Renxiang Lu

Writing Assignment 1

January 12th, 2018

Puuc Architecture

Puuc is defined as the prevalent Maya architectural style that ranged approximately from 600 to 900 a.d.
In Maya language, Puuc means “low hill” which corresponds to the flat southeastern region of Yucatan
Peninsula [1]. Puuc style is characterized by its unique features, not so much on the construction itself but
more on the symbols and meanings behind it.

Architectonically, structures are mostly symmetric and built with thin and well-cut veneer stones made
by karst limestone [a]. Walls have distinguishable features since they are mostly plain and only decorated
on top (by Alfonso). These possesses considerable thermal mass so that heat can be stored during wintry
weather and released when the temperature increases (by Dr. Tanner). In addition, columns support
lintels that delineate openings of the structure (by Miguel). Corbel arches can also be found in some
structures (by Alfonso). In some cases, crude constructions can be seen like slanted walls and uneven
stairs but none of this compromise the stability of the structure (by Alfonso). In fact, the proficient study
of the load paths in addition to the low seismicity of the area contributed for the survival of many of these
structures (by Dr. Varela). Additionally, the Maya civilization was also concerned about urban planning of
the city. As the most important source of water storage, chultuns were designed to be close to the higher-
class habitations (by Chibata). These reservoirs were plastered from the outside so that the water was not
soaked into the soil [b]. Also, roads were well designed to divide the acropolis to other subservient regions
(by Alfonso). Furthermore, the orientation of the façades and the layout of the structures were designed
strategically although other cultural aspects were involved.

The devotion of Maya people in divinity and sacredness is well expressed in the architecture [2]. Chaac,
the rain deity is one of the most worshipped gods. Since the Maya people had a highly rain water
dependent agriculture, the god was prayed to maintain the natural life cycle [3]. Chaac is usually
represented with his axes that are thrown to the clouds to produce rain [3]. It can be found at the top of
façades as masks, step frets and humanized figurines at the corners of the walls (by Alfonso). Moreover,
the cosmovision of the Maya population – Heaven, Earth and Underworld was also clearly expressed in
the architecture (by Alfonso). With a high fascination in numbers, the 13 steps of Maya pyramids would
correspond the first and 9 the latter (by Chibata). At the top of the walls, the divine is usually represented
by Kukulkan, a feathered wing serpent with the ability to reach the sky while the darkness is depicted as
Bahlam, a jaguar which prowled in the Mayan people’s imagination [4]. In parallel, the same idea of life
and death can be expressed by the depiction of Hero Twins Hunahpu and Xbalanque (by Chibata). Gods
related to fertility, food production and war were equally expressed at the top of the wall façades (by
Chibata). Related to the daily activities of the population, maize harvesting, wars and rainmaking
ceremonies were frequent topics depicted on the structures. In addition, other hieroglyphs especially on
the arches, have dates which possibly represent important days (by Alfonso). Finally, the passion of the
Maya people to the astrology can also be seen in the architecture. The non-alignment of the buildings to
the front arch and the relative position of elements during the equinoxes are clear hints of this aspect (by
Alfonso).
 Cited Works

Articles

[a] Carmean, Kelli. et al. "People who lived in stone houses: local knowledge and social difference in the
classic Maya Puuc region of Yucatan, Mexico." Latin American Antiquity, 2011, 143-58.

[b] Smyth, Michael P. et al. "The perfect storm: climate change and ancient Maya response in the Puuc
Hills region of Yucatan." Antiquity Publications Ltd., 2017, 490-509.

Websites

[1]. "Puuc." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puuc.

[2] "Maya Cosmovision." http://www.mayanleague.org/maya-cosmovision/a-website/manual.

[3] "Chaac - Ancient Maya God of Rain, Lightning and Storms." https://www.thoughtco.com/chaac-
ancient-maya-god-of-rain-lightning-and-storms-171593.

[4] Blue, Marian. "Jaguar Rising." http://www.oneworldjourneys.com/jaguar/jag_myth/body.html.