An Experimental Approach to the Function of Classic Maya Chultuns

Bibliographic Data

ID2563074
AuthorsDennis E Puleston, Dennis Puleston (University of Minnesota, corresponding author)
Year1971
Volume36
Issue3
Pages322-335
Publication date1971-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Antiquity (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-7316 • E-ISSN: 2325-5064
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2307/277717
OpenAlexW2325546531
LanguageEN
Citations received41
References cited14

Experimental techniques have provided an exciting breakthrough for the functional analysis of Mayachultuns. While deep cistern-likechultuns, common at certain sites in the northern lowlands, have been shown to be functional for water storage, smaller lateral-chamberedchultunscharacteristic of certain parts of the southern lowlands probably had a very different function. Excavation and examination of the latter features, in light of a whole range of possibilities, suggest that they were constructed to be used for food storage. Experimental studies, however, reveal them to be unsuitable for the storage of most traditional foods, including maize. At least one local food crop, the seed of the ramon (Brosimum alicastrum, Moraceae), appears to be ideally suited for long-term storage under these conditions. Chambers constructed beneath platforms in the northern lowlands may have been used for the storage of maize. A need for more experimental work is indicated

Archaeology · Geography · Maya · Range (aeronautics) · Archaeological and Geological Studies · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Botanical Research and Applications · Engineering