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Colonialism and Oro Verde


In the mid-1500's Yucatan saw the beginning of some dramatic changes. Conquistadors came to knock down and re-build their own mansions and churches from the rubble of Mayan stones. Fusion of cultures and genetics began to take place at a rapid rate and the predominant form of agriculture changed from homesteading to plantations.

Fiber production put Yucatan on the world map and saw ports like Sisal explode with the growth of the export market. So what is this plant known as "green gold" that helped the rich get richer and the poor get poorer? What is it about this spiky cousin to agave that spurred the rise of the mestizo and a caste war? How can the simple production of rope and twine cause such large social and cultural changes?

Before we can start to answer these kinds of questions, we took a hands-on look back in time to see what the plantations and factories looked like.

taking a look at the machines that crush the spiky leaves to extract the strong fiber

The workers need to use heavy gloves to keep their hands safe from the spines. 


we set out bundles of the soaking fiber to dry in the hot sun



We saw how the fiber was bundled to be sent off to artists or to factories that make rope and twine

taking a break in the shade

Processing a small batch of henequen


Today this fiber is used mostly in crafts 


We tried our hand!



The group!
During this trip we also visited a colonial city that is known for it's downtown that is painted bright yellow. Perhaps the most notable characteristic of this city is the large catholic convent sitting on top of the base of a Mayan pyramid. And from the top of another ruin you get spectacular views! 

One side of the convent

Exploring the downtown area


Chatting with the locals


About to climb the piramid

We made it to the top! 

Checking out the view



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