Re: A Message from a Spiritual Leader
whalen@utkvx.utk.edu
Tue, 10 Jan 1995 16:16:24 -0500
I recently spent some time with t h Mayans of Guatemala. I've been around
these folks several times and hav visited several cites including Tikal,
and coban. Then i heard a piece about a large cite in Belize where a couple
was excavation another cite. Their attempt to e plain who might or might
not be buried in a tomb there was interesting but I did wonder about the
value of digging these folks up. They talked about how the Mayans felt that
the dead should be keep close by. This they said was different from our
western culture's feeling about the dead. But how would we react to our
dead being dug up for curiosity sake? It doesn't seem that real sound
answers are often found. I guess that once a cite has been excavated the
dead ould be open to theives, grave robbers. I didn't see the original
piece/posting but am curious as to the feelings of a professional on this
issue. What are the alternatives. I will say that looking at Tikal, etc was
an incredible experience. Is there a respectful way to have access and not
disturb the dead. Thanks. Peace, mike. x