Layers of Life in Death: Yucatan, Mexico

This is part of a larger body of work over a 3 year period and is ongoing. It's a journey of self discovery and way to share with others who, like me, have felt disconnected from our culture. It started as a bicycle ride along a lone highway on our way to investigate some caves. We happened upon a cemetery and it was so colorful and pretty I wanted to take some photos. I noticed instead of coffins there were small tin boxes. A family we were staying with explained the Mayan burial rituals unique to the region. Loved one's remains are exhumed after 3-6 years and the bones are added to the family "casitas". The traditions are in place to always remember and stay connected to our ancestors. I first experienced death at 14 when I was with my friend at the time of her passing. I work in healthcare. I feel this has also been a way for me to process. Death in our culture is looked right in the eyes and dealt with with all the emotions. But it always ends with celebration of life. Hanal Pixan is the Mayan version of the Aztec "Dia de Los Muertos" many have become familiar with. This project is a result of my exploration into the many ways Mayan's in the Yucatan region of Mexico bury and honor ancestors.