A well-preserved and large machine house, or casa de maquina, where the henequen shredding machines (planta desfibradora) were used to render fibers from the henequen plant at Hacienda Yaxcopoil in the Uman Municipality, state of Yucatan, Mexico on July 22, 2019. Hacienda Yaxcopoil dates back to the 17th century and was once considered one of the most important rural estates in the Yucatan, spreading across 22,000 acres. It operated first as a cattle ranch and later as a henequen plantation during the golden age of the 'agave sisal'. Over time, due to continuous political, social and economic changes, the estate has been reduced to less than 3% of its original size. The production of henequen fiber in the hacienda ended in 1984, after more than a century in operation. Hacienda Yaxcopoil was purchased by Don Donaciano Garcia Rejon and his wife Doña Monica Galera in 1864, and has been owned by members of the same family since that time. The Hacienda has been preserved and now open to the public as a museum, guest house and events venue. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)