Mayan Bee’s & their jobones of Gold

In Mexico, there 46 types of stingless bees, of which 30.4% are endemic. One species of stingless bee, also known as melipona bees or Mayan bees, produce honey with incredible medicinal properties. Of these species, Melipona beecheii (Yucatan Peninsula), Scaptotrigona mexicana (Gulf and Central Mexico) and Scaptotrigona hellwegeri (Guerrero) stand out. The relationship that the Mayans have with this species is very old, and they even assigned a deity associated with the care of their precious bees: Ah Mucen Kab (the one who watches over the bees).

Bees play an important role in the maintenance of biodiversity, as they pollinate 30 to 40% of the plant species in the ecosystems where they live. They are responsible for the pollination of plants such as: Achiote, Botoncillo, Framboyan, Habanero chile, Avocado, Coffee, Pumpkin, Chayote, Mango, cucumber, watermelon, tomato, among others.

Melipona bees feed on the flowers of the jungle and according to tradition they must be cared for by noble people. Their hives are called  “jobones” (hollowed out trunks of different trees), and the meliponas choose the one that they want to live in. The most renowned honey is the product of the characteristic tree of the region, Dzidzilché, which results in honey with a thick and aromatic consistency.

Each jobón  produces about a liter of honey per year, compared to honeybees which produce around 70 liters a year. The Mayan honey is worth a lot more due to its healing properties and the fact that so little is produced yearly. Additionally, melipona bee pollen has a protein value 50 percent higher than that of other bees.

According to Mayan healers, this kind of honey has the power to restore the hun ol (which was the well-being and harmony of the hearts), the Mayans assigned its kinam (vigour, strength and strength): uses for honey are aiding during childbirth; work on eye infections and cataracts; increased circulation; help in digestive issues; can reduce fevers and be used on cuts and insects bites to name a few.

The ancient Maya also honored the Melipona in religious ceremonies. A priest would preside over the harvesting of honey twice per year. There are a few beekeepers left today who still observe the ancient religious practices, but a more comprehensive record of the bee's religious importance can be found in the Madrid Codex, one of only three verified remaining codices made by the ancient Mayans around 1,100 years ago. A surprising proportion of the codex depicts beekeeping methods and the Mayan bee god, Ah Mucen Kab.

On our excursion, we will visit a Mayan shaman who keeps the bees and will get to look at their hives, taste, and buy their honey.