In the Womb of the Earth: Sex in the Maya Cave Setting

Abstract

In this thesis, I investigate how caves, both spatially and symbolically, have been associated with sex among Maya groups, examine whether the link between landscape features and sex can increase our understandings of Mayan worldviews, and explore how the connection between caves and sex can be applied to future research. I conclude that among Maya groups, real or symbolic caves will likely have a sexual element associated with them and the link between the landscape and sex can expand our knowledge of Mayan worldviews. Lastly, I discuss the various ways caves' ties to sex could provide a basis for future research. For this thesis, I used sources from multiple disciplines, reviewed primary and secondary sources that relate to Maya and/or other Mesoamerican groups, read sources not specific to the Maya or greater Mesoamerican area, looked at both English and Spanish sources, and used ethnographic analogy.