ritual areas. A small jar, a leaf-shaped projectile point and a crude adze were also associated with this hearth. These remains likely represent objects used in agricultural fertility rituals and with the first fruits of the corn. The small size of the cobs represent corn that was likely harvested before maturity.
Although Barton Creek Cave is several kilometers long, cultural remains have only been found within the first kilometer from the entrance. This area contains ten ledges above the river with evidence of ancient Maya activity. The first ledge is located on the left just inside the entrance to the cave, and continues to roughly 30 meters beyond the so-called Maya Bridge. The "bridge" is actually a natural flow stone formation left straddling the main passage when the level of the river dropped due to riverbed erosion.
A large number of hearths, identified by ash lens with flecks of charcoal, were discovered in the cave. Typically they are located against the walls or near the drop to the river. Little evidence of cooking has been found associated with these hearths suggesting that their functions was primarily associated with the burning of copal incense and other offerings. One hearth contained between six and ten burnt corncobs plus several corn stems and leaves. Other plant remains included pine needles that had been spread over the floor of the ledge. A similar practice continues in Chiapas and Highland Guatemala where the contemporary Maya spread a bed of pine needles and flowers over the floor of ritual areas. A small jar, a leaf-shaped projectile point and a crude adze were also associated with this hearth. These remains likely represent objects used in agricultural fertility rituals and with the first fruits of the corn. The small size of the cobs represent corn that was likely harvested before maturity.
Why you should visit the Barton Creek?
As a recently-explored Maya cave, this is one of the easiest caves to see because you will take in the sites from the comfort of your canoe. Local guides have been schooled in ancient Mayan history, practices and culture so bring your hardest questions along. Don’t be surprised if the weird stalactites and other eerie cave formations don’t spur geologic questions, too. Besides, it may take a trained eye to point out a nicely-camouflaged skull that’s been in the chamber so many years, it would be easy to miss.
As a recently-explored Maya cave, this is one of the easiest caves to see because you will take in the sites from the comfort of your canoe. Local guides have been schooled in ancient Mayan history, practices and culture so bring your hardest questions along. Don’t be surprised if the weird stalactites and other eerie cave formations don’t spur geologic questions, too. Besides, it may take a trained eye to point out a nicely-camouflaged skull that’s been in the chamber so many years, it would be easy to miss.
When is the best time to go to Barton Creek Cave?
Because Barton Creek Cave is fed by a single stream, paddling into the cave is normally an effortless experience, but in case the area receives an abnormal amount of rain, you may wish to skip coming here between June and October, because on occasion, cave attractions are closed if the water table gets too high. On the other hand, if the amount of rain that falls during a typical green season falls, you should be fine. What is the best way to experience Barton Creek Cave? The 2009 Xibalba Mapping and Exploration Team opened several kilometers of accessible cave that year but there is still much to be unearthed. Mayan communities made this cave their homes in both the Early Classic (200 to 600 AD) and Late Classic (from 600 AD to 900 AD) periods, so a little homework could make your visit more interesting. Arrange for a picnic during your excursion and a stop at area waterfalls. By the time you leave, you’ll understand why the Mother Nature Network named the Barton Creek Cave one of the nine most beautiful and unusual cave destinations in the world. |
Where is the the cave located?
Barton Creek is just a 45-minute drive from San Ignacio. Along the way, you may wish to stop and tour the Mennonite village that has been around for decades in the Upper Barton Creek region. This community has put down deep roots and is a major source of dairy foods in the area, so when you head out to the cave, feel free to wave at the cows as they graze in their fields. What is the best way to get to Barton Creek Cave?If you’re driving to the cave from San Ignacio (or sister town Santa Elena), stay alert because apparently tourists have a penchant for missing turns and going the wrong way—even on the area’s one-way bridges! Cross the Hawksworth Bridge (it’s the lone suspension bridge in Belize) and follow signs west or catch a bus or shuttle. A guided tour will always be your best option. Book with an experienced local guide and put all of the arrangements into their hands so you don’t have to lift a finger until you pick up your boat paddle. |
The remains of at least 28 individuals were discovered in the cave. Most were lying on the floor, in dry brimstone pools or depressions over a blanket of ash and charcoal. The individuals range in age from young children to older adults and likely represent victims of sacrifice. Others, such as an older adult female, may have been placed in the cave as a form of ancestor worship.
Some areas of the cave exhibit broken natural formations. These appear to have been purposely modified by the Maya to improve access to locations otherwise difficult to reach. Bi-conically-drilled holes, used to attach climbing ropes or a hand holds, are also found in the flow-stone.
One of the most interesting discoveries at the site was a necklace composed of perforated animal phalanges and a carved bone. The carving depicts a seated figure with hands across the waist and legs out forward. Another area contained a carved sandstone spindle whorl that was used in weaving. Among contemporary Maya communities cotton is associated with rain clouds and the making of cloth with procreation. Other tools found include several grinding stones that were used for processing corn. These artifacts may be related to Maya creation myths, or the Maya belief that humans were created from corn in a cave. They may have been used to make ceremonial corn bread during agricultural fertility rituals.
