Mayan cave vandalized

There is distressing news tonight from the world of archeology, where it seems one of Belize’s most interesting repositories of ancient Maya culture has been violated. The Chechem Ha cave on Cayo’s Vaca Plateau had been accidentally discovered in 1989 by area residents. It was found to hold dozens of Maya pots, plates and bowls which had remained untouched for perhaps a thousand years. In what was considered to be a farsighted and progressive move the Archeology Department left most of the artifacts exactly where they were found and built a secure entrance to the cave. Members of the Morales family, which found the ceremonial site, were appointed caretakers of the cave and over the last decade have guided thousands of visitors through the mysteries of that subterranean world. Today, however, there is less of that heritage to see, as we have confirmed that in late February thieves broke the locks on the cave door and made off with twelve of the smaller artifacts and also smashed one large pot which was perhaps too heavy to carry. No arrests have yet been made but there are suspicions that jealousy on the part of neighbors may have played a role in the crime. The cave’s entrance has been strengthened and there is still much for visitors to see. They just won’t see quite as much as William Neal did when he captured these shots in 1992. The Chechem Ha resort and cave is accessible via the road to the Mollejon hydro plant.