Mortuary cults documented in a pre-Columbian Maya pyramid at Nakum (Guatemala)

What is it about?

Recent archaeological research carried out at the pre-Columbian city of Nakum (located in Guatemala) made it possible to study the evolution of an interesting, ceremonial compound built here during the Preclassic period (c. 600–300 BC) and known as the so-called E-Group. Such complexes were important places of ritual activities that focused on the cult and observation of the sun on the horizon. During the Classic period (AD 250–800), the major building of the complex (Structure 104 or X) was converted into a large pyramidal temple and mausoleum which received several burials, including at least one royal tomb covered by a rich deposit of nearly 3000 chert flakes. Similar lithic deposits are associated with some of the richest Maya tombs. Also, intensive evidence of what we interpret as ancestor veneration was documented inside one of the chambers of the temple building located above the tomb. This included traces of burning found on the chamber floor, the discovery of ash and of several broken vessels, among which were beautiful examples of modelled incense burners featuring a Maya solar deity. We argue that the architectural shift recorded in Structure X may reflect important religious and social changes: a transformation from the place where the Sun was observed and worshipped to the place where deceased and deified kings were apotheosized as the Sun Deity.

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Why is it important?

The text provides with some new data concerning Maya burial customs