Travels in Chiapas and Tabasco

Just got back from an unforgettable research trip in southern Mexico. Our particular aim was to meet contemporary Maya. We started in San Cristobal de Las Casas and visited the Maya villages of San Juan Chamula, Zinacantán and San Andrés Larráinzar. The next day it was down twisty mountain roads to the ancient Maya ruins of Toniná – a city which was often at war with Palenque. Death images and sculptured captives where everywhere. Then it was down to the coast of Tabasco to visit Comalcalco an ancient Maya city made of brick. Last stop was the giant Olmec heads at Parque La Venta.

Outside the church at Chamula. Inside photography is strictly forbidden.

This woman in San Andres Larrainzar gave us a lesson in traditional Maya weaving and the symbolism in the designs.

Fragments of stucco gods at Toniná

Posing with Maya king B'alam Ya Acal at Toniná in Chiapas

Maya pyramids were usually built of stone, but at Comalcalco they were built of clay bricks.

Posing with one of the giant Olmec heads at La Venta