Yucatec Maya language
The name Kinal means "something that heats" in the Yucatec Maya language. In the K'iche' Maya language, "kinal" is used to refer a sacred fire. The first archaeological excavations were carried out in 1990 by the Proyecto Regional Ixcanrio ("Ixcanrio Regional Project"), directed by Richard Adams of the University of Texas. The site has suffered significant damage at the hands of looters but is now protected by custodians.