Indian Creek, Toledo, Belize — Central America

E-Group

Photographed By James Hulse, January 29, 2024

1. E-Group Marker

Inscription. The E-Group is an assemblage of buildings that are arranged to provide a fixed location for observing the movement of the sun, moon and stars. This architectural feature was first identified at Uaxactun, Guatemala, and at several other centres since then. This type of assemblage is present in the South Group at Nim Li Punit. A major religious building (Structure 3) stands on the west side of the plaza facing east. On the opposite side of the plaza, a long structure or terrace (Structure 1) is arranged north to south, and facing west. In front of Structure 1 stand at least three stone markers which, when observed from the stairway of the western structure, coincide with the spot on the horizon at which the sun rises on the shortest and longest days of the year (solstices) and on the equinoxes. The ballcourt is part of the E-Group assemblage and is situated just north of the E-Group.

Erected by Institute of Archaeology National Institute of Culture and History.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans.

Location. 16° 19.249′ N, 88° 49.481′ W. Marker is in Indian Creek, Toledo. Marker is on Nim Li Punit Mayan Ruins Road, 0.4 kilometers

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

north of Southern Highway. The marker is located in the Nim Li Punit Mayan Ruins and there is a small fee to visit. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 16 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Royal Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Tomb #1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Ball Court (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Ball Court (approx. 15 kilometers away).

Also see . . . Nim Li Punit. The Mayan Ruins Website

Nim Li Punit is a small, yet important archaeological zone located in the south of Belize. It is a modern name meaning “Big Hat” in Kekchi Maya after an image of a ruler depicted on a stela recovered from the site. Its original name has yet to be deciphered.

The site is centered upon the leveled summits of small hills within a richly diverse tropical forest situated in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. It was established to exploit the areas natural resources and to take advantage of the extensive trade network that existed in the region. It is situated 9 miles/15 kms northeast of, and was contemporaneous with, the Maya site of Lubaantun which was the main political/economic center in the region. The population has been estimated between 5,000 to 7,000 individuals.

(Submitted on February 3, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The E-Group and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, January 29, 2024

2. The E-Group and Marker

Structures opposite of the E-Group Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, January 29, 2024

3. Structures opposite of the E-Group Marker

Closeup of Structure 1 and the 3 stone markers of E-Group image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, January 29, 2024

4. Closeup of Structure 1 and the 3 stone markers of E-Group

Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 45 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 3, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.