A chultun is a feature of many Maya archaeological sites, and a sub-surface storage facility excavated by the ancient Maya into the soft limestone bedrock of Central America and Mexico.
Maya Chultun Cross Section and Plan. Drawing by Tousleso
Originally thought to be a well for collecting rain water, as is illustrated is this neat little cross-section and plan, archaeological experimentation and variations in the construction of chultunes in the Yucatan and Peten regions of Mexico and Guatemala have identified at least two other possible functions: food storage, particularly breadnut seeds; and, most intriguingly, as a still for making fermented beverages.
- Read more about Chultun, in a new article from contributing writer Nicoletta Maestri
- Breadnut Tree
- What's a "Feature" to an archaeologist?
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