ISSN:
0278-4165
Language:
English
Titel der Quelle:
Journal of anthropological archaeology
Publ. der Quelle:
Amsterdam [u.a.] : Elsevier
Angaben zur Quelle:
Vol. 48 (2017), p. 1-16
DDC:
930
Abstract:
To access, purchase, authenticate, or subscribe to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaa.2017.05.004 What determines a site's location? In the ceremonial core of the lowland Maya site of Nixtun-Ch'ich', Guatemala, a large depression lies east of an E-Group (quasi-solar-"observatory") architectural complex. Excavations in this depression (Fosa Y) revealed a large, deep--and thus far bottomless--cavity in the limestone filled with water-deposited sediments containing Terminal Early and Middle Preclassic (~1000--400 BCE) pottery and other remains. The upper periphery of Fosa Y was lined with amphitheater-like stone terraces, which framed a rich late Middle Preclassic ritual midden. Interpretations of the role of Fosa Y and adjacent constructions relate to deep structures of Mesoamerican belief systems, from Olmec to Aztec, concerning water, mountains, solar stations, the Underworld, and Creation. Fosa Y was likely a natural sinkhole (cenote), rather than human-made, and thus a powerful and deeply symbolic feature of the terrain for the earliest settlers and a compelling setting for integrative community rituals. It centered the east-west axis of this unusual, gridded, early city and its sacred landscape.
Note:
Copyright: © Elsevier Inc.
,
Copyright: © COPYRIGHT 2017 Elsevier B.V.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jaa.2017.05.004
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278416517300144
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