Architecture and Sociopolitical Transformation at Chau Hiix, Belize

Recent investigations at the Maya site of Chau Hiix, Belize have identified a previously undocumented long structure on the north side of the central precinct. This possible civic-ceremonial structure (Structure 150) represents part of a larger remodeling of the site center during a transitional per...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of field archaeology Vol. 34; no. 1; pp. 1 - 24
Main Author Andres, Christopher R.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Boston, MA Routledge 2009
Boston University
Subjects
American civilisations
Architecture
Art and archaeology
Communities
Community structure
Field archaeology
Field Reports: Excavation and Survey
Lowlands
Masonry buildings
Mayas
Mexico and Central America civilisations
Palaces
Perishables
Residential buildings
Wood buildings
Maya
Post-classic
Classic
Central America
Belize
America
Mesoamerica
Building
Architecture
Political organization
Transition
Evolution
Social organization
Society
Public building
Spatial organization
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Summary:Recent investigations at the Maya site of Chau Hiix, Belize have identified a previously undocumented long structure on the north side of the central precinct. This possible civic-ceremonial structure (Structure 150) represents part of a larger remodeling of the site center during a transitional period in the community's history. Structure 150 is significant in that it departs from contemporary construction at other Maya sites in northern Belize and anticipates Postclassic (A.D. 1000-1500) buildings documented in Yucatán, Petén, the Guatemalan highlands, and at other locations in northern Belize. This study discusses influences potentially at work at Chau Hiix during the Classic-to-Postclassic transition (A.D. 750-1050) and considers the sociopolitical implications of changing spatial configurations in the architecture of this and other pre-contact Maya communities. It is hypothesized that the site center architecture of southern lowland centers that persisted through the Terminal Classic (A.D. 800-1000) reflects corporate power-sharing strategies associated with Postclassic northern lowland Maya communities. The transitional qualities of the architecture at Chau Hiix suggest a blurring of the boundary between Classic and Postclassic traditions.
ISSN:0093-4690
2042-4582
DOI:10.1179/009346909791071096