The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1890-11-07
COSTA RIGA LETTER.
Interesting Antiquities Stiff TO 30 seen ia
Observation-Disclosures Cliff Dwelling
An Ancient Spanish Cathedral.
Especial Correspondcncc1


Especial Correspondence
Guatemala, as an ancient Indian
Kingdom and even when a Spanish
colonial province, was of mucs larger
dimensions than at the present day.
The origin of the native monarchy,
conquered by the Knights of Old Castillo.
is ascribcd to q people called tho
Nahoas-a branch of tho tribo that had
founded tho cities of Palenquc and
lula in Eucatan, which was then called
Kibalhay. The leader of this fierce but
ighly-civilzcd tribe was called Vatan,
and. being also prophet and priest, wore
for his symbolical hcad-dress the plumcs
of tho rare bird quctzal, from which
comes, no doubt, tho tito Cacigue,
adopted by his official successors.
The many strange stories of this
powerful, Governments. which must have
been in existence for seven or eight
centuries previous to tho Spanish in
vasion, are preserved in local tradition.
And the country is rich in interest to
the antiquarian and historical student
Not far from the present capital Of
Guatemala, on the road to the site Of
the old city, and In the center Of an OK
tensive plain, are numerous burial
mounds, from eight to twenty-five and
thirty yards in diameter. This must
have been tho battle-ground Of tho
chiefs of tho ruling tribe. Some re-
searches were made here couple of
years ago by brigham, tho English
explorer, who spent several months
in the country. His diggings brought
to light pottery. domestic utensils, some
textile fabrics and many curiouslv-
wrought golden ornaments. beautiful
urns have also been uncarthcd. but no
skeletons, which leads to the conclusion
that these people must have crcmated
their dead.
Close to the Mexican boundary but
within the dominion OF Guatemala, near
tolima lies quite an uncXplorcd coun-
try called Soconusco, where arc said TO
be remains OF entire cities hidden decp
in the forest junglcs. 1t is with the ut
most pain and hardship that white
man can reach these places. Ono of the
most striking objects there is the Mai
goddess, Il sphinX-lille image, but instead
OF u female head it has = bats, and
snake is biting the nose. How strange
it must be To. III y dense. tropical for
est, come suddenly upon these curious
images lost for long centuries, hidden
under the crccpcrs and vines.
On tho high tabc-land Of Coban, in
the district of Vera poz. is long,
lonely avenue. stretching moro than
four miles. bordorcd on each side by an
cicnt stones covered all over with Curl
ously carved representations OF hcathen
gods. and intricate carvings OF geomet-
rical ornamc:taton. There are too. Il
number OF ruins around Santa Lucia
worthy Ola visit. though not in near so
perfect :; state OF preservation as those
of tho high tablclands.
Another region. as vet little explored,
is round about l.aquna dc Flores, called
the Land Of fctcn." Tho whole coun-
try here is dotted over with prehistoric
and abandoned villages of moro recent
date. The Indians at present living in
this vicinity are very fierce. and rumor
credits them with slight taste for hui
man flesh.
On the western shore of Lake pctcn
VIC lind the noted "cliT dwellings," In
a natural cavc Of the steep cliff which
falls abruptly into the lake, men made
an abode which scrvct, rs IL secure re-
treat and shelter against the attack of
their foes. Tho houses are mostly built
OF sun-dricd brick Down on tho lako
shore are some traces OF lacustrine
dwellings. But whence camc these an
cicnt dwcllcrs here. and whittier they
went, nobody will ever know.
The region around Lake Atitlan
abounds with interesting Mayal ruins
There are two baSaltic rocks of canical
shape. covered all over with curious
hicroglyphics. limo and the elements
have played sad havoc with the inscrip-
tions about The summit. bat near tho
bottom many are yet Of quite perfect
form.
Farther on. on the slope towards the
east. ave remnants of an ancient temple
buried under ashes and scori;p from q