Ancient Mayan ritual cave complexes as memory space
https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2021-1-81-92
Abstract
The Mayan commemorative practices of the Classic Period (3d – 9th centuries) committed for the purpose of on claiming the power legitimacy, territorial possessions and the establishment of political influence, are well known. A commemorative program, aimed at constructing historical memory, is characterized by the ostentation and periodic addressing to specific event, and by ritual accompaniment. In the article the author identifies one more commemorative practice that stands out of the listed – the hieroglyphic texts in Mayan caves. The caves are among the objects of the sacred landscape, which is common for all Mesoamerican cultures; it was and still is a place for the pilgrimage and worship. Many archaeological projects witnessed the elite and non-elite use of caves in the Late Classic and the Postclassic Periods. The hieroglyphic texts were applied in hard-to-reach areas of absolute darkness, where sunlight did not reach them due to natural barriers or artificial walls. Such texts were not intended to be broadly demonstrated. This article considers the practice of hidden text application as a special type of the Maya commemorative practice of the Сlassic Period.
Keywords
About the Author
S. A. Khokhryakova
Russian State University for the Humanities
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sandra A. Khokhryakova (Viskanta)
bld.6,MiusskayaSquare, Moscow, 125993
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For citations:
Khokhryakova S.A. Ancient Mayan ritual cave complexes as memory space. RSUH/RGGU Bulletin Series "Political Science. History. International Relations". 2021;(1):81-92. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2021-1-81-92
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