Abstract

CORTES CAMPOS, Inés. Of Rain-forest and Salt Mines: A Social History of Two Town-Companies in Eastern Yucatán (1930-1970). Estud. cult. maya [online]. 2013, vol.42, pp.119-144. ISSN 0185-2574.

Although the tourism industry has been a major force in organizing the South and East of the Yucatan Peninsula in recent years, before its irruption several activities focused in obtaining raw materials were developed. These activities had a great impact on the formation of this modern social space. In order to contribute to the study of the recent history of the Southeast of the Yucatan Peninsula, this paper presents the social history of two populations engaged in industrial production of sea salt and precious woods, activities which for most of the twentieth century constituted important vectors in the exploitation of the mentioned area. The main purpose is to discuss modern construction processes and regional transformation of the Eastern Yucatan Peninsula in light of the rise and changes of the two populations.

Keywords : region; company-town; salt; forestry company; Yucatan.