Mayan Cultural Conservatory

The grassroots Mayan Cultural Conservatory was founded by two dedicated Anthropologists in 2017. Their mission is to preserve the few remaining Traditional Mayan Roofs in Chicxulub Pueblo, Yucatan, Mexico.

Traditional indigenous buildings in the region are under imminent threat due to the convergence of tourism and gentrification, propelled by government policies and modernisation efforts. This multi-faceted issue carries significant cultural, social, and environmental consequences.

One pressing challenge is the cultural erosion that occurs as indigenous communities are displaced from their ancestral lands to make way for tourism-related developments. Traditional buildings, rich in cultural and historical significance, are often abandoned or demolished in the process. This results in the loss of architectural styles, construction techniques, and artistic expressions passed down through generations.

These structures reflect a deep understanding of local environments, climates, and sustainable resource utilisation. They often incorporate eco-friendly practices such as using locally sourced, renewable materials. As these buildings vanish, so too does the invaluable traditional knowledge that has been honed over centuries.

Furthermore, the introduction of modern, non-indigenous construction methods associated with tourism can lead to deforestation, resource depletion, and increased pollution, exacerbating environmental challenges. 

This unique project is committed to countering these problematic developments and the conservation of homes constructed in the traditional Mayan manner.