Survival and Revival of Terminal Classic Traditions at Postclassic Mayapán

Recent INAH excavations and reanalysis of data from the Carnegie Institution archaeological project document the survival and revival of Classic and Terminal Classic traditions at Postclassic Mayapán, the last Maya capital in Mexico. The survival of some Terminal Classic ceramic types and architectu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Latin American antiquity 2009-12, Vol.20 (4), p.581-606
Main Authors: Milbrath, Susan, Lope, Carlos Peraza
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Altars
Archaeology
Architectural styles
Architecture
Cenotes
City squares
Effigies
Priests
Revival architectures
Stelae
Temples
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Summary:Recent INAH excavations and reanalysis of data from the Carnegie Institution archaeological project document the survival and revival of Classic and Terminal Classic traditions at Postclassic Mayapán, the last Maya capital in Mexico. The survival of some Terminal Classic ceramic types and architectural forms at Mayapán around A.D. 1100–1200 reflects a pattern of continuity. A revival of earlier traditions is notable in the erection of stelae marking the katun endings and in Postclassic architecture that incorporates iconographie elements from Terminal Classic Puuc sites and the city of Chichén Itzá. The rulers and priests of Mayapán displayed their connection with the Terminal Classic Maya heritage to assert political power. The Puuc revival at Mayapán is linked with the Xiu priests, whereas the revival of the Itzá heritage of Chichén Itzá is affiliated with the Cocom rulers. Between A.D. 1250 and 1400, revival-style architecture at Mayapán was inspired by local traditions in the area of Yucatán. After A.D. 1400, trade contact with the East Coast inspired new art forms linked with the international style associated with Mixteca-Puebla art.
ISSN:1045-6635
2325-5080
DOI:10.1017/S1045663500002881