Maya-Toltec

For this week’s blog I studied, compared and contrasted the two structures from the Mesoamerican sites of Chichén Itzá and Tula. There is not much information of either site apart from what can be gathered from the architecture. 

The two structures that I looked at were the Temple of the Warriors and Pyramid B from Chichén Itzá and Tula respectively. At first glance between the photographs of these structures, they appear almost identical. Almost.

Chichén Itza-Temple of the Warriors
http://www.chriskuzneski.com/death/virtual_files/warriors.jpg
(accessed March 2, 2013)

Tula-Pyramid B
http://theslideprojector.com/images/art9/The%20Art%20of%20Mesoamerica/Chapter%208-%20Fall%20of%20Classic%20Cities/pyramid%20b.jpg
(accessed March 2, 2013)

Both structures rise up in tiers, their sides slanting upwards with steps ascending to the top, for processions and ritual purposes. There are pillars at the front of both, and they reach the first steps (perhaps as the base for some sort of covering). At the top of the structures, it is easier to see the differences between the two. 

The Temple of the Warriors has a different arrangement at the top with what appears to be the remnants of walls around pillars that represent nobles, priests, and warriors. There is also a pathway that leads towards a statue of Chac-Mool (who has a flat belly which may have been the place for rituals, ceremonies and sacrifice).  

Chac-Mool on Temple of the Warriors
http://media-3.web.britannica.com/eb-media/95/122195-004-476CA6A1.jpg
(accessed March 2, 2013)

Pyramid B has a completely flat top with statues arranged together. They represent Toltec warriors and stand around smaller pillars. This may have also been an area of sacrifice and a place of congregation. 

Toltec Warriors on Pyramid B
http://instructional1.calstatela.edu/bevans/Art101/Art101B-6-Pre-Columbian/WebPage-ImageF.00027.jpeg
(accessed March 2, 2013)

The structures may appear to be the same size, but of the two monuments, the Temple of the Warriors is a little more monumental. Not only is it larger, but the slope of this structure is much steeper (difference in rituals or ceremonies from Tula??). Both sites use these structures to connect to the deities and both incorporate the Feathered Serpent or Quetzalcoatl (god of conquest and death) in their architecture. 

What I found very interesting was how both sites, despite differing influences (Mayan or Aztec) and differing locations in Mesoamerica, shared a strong resemblance. There is a theory of Toltec (Tula) occupation of Chichén Itzá which emphasizes the sacrificial, ritualistic and conquering nature of both occupants (shown in architecture). That one of them conquered another may be a possibility, but I like to think that maybe, maybe this is a case of two distant sites sharing and communicating through architecture (similar to colonialism???). Or maybe that’s just another theory. 

That's it for now!

I'm off.