Author: Ella Békési

Small community museums or galleries are popping up everywhere, becoming hubs for research and community events. These places not only allow cultural preservation but also have the potential of boosting tourism and providing economic advantages to people in the area. Though the idea is great, most of these initiatives are often not sustainable. With the lack of an initial financial boost and business support, small community museums and centres barely keep afloat. They usually last no more than a year before they exhaust their resources and have to give up (1).

With this dark reality in mind, there are still success stories on the horizon. A small family-owned community museum initiative in the Belizean village of San Lazaro has become an encouraging example for the development of local tourism and heritage research. 

The museum is called U Chan Muul Yaax K’aax (Little Mound in the Green Forest). It is located between the archaeological sites of Cuello and Lamanai in the Orange Walk District of Northern Belize. The area is in the heart of the so-called sugar belt of Belize where the seasonal sugar cane industry and agricultural jobs provide the majority of the income. 

Ella B.: What is the history of the museum? How did it come to be?

Mr. Carillo: “The idea of historical research and creating a museum collection started in 2012 as part of an annual event called Festival del Pueblo (Festival of the People) held in December. 

There was little or no documentation of the community and its people, not only in our village but also in surrounding communities. Thus, we embarked on a journey of research.”

What institutions collaborated in this project?

“Today, U Chan Muul Yaax K’aax is owned by the Carillo family. I am currently the director of the museum and I am also involved with the development process. 

Through the Regional Maya Community-based Tourism Project (executed by the Mundo Maya Organization), the museum received a business plan and equipment valued at around US$ 12,000. 

The museum was initially made up of temporary outdoor exhibits. This investment and guidance from the National Institute of Culture and History allows ongoing construction of a museum building and creating a permanent display for visitors.”

What is in the museum? What can visitors see or experience?

“Future plans for the museum include setting up exhibitions that showcase artefacts and information from the pre-Hispanic Maya civilization, the Caste War (1847), and present-day Maya in the area. 

Each piece has its history depending on the period, Maya artefacts as well as traditional pieces, from different generations. There are artefacts from the Mayas, some have been passed on from generation to generation. We will exhibit pictures of Maya elders from various communities in honour of their contribution to the preservation of the Maya culture and language. Also, showcase clothing and attires to highlight their symbolism and importance.

The museum also has a small botanical medicinal and folklore garden and collaborates with local schools to provide an educational space and to put on traditional dance performances with students. There are also plans to add a traditional Maya kitchen where visitors will be able to see and prepare Maya food.”

How do you hope the museum will serve the San Lazaro community?

“The vision of the Carillo family is to serve the community economically, educationally and socially. Our goal is to engage communities and transform knowledge. 

By visiting the museum, it will help the community, and the visitor will feel at home. Since we opened, we have considered a people’s museum, a place to celebrate our local art, history and identity. [We want] to be welcoming, inclusive, and make a real difference in the lives of our people as well as in the health and vitality of our community.”

U Chan Muul Yaax K’aax truly is a community effort out of genuine interest and love for the local cultures and history. Starting with exhibition material that has been passed down from generation to generation, or the involvement of local schools, it shows that when community business efforts are supported, they can be advocates for economic, educational and cultural sustainability.”

If you are considering a visit alone, the museum provides guided tours with local guides. Make sure to follow the U Chan Muul Yaax K’aax Facebook page for updates on the latest events or contact Mr. Hugo Carillo at dbvoy@hotmail.com for guidance.

Further resources:

Pok Ta Pok – An Ancient, but re-emerging sport in Belize

Destination Belize – Beyond the pages: Pok Ta Pok

(1) This is an issue that appears internationally but I have personally witnessed several initiatives fall apart in Belize. The core of the problem is simply that people do not look at these projects as business ideas and they often fail to plan for the future. Many of these great initiatives fall apart before they even get exposure and it is hard to trace them. Several organizations, such as Heritage Education Network Belize and Sustainable Preservation Initiative (SPI), are aiming to deliver business education and guidance for sustainable project plans to ensure the success of community initiatives. Check out their projects for more info on the topic. For Belize-specific community engagement initiatives, you can look at the Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture here.