essay

The rise of Maya civilization: a summary view

origins of maya civilization • Albuquerque • Published In 1977 • Pages: 383-423

By: Willey, Gordon Randolph.

Abstract

This is the summary chapter for the book, 'The Origins of Maya Civilization.' Other chapters are included in documents 28-39. The Early Preclassic Xe pottery complex at the sites of Altar de Sacrificios and Seibal represent the earliest and most abundant evidence of Maya lowland occupation. There are two possible origins of the Xe ceramic tradition: i) the Gulf Coast, suggesting a migratory route up the Usumacinta River, or ii) southern highlands of Guatemala. The possibility that settlers could have come from both directions is not excluded. The Mamom complex developed out of the Xe, beginning around 700 B.C., and represents a trend towards uniformity and standardization. The Late Preclassic is marked by the Chicanel ceramic complex which developed from the Mamom. Also in the Late Preclassic Period one finds the first appearance of ceremonial-center architecture, trade in luxury items, and differentiation in grave goods.

HRAF PubDate

2001

Region

Middle America and the Caribbean

Sub Region

Maya Area

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2000

Field Date

not specified

Coverage Date

4000-1750 BP

Coverage Place

Maya Lowlands, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize

Notes

Gordon R. Willey

For bibliographical references see document number 1:Anonymous

LCCN

76057537

LCSH

Mayas--Antiquities