Some areas of the cave exhibit broken natural formations. These appear to have been purposely modified by the Maya to improve access to locations otherwise difficult to reach. Bi-conically-drilled holes, used to attach climbing ropes or a hand holds, are also found in the flow-stone.
One of the most interesting discoveries at the site was a necklace composed of perforated animal phalanges and a carved bone. The carving depicts a seated figure with hands across the waist and legs out forward. Another area contained a carved sandstone spindle whorl that was used in weaving. Among contemporary Maya communities cotton is associated with rain clouds and the making of cloth with procreation. Other tools found include several grinding stones that were used for processing corn. These artifacts may be related to Maya creation myths, or the Maya belief that humans were created from corn in a cave. They may have been used to make ceremonial corn bread during agricultural fertility rituals.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
In addition to the natural beauty of the area, Barton Creek Cave contains many cultural remains left in the cave by the ancient Maya, centuries ago. Artifacts, hearths, modified cave formations, and human skeletons were deposited on cave ledges as part of the ritual activities of the ancient inhabitants of Barton Creek Valley. Archaeological investigations in the cave established that the May began utilizing the site some 1,800 years ago, during the Early Classic period (around AD 250). This is typical of caves in this area, however at Barton Creek, Early Classic remains are found farther into the cave than at other sites. During the Late Classic period ritual activity in the cave increased substantially but eventually terminated around AD 900.
Ancient Maya activity in Barton Creek Cave generally conforms to patterns of cave use in the regions, and the placement of human remains in brimstone pools, or in places where water flows, suggests that humans were sacrificed to earth deities and the rain deities and the rain god Chac. Artifacts discovered in the cave also help to determine the nature of ancient cave use. Large jars (ollas) were sometimes placed under formations with dripping water. Other jars, containing corn or other produce, served as offerings to the gods. Areas with broken ceramic vessels may be indicative of period-ending events (katuns, baktuns, etc.) where old ritual vessels were ceremonially discarded. Alternatively they may represent the accumulated debris of vessels that were ritually terminated following their use in cave rituals.
In addition to the natural beauty of the area, Barton Creek Cave contains many cultural remains left in the cave by the ancient Maya, centuries ago. Artifacts, hearths, modified cave formations, and human skeletons were deposited on cave ledges as part of the ritual activities of the ancient inhabitants of Barton Creek Valley. Archaeological investigations in the cave established that the May began utilizing the site some 1,800 years ago, during the Early Classic period (around AD 250). This is typical of caves in this area, however at Barton Creek, Early Classic remains are found farther into the cave than at other sites. During the Late Classic period ritual activity in the cave increased substantially but eventually terminated around AD 900.
Ancient Maya activity in Barton Creek Cave generally conforms to patterns of cave use in the regions, and the placement of human remains in brimstone pools, or in places where water flows, suggests that humans were sacrificed to earth deities and the rain deities and the rain god Chac. Artifacts discovered in the cave also help to determine the nature of ancient cave use. Large jars (ollas) were sometimes placed under formations with dripping water. Other jars, containing corn or other produce, served as offerings to the gods. Areas with broken ceramic vessels may be indicative of period-ending events (katuns, baktuns, etc.) where old ritual vessels were ceremonially discarded. Alternatively they may represent the accumulated debris of vessels that were ritually terminated following their use in cave rituals.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORK
Barbara MacLeod is the first person on record to conduct reconnaissance in Barton Creek Cave. In the mid-1970's, MacLeod and Carol J. Rushin, returned to the site as part of a Belize Department of Archaeology survey of cave sites.
Despite this early interest, intensive research of Barton Creek Cave only began in the late 1990's. Following several seasons of cave research in the Roaring Creek Valley, Jaime Awe, director of the Western Belize Regional Cave Project (WBRCP), focused investigations on Barton Creek. The project began with a brief reconnaissance in 1998 to determine the archaeological potential of the site. The investigations were initiated following a request by the Belize Department of Archaeology to inventory all the cultural materials still preserved within the cave. Awe, Vanessa Owens, Mike Mirro and David and Eleonor Larson have continued investigations of the site into 2004. Their research at Barton Creek is ongoing as they continue their efforts to understand the nature of prehistoric Maya cave utilization.
Barbara MacLeod is the first person on record to conduct reconnaissance in Barton Creek Cave. In the mid-1970's, MacLeod and Carol J. Rushin, returned to the site as part of a Belize Department of Archaeology survey of cave sites.
Despite this early interest, intensive research of Barton Creek Cave only began in the late 1990's. Following several seasons of cave research in the Roaring Creek Valley, Jaime Awe, director of the Western Belize Regional Cave Project (WBRCP), focused investigations on Barton Creek. The project began with a brief reconnaissance in 1998 to determine the archaeological potential of the site. The investigations were initiated following a request by the Belize Department of Archaeology to inventory all the cultural materials still preserved within the cave. Awe, Vanessa Owens, Mike Mirro and David and Eleonor Larson have continued investigations of the site into 2004. Their research at Barton Creek is ongoing as they continue their efforts to understand the nature of prehistoric Maya cave utilization.