The jade head was discovered at in the Belize District’s Mayan site of Altun Ha in 1968 by Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum of Canada. The head, along with forty other objects, had been placed within a large tomb that was located below the stairblock on the Temple of the Masonry Altars. At the center of the tomb were the remains of an elderly adult male. This elite person was likely an important ruler of the site during his lifetime and may have commissioned an artist to produce the large carved object. We do not know the exact date that the head was carved, but analysis of cultural remains within the tomb suggests that the burial, and accompanying grave goods, were deposited in the structure sometime between 600 and 650 A.D.
Weighing 9.75 pounds and standing almost 6 inches high, the jade head remains the single largest carved jade object yet discovered in the Maya area. Its crossed eyes, fang-like elements on either side of the mouth, and the ahau glyph on the forehead all identify the head as a representation of the Maya sun god Kinich Ahau. Along with Chac (rain god) and Yum Kax (corn god), Kinich Ahau was among the most important deities in the Maya pantheon.
The Kinich Ahau head is truly a remarkable object and exquisite work of art. It is the only one of its kind in all of Mesoamerica. Because it was carved with nothing more than stone tools, we know that it may have taken many months, if not years, to produce. It was also carved from one large solid piece of jade that was imported from the Motagua River Valley region of Guatemala. Jade was also the most precious of stones to the Maya. Beside its exotic origins, its green colour reflected that of water and the corn plant, the two most precious, life sustaining substances to the ancient Maya of northern Belize.
As it undoubtedly was to the prehistoric inhabitants of Altun Ha, the jade head continues to be a most important icon to the people of Belize today. It is prominently displayed on all Belize currency and has become an important symbol of our nation.
Carlota, Candy and Mirsa are our most pleasant (not to mention the loveliest) of our servers here at Ka’ana. I dodged them while they took a well-deserved break out by the fire deck. They were as always, happy to speak with me and definitely willing to pose for the camera
Do you have any specials you personally prefer from our menu?
Carlota: I love the glazed pork chops – the way these guys prepare it so juicy and tender makes your mouth water – its really good!
Candy: I love lobster – when its in season I will definitely always have it and recommend it.
Mirsa: I definitely love the shrimp-chorizo wrap, when I eat here this has always been a favorite and I always recommend to guests as well.
What do you guys love most about your job here at Ka’ana and what inspires you?
Carlota: well to tell the truth, I honestly love the natural beauty of the place. I love going about my work and hearing the birds singing early in the morning, the trees and nature in general; knowing that guests are enjoying it.
Candy: I love interacting with guests. I love serving them new things and seeing them enjoy it and knowing that I contribute to their happiness.
Mirsa: I love seeing guests happy as well,showing them what I can about my country and helping them to get the best experience ever really makes me happy.
Where is Belize? That is the question most people ask when first hearing about Belize. Contrary to what some people think, Belize is not in South America, nor Africa. It is, however, situated in the heart of Central America.
Most people don’t know that this Caribbean wonder is just a hop, skip and a jump from the U.S. Right under Mexico, next to Guatemala, welcoming the waves of the Caribbean Sea in the East. But that is part of it’s charm.
For the most part, only a small portion of the world’s tourist population has been to Belize; that has kept Belize’s Barrier Reef, Maya ruins and pristine rain forest “unspoiled” for all to enjoy.
Belize has a wonderfully diverse society, made up of a multiplicity of cultures and speaking many languages. English is the official language but Spanish is widely spoken. It stands out as the country with the largest ratio of land to people. Unlike its neighbors and other developed countries, the country is uncrowded and full of wide open spaces.
Bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west, and the enchanting Caribbean sea to the east, our little jewel is only about 180 miles long and up to 68 miles wide. With a population of approximately 312,000 people (2011 census), the population density is the lowest in Central American and one of the lowest in the world making for wide open spaces to explore and discover.
Belize’s relatively undiscovered status has been one of the country’s most powerful attractants over the centuries and the inhabitants from the time of its modern history have liked it just that way. The area was the center of the vast Mayan Civilization founded about 2,000 B.C.
In Belize we grow up on sweet corn and here at Ka’ana we absolutely LOVE it. You can find it as a gelato and in some of our cocktails (Who doesn’t love Ka’ana’s signature Sweet Corn Colada?). Some people even add it to our fish tacos.
Corn is grown successfully in Belize, with the Cayo, Toledo and some parts of the Orange Walk District being particularly successful. It’s sweet, it’s crunchy and definitely satisfying and the best part is that you can get it from anywhere – from street vendors or fine restaurants in a variety of options.
