Takalik Abaj

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On a Sunday morning we headed out of Xela for the coast. First to Reu, then to El Asintal, and finally a pickup that took us to Las Ruinas de Takalik Abaj. The name Takalik Abaj, which was until recently known as Abaj Takalik (wow! big difference I know), means "Stopped Stone". It was a pre-Classic site and is not very interesting for the average site-goer, but for someone who is interested and has read about the religious, cultural, and political significance of this place it is incredibly saturated with interesting tidbits.

I had never been here before so I had really been looking forward to checking it out. It is really great to be able to go anywhere I want (granted it has to be within a certain time/distance from Xela) and get it paid for by the school. I love it!

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Photos

potbelly statue
this is an Olmec statue of a potbellied deity (i think it was a deity)

on side of stelae 11
this deity has a serpent wrapped around his waist