essay

The art and iconography of the Xochicalco stele

xochicalco mapping project • 2 • Published In 2000 • Pages: 83-101

By: Smith, Virginia.

Abstract

In 1961 excavations under the direction of Cesar Sßenz recovered three carved stelae on the summit of a structure adjacent to the Pyramid of the Plumed Serpents in the Ceremonial Plaza on Cerro Xochicalco. In this paper Smith describes in detail the various carved elements on these stelae and attempts an explanation as to their meaning. The author's general conclusion is that much of the information on Xochicalco's public monuments deals with its social and political history, and that the Pyramid of the Plumed Serpents and the site's stelae provide us with information on the earliest named rulers in Central Mexico, including their titles, coronations, conquests, and other important historic events

HRAF PubDate

2009

Region

Middle America and the Caribbean

Sub Region

Central Mexico

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle; 2008

Field Date

1961-1964

Coverage Date

1350-1100 BP (650-900 AD)

Coverage Place

Xochicalco, Gobernador Phase, Western Morelos, Mexico

Notes

Virginia Smith

For bibliographical references see document 31:Hirth

LCCN

99027545

LCSH

Indians of Mexico--Mexico--Xochicalco--Antiquities/Indians of Mexico--Urban residence--Mexico--Xochicalco/City planning--Mexico--Xochicalco--History/Excavations (Archaeology)--Mexico--Xochicalco--Maps/Archaeological surveying--Mexico--Xochicalco--Maps/Xochicalco Site (Mexico)Xochicalco (Mexico)--Antiquities