Word: bonampak
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Dates: during 1947-1947
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Archeologist Healey was led up a mysterious trail to a place called Bonampak, where eleven ancient temples lay hidden in the jungle. The biggest was called "El Tigre" (the mountain lion). When Healey entered its inner sanctum, a live mountain lion bounded out. This pleased the Lacandones; the temple's faithful guardian...
...Bonampak was so big that Healey returned to civilization to get some help. Last winter United Fruit, in cooperation with the Carnegie Institution and the Mexican Government, sent a full-dress expedition to explore...
Though not the most striking of Mayan "Old Empire" ruins, Bonampak is remarkably well preserved. Three stelae (record stones) have fallen on their faces, protecting their elaborate carvings from weather damage. Three intact inner rooms contain the most perfect specimens of Mayan fresco painting. In full color, Mayan kings, priests and warriors parade across the walls carrying umbrellas, waving fans, blowing horns and beating drums...
When the foreigners left Bonampak, the gentle Lacandones set fire to the huts the intruders had lived in. They hoped that a burnt offering would appease their gods...