Climatic Changes and Ceramics during the Terminal Classic at Chichén Itzá.

Summary

According to the ceramic evidence that came out of the Chichen Itzá sinkholes or "cenotes" it seems the ancient Maya offered into these wells important quantities of pots and very unique ceramic vessels within a very specific period of time, and under very specific situations. The evidence indicates that most of the ritual activity occurred approximately between AD 900-1100, a time that coincides chronologically with the end of the Terminal Classic Period, the rise and subsequent abandonment of Chichen Itza, and two of the three strongest droughts in the last 3.500 years at the North side of the Yucatan Peninsula.

This information raises the question whether these ceramics are perhaps the archaeological evidence that shows specific vessels manufactured related to rainwater petition ceremonies. Cenote Holtún of Chichén Itza is probably one the most intact archaeological context at the North Maya Lowlands and can provide important information about climate stress moments that encouraged new ceramic manufacturing behavior.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage