Cenotes are natural geological features found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. The Yucatan Peninsula is primarily made of limestone and there are no surface rivers in the Yucatan. Rainfall throughout the Yucatan quickly penetrates the porous and honeycombed limestone eventually creating an intricate and seemingly infinite maze of underground rivers.

A break in the limestone shelf which exposes the underground river systems is called a cenote (SE-N0-TAY). Cenotes can be found on the surface but more frequently they are part of an underground cave. Formed over millions of years, these spectacular caves feature crystal clear waters along with impressive stalagmite and stalactite formations.

In ancient times, the Maya civilization relied on fresh water cenotes for everything ranging from drinking water, to crop irrigation, to an essential element in masonry, to ceremonial and burial sites, to shelters from hurricanes and tropical storms.

In fact, during the extensive excavation on our own cenote, we uncovered archeological proof of the diversity of use of our cenote by the Maya people over literally thousands of years. Over the last few years, we have collected hundreds of pottery shards as well as other interesting artifacts. These artifacts range from common water vase ceramic to more intricate and possibly ceremonial pottery. Original carvings, artwork, and/or color can still be seen on many of our pieces.

Recently, Professor Dominique Rissolo, Ph.D., head of San Diego State Department of Anthropology studied our pottery shards and was kind enough to provide us with a fascinating report explaining their likely origins, their approximate age, and probable purpose.

Much to our surprise, some of our pieces date back 2,000 years! Our pottery pieces are on display at Taninah and Dr. Rissolo’s report is available to those interested in reading it and finding out more about Taninah’s original inhabitants!