It is estimated that approximately 1,600 years ago, the Mayan civilization erected an artificial island that was intended to be a large cemetery. For this reason, they named it Jaina, which means House on the Water.
This site, located north of Campeche, was also an important ceremonial center; and it is famous because many anthropomorphic clay figurines have been found there, which are believed to have been deposited as mortuary offerings and are a living portrait of our Mayan ancestors.
Jaina, part of the Mayan Train route
The Mayan Train route is planned to pass through 21 archaeological zones open to the public. And for this, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) reported in a statement dated September 8, 2022 that works are being done to improve the infrastructure in these areas, as well as conservation.
In this way, the island of Jaina will be part of section 2 with the Escárcega to Calkiní route, which is 235 kilometers long.
And it is that Jaina is a very interesting area because it has two complexes of pyramidal structures; other small buildings scattered to the northwest and southeast of the islet and vestiges of a ball court.
Regarding the cemetery or necropolis, It is estimated that it contains approximately 20 thousand tombs, of which more than a thousand have been excavated, where pieces of pottery and objects made of vitreous material were discovered in each one, placed on the chest or in the hands of those who occupied the tombs.
Archaeological zones, boost to tourism
To promote both national and international tourism through the Mayan Train, a project of investigation and maintenance of pre-Hispanic structures was integrated.
Specifically in Jaina, work is being carried out to enable access to the island, through the construction of a bridge. An archaeological research camp was also installed, which has identified various architectural elements, such as the old pier on the island, which seems to have had a commercial use.
The Mayan Train is projected to add 1,500 kilometers in eight sections that cover the states of Chiapas, Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatán.
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