Preclassic Round Structures of the Upper Belize River Valley

Round structures are considered a rarity in Maya architecture. Four late Middle Preclassic period (650-300 B.C.) round structures excavated at the Maya site of Cahal Pech demonstrate that this was a common architectural form for the Preclassic Maya of the upper Belize River Valley. These open platfo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Latin American antiquity 2000-03, Vol.11 (1), p.71-86
Main Authors: Aimers, James J., Powis, Terry G., Awe, Jaime J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Archaeological excavation
Archaeological paradigms
Architecture
Awe
Buildings
Circles
Excavations
Lowlands
Masonry buildings
Perishables
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Summary:Round structures are considered a rarity in Maya architecture. Four late Middle Preclassic period (650-300 B.C.) round structures excavated at the Maya site of Cahal Pech demonstrate that this was a common architectural form for the Preclassic Maya of the upper Belize River Valley. These open platforms are described, and compared to similar forms in the Belize Valley and elsewhere. An interpretation of their significance is offered that uses information from artifacts, burials, and ethnohistory as well as analogy with round structures in other parts of the world. We suggest that these small round platforms were used for performance related to their role as burial or ancestor shrines.
ISSN:1045-6635
2325-5080
DOI:10.2307/1571671