Xunantunich Reloaded:Examining the Socio-Political Significance of Structure A9

Summary

Recent excavation of Structure A9 at the site of Xunantunich, Belize, confirmed that the mound represents the remains of a medium-size temple dating to the Late Classic period. Sub-surface excavations along the central axis of the mound revealed a large, vaulted chamber containing the remains of an elite individual. Two hieroglyphic panels flanking the building’s front staircase identify a link between Xunantunich and three other Classic Maya polities: Caracol, Naranjo, and Calakmul. Exploration in front of the structure and at the base of an uncarved stela led to the discovery of two dedicatory caches comprised of obsidian and chert eccentrics. The tomb, the monuments, and the caches provide evidence of Structure A9’s ritual significance. In particular, the tomb is not only a unique find at Xunantunich, where no burials in tombs have previously been discovered in the site core, but its exceptionally large size makes it an unusual feature in the western Belize region. This paper discusses the significance of this temple in the context of Xunantunich and the eastern Maya lowlands.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 16529