Altun Ha, an archaeological site 31 miles from Belize City, was a significant ceremonial center in the Maya Culture. Known to archaeologists in 1963, Altun Ha functioned as a central trading link between the Caribbean Coast and Maya Centers in the interior during the Maya Classic Period. The Maya occupied this ancient city from 250 BC to AD 1000 and reached its peak from AD 400 to AD 900, with a population of 8,000 to 10,000 people. Altun Ha is the Yucatec translation for “Rockstone water,” situated near Rockstone Pond along the Old Northern Highway.
After excavation, thirteen (13) plazas, two (2) main temples, and residential structures on the vast 1,500-acre land are visible. One of the prominent temples is the “Temple of the Masonry Altars,” which stands approximately 53 feet high (this temple is on the Belikin Beer logo design). Unique features of this site also include the absence of carved stelae and a Maya-made reservoir. Meanwhile, its most notable artifact is a large jade carving, “Kinich Ahau.”
Kinich Ahau is the Yucatec Maya name for the Maya Sun God depicted on the 10-pound, 6-inch-high jade. Popularly known as “The Jade Head,” it was discovered and excavated in a tomb at the Temple of the Masonry Altars. It is the largest carved jade object found in Mesoamerica. Two Belizeans named Wilhem Leslie and Winston Herbert, working alongside Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum of Canada, found it in 1968, five years after the excavation of Altun Ha.
The jade used to make the artifact came from the ancient mines along the Motagua River Valley in Eastern Guatemala. The Jade Head is considered the Crown Jewel of Belize and is renowned for its perfectly symmetrical carvings. It is stored at the Central Bank of Belize, and its likeness is a watermark on all Belizean currency.
Today, Altun Ha is a must-see in Belize for all local and global travelers to learn about Belize’s Maya Culture. It is a popular stop, especially for cruise tourists, due to its proximity to Belize City.
