The Maya conceived the universe as a large Ceiba tree whose roots, trunk and canopy represented the connection between the underworld, Earth and the skies.
The souls of the dead rested among its branches before descending into the underworld.
This tells us of the ancestral importance that trees have in Yucatan, a land which, despite its tropical location, has poor rocky soils. Trees offer shelter and relief from the peninsula’s generous sunrays.
Yucatan has a wide variety of both hard and softwood trees, among which are Mexican cedar, mahogany, tamay and zapote.
Wood carving has been a widespread activity among the Maya since pre-Hispanic times. Indeed, this was the major source of tools and utensils, ceremonial objects, furniture and musical instruments. Prominent among the latter were the “tunkul”, a slitdrum made of a hollowed-out trunk, and the “sacatan”, a vertical wooden drum with a deerskin drumhead.
Woodworking has persisted in several Yucatecan villages in three basic forms: carved wood, marquetry and woodturning. Hence, one can find different items, from furniture to small pieces like plates, vessels, traditional chocolate churns and boxes.
Source: Merida artesanal (Handcrafts in Merida)
Segunda edicion 2005.
City Council of Merida
