The state of Yucatán has customs and traditions that make it unique, from its gastronomy and the friendliness of its people to its dances, clothing, and even houses. Some are decorated with peculiar walls, known as “Albarradas”.
In some municipalities in the state, you can still see these limestone walls in houses built efficiently.
This Yucatecan tradition has been passed down from generation to generation in rural areas. It has a Mayan origin, from the construction of the pyramids to the delimitation of roads.
As time went by, its function began to change. Initially, they were built to protect crops from marauding animals, and later, they were used to separate properties and divide land.
The size of these buildings is 3,2 feet (one meter) high, which favors coexistence with neighbors.
For some, its construction is artisanal, as precision and patience are required to prevent the stacked stones from falling.
In this type of wall, “wedges” are usually used, which are small stones that help the large stones fit since they do not use cement.
Furthermore, its preparation involves a high risk since large stones are handled, which can cause falls or injuries due to lifting weights. Local people recommend using a belt to support the weight and ensure protection.
Although modernization has decreased the use of Albarradas in architecture, especially in the city, they are still seen in some houses, both for the protection of the home and to preserve privacy.
Near the municipality of Chumpón, in front of section 6 of the Mayan Train, 205 archaeological monuments were found, including two terraces, two wells, 53 foundations, and 83 Albarradas.
According to a bulletin from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), these remains date from the Classic Mayan period (300 to 600 AD) and have varied dimensions, ranging from 5 to 400 meters in length, one meter wide and an average of 70 centimeters high. The analysis of the 83 Albarradas highlighted aspects of the way of life of the ancient settlers, such as the use of space and structures, as well as the activities they carried out at the regional level.
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