Architecture and Sociopolitical Transformation at Chau Hiix, Belize

Bibliographic Data

ID11073009
AuthorsChristopher R Andres, Christopher Andres (corresponding author)
Year2009
Volume34
Issue1
Pages1-24
Publication date2009-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Field Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0093-4690 • E-ISSN: 2042-4582
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1179/009346909791071096
OpenAlexW1976722029
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited39

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. 1000â 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. 750â 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. 800â 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

Archaeology · Boundary (topology · Geography · Maya · Mesoamerica · Period (music · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Architecture · Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies

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