Tulum - Temple of the God Descending

(Local Name: Templo del Dios Descendente) Directly to the north of the Castillo is the Temple of the God Descending (Templo del Dios Descendente); Building/Edificio no. 5). The temple was erected on top of an older structure; it is striking because its walls taper downwards, a method of building which was supposed to provide a special stability. The Temple of the God Descending only possesses one single room; the niche over the entrance contains a stucco sculpture of the God Descending (flying, diving downwards). This deity, which occurs over and over again in Tulum, has wings on its arms and shoulders, as well as a bird's tail. This figure has given rise to various interpretations: the swooping bee, the evening