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Chechem Hay Maya
Pottery Cave.
  Atop
the Vaca Plateau in Black Rock Cayon overlooking the Macal River in the Cayo District, rests a small subsistence
farm belonging to the Moralez family, who only recently discovered a
cave on their property while hunting with their dogs. You can
imagine their amazement when, upon later exploring the cave, they
found over sixty intact Maya jars and other pottery that have
remained undisturbed since the cave was abandoned around 900 A.D.
This interesting day's outing begins in Benque Viejo del Carmen,
where you turn southward on the locally named "Hydro," or "Arenal
Road." This well-maintained dirt road, which is not shown on some
maps, would eventually take you to the Mollejon Hydro Project, but,
about ten miles from Benque, you will see a small sign pointing down
a
 narrow
drive indicating the direction of Chechem Hah. This short path
takes you across a clear stream, which, if you follow it about 30
feet, makes a straight, 200 foot drop on its way to the Macal River
below...not a view for the faint of heart. After a short briefing by
the local guide, we were equipped with flashlights and led up a
rather steep trail through the jungle, on a 20-30 minute hike to the
mouth of the cave. The small, unimpressive opening of this cave,
discovered in November of 1989, divulges little of what lies beyond.
As you step into the cool darkness, the cave opens up to reveal
tall,
 narrow
rooms, littered with pottery, and winding limestone passageways.
There are many overhead ledges, which are viewed by climbing
handmade ladders and standing at the top, admiring the cluster of
pottery displayed there. While the Department of Archaeology (DoA)
has not yet conducted an official excavation, to determine the
actual date of the pottery and the purpose for which the cave was
used, it is estimated that many of the pots date back as early as
200 BC. It is possible that the cave was used as a grain
 storage
depot, but it may also have been used for ceremonial purposes. While
some of the pottery has been moved to the "Vault" at the DoA in
Belmopan, a special arrangement has been made to allow the majority
of it to remain in the cave, exactly as it was found. The tour
of the cave lasts an hour or so, and involves several ladders and
even some modified "rope-climbing" through narrow corridors, as you
explore the many levels and channels. At the end of the cave is a
large, high-ceilinged room, where it is believed that sacrificial
ceremonies were held. Belize is known for its adventures and those
who make the trip to Chechem Hah will not be disappointed.
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