As kids we grew up eating “sugar-corn” ice-cream and popsicles, you can also get rich and creamy atole – hot or chilled. Here in Belize we love sweet corn smothered in butter or lime and chile – even dipped in cream and sprinkle with cheese, yum yum!
The Mayas adored it, today’s new generations still enjoy it and now you too can get your sweet corn fix whenever you visit us!
THUPDI and Tsinghua University recently won the American Society of Landscape Architecture 2012 Honor Award for transforming an abandoned rock quarry in Shanghai into a garden oasis, complete with floating water walkway. After hearing the site had been closed to the public for over a decade, the team spent more than 6 years cleaning, planting, and restructuring the massive space. The final design is a unique multi-layered park that works closely with its quarry roots.
Wilbert has been with Ka’ana from the onset of the company in 2007, but has been a specialized tour guide even longer than that. He is an outgoing people-person who loves nature and the great outdoors (to say the least)! I caught up with him and shot off a few questions just before he headed off to his newest adventure of the day.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is showing off my beautiful country and sharing some of its secrets with guests the way I would with my own family. Knowing that many of them have never been in a jungle environment before makes me even more eager to teach them as well as learn a bit about the world they come from. Its a win-win situation.
What are some of the popular spots most people like and why?
ATM caves, Tikal, Xunantunich & Cave tubing are the most popular tours. People love it because they are having fun as well as learning even while they are immersing themselves in the Maya culture.
I’ve heard many guests comment that you are a walking encyclopedia. Where do you get your knowledge/inspiration?
(Laughing heartily) I believe my own grandfather is the real walking encyclopedia, I’ve learned so much from him while growing up right here in the heart of Maya country – and I am an actual Maya descendant! I add to my knowledge by reading history, watching documentaries on TV and believe it or not, also from my guests. I still truly believe that I learn something new everyday and my biggest inspiration – the love of my country, the land and my family.
I live by my own motto – “I do what I love, and I love what I do!”
Want to impress your sweetie this Valentine? Or maybe just impress your sweet tooth? Here’s something a little different from your ordinary box of chocolate.
1. Milk Fudge – This candy is a Belizean favorite made from boiled sweetened condensed milk, sugar and spices. Peanuts, cashews, coconut flakes or raisins are sometimes added.
2. Tablata – Another Belizean favourite, this candy is made from the grated young coconut meat mixed with thin ginger slices and sugar.
3. “Wangla” or “Jojoli” – This exotic tasting confection is made from toasted sesame seeds and sugar and pressed into a crunchy bar.
4.Cotobrute – Here’s another version of coconut sweets – this one is made of chunks of coconut and melted sugar.
5. “Tambran” – This is Tamarind mixed up with sugar and rolled into bite-size balls. Its sweet and tangy taste will make your mouth smile!
6. Coconut Tarts – Yeah, we never run out of goodies to make from coconut… A sweet coconut concoction is cooked with milk, sugar and spices and baked into this little beloved pastry.
8. Sweet Potato “Pone” – Some say “Pone”, others say “Pound” – whatever you want to call it, you’ve not tasted a true Belizean dessert if you have not tried it.
9. “Stretch-mi-guts” – Belizean coconut pull candy - not quite so common in Belize anymore so consider yourself lucky if you get to try it.
10. “Supa” or “Cocoyol” – This sweet stewed candy can make for a special treat as it is one of Belize’s traditional sweets derived from the Mestizos. This treat may is sticky, gooey but plenty delicious.
Meet Patricia Rodriguez, our Reservations Manager and Destination Wedding Coordinator. Patricia, affectionately known as “Patch” to all of us, is reserved and soft-spoken, but a steady and dedicated personality of Ka’ana. She works tirelessly with any guest, whether it’s about their stay or to co-ordinate their wedding day, to ensure that it will be amazing and everything they want it to be and more. We asked her a few questions about what motivates her.
What’s the most exciting part about your job?
Meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life; everyday is a new experience.
What keeps you focused on the details of other people’s weddings?
Knowing that the experiences our team puts together will create memories for our guests for a lifetime. When coordinating weddings I try to get in the mind of the bride to picture what she wants her special day to be like. That way I can ensure her wedding day is stress free, all she has to do is smile for the photos.
Do you have a favorite moment(wedding or otherwise) that stands out in your memory?
I’ll always remember my first wedding at Ka’ana. When Lauren & Eric walked over to their onsite wedding pergola it brought them to tears. It’s an amazing feeling to know that my team and I were a part of making that moment extra special.
