A Chak'an Itza Center at Nixtun-Ch'ich', Petén, Guatemala. (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pugh, Timothy W.; Rice, Prudence M.; Nieto, Evelyn Chan; Rice, Don S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of field archaeology. Volume 41:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Maya -- Postclassic -- Architecture -- Ritual -- Itza; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 930.105
• DOI: 10.1080/00934690.2015.1129253
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0093-4690

Abstract

Abstract : Recent excavations conducted by Proyecto Itza investigated a Late Postclassic (a.d. 1400–1525) community at Nixtun-Ch'ich', Petén, Guatemala. This community was likely occupied by a faction of Itza Mayas called the Chak'an Itzas. Recent work focused on the community's civic-ceremonial architecture and nearby residences. The former was dominated by two colonnaded halls standing abreast. These buildings, believed to have been popol najoob (council houses), likely represented socio-political dualism in Chak'an society. The halls included various sculptures that seem largely associated with the deity Itzamna mounted into architecture so that they were clearly on display. Most sculptures were associated with one of the two halls suggesting that one faction was more powerful and more strongly advertised its connections with Yucatán. Excavations also revealed the avoidance of masonry in residential areas, which differentiated Chak'an residences from their civic-ceremonial areas and also distinguished Chak'an residences from those of their neighbors.