From Polé to Xaman-Há, Maya settlements on the Caribbean coast of modern-day Mexico were often dedicated to assisting pilgrims on their way to the temples of fertility goddess Ixchel, often established on nearby islands. One island was so full of female idols that the Spanish named it Isla Mujeres, or Island of Women, while in Cozumel, several temples dedicated to the goddess were well-known pilgrimage sites. The Cozumel site now known as San Gervasio was not part of a temple, but was one of the island communities that hosted pilgrims…
