Many scholars have tried to make connections between Chichen
Itza and the Toltecs because of the similar traits they see in building
construction and decoration. To investigate,
I took a virtual tour of the Mexican sites of Tula, Hidalgo and Chichen Itza,
Yucatan to observe the similarities and differences between Pyramid B and the
Temple of the Warriors, respectively.
Tula.
Chichen Itza.
Both sites contained similar militaristically styled architectural
sculptures significant to the Toltec culture. The four tiered pyramid with down-flying
serpents and numerous ornately decorated “Atlantean” stone men are some of the
features found at both sites. However, it was evident through aerial views that
Tula had a much smaller and less complex landscape compared to Chichen Itza.
Tula:
temple pyramid,
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/124124/Temple-pyramid-at-Tula-Hidalgo-state-Mex.
Temple of the Warriors. http://archaeology.about.com/od/archaeologic7/ig/Chichen-Itza/Temple-of-the-Warriors.htm.
Looking at Pyramid B in Tula, Hidalgo, it contains four
stone columns at the top, carved in the form of Toltec warriors. Some faded red
pigments can still be seen on the columns meaning they were once painted to
emphasize the elaborate details. There were also carvings of eagles, jaguars,
serpents and coyotes (Wall of Snakes) along the base of the structure. These carvings suggested
the Tula peoples’ power and ability as warriors. The vestibule that connected Pyramid
B to Pyramid C was filled with broken round columns that once held a roof. This
provided shade for the procession of priests and nobility between the pyramids.
Archaeological Site of Tula, Hidalgo.
Wall of Snakes. http://abrock.com/MexicoWeb/Tula/PyramidB.html
Temple of the Warriors in Chichen Itza, Yucatan possesses a
different layout at the temple summit. As soon as you enter the top tier, you
are confronted with a chacmool statue.
This reclined figure has an awkwardly strained neck and an empty plate laid on
top of his stomach. This could have been used as a surface to provide offerings
of food. Rows of S-shaped serpent columns also line the top of the pyramid,
which were probably used to hold up a roof. Along the broad stairway are ramps
on either side with carvings of figures holding flags. This implied the
processional flow of people up the pyramid. The sea of square pillars at the
base of the pyramid each depicts carvings of warriors and tribute items in low
relief.
+yucatan+mexico.jpg)
Chacmool, Temple of the Warriors.
Temple of the Warriors.
I am unsure whether there was a Toltec migration or invasion
of Chichen Itza but the uncanny resemblance of the architecture suggests a strong
Toltec influence. This would make any traveller to the two sites believe they
were visiting the same site in two different locations.
Works Cited:
Jones, Lindsay. "The Hermeneutics of Sacred Architecture: A Reassessment of the Similtude Between Tula, Hidalgo and Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Part 1." Chicago Journal 32 (February 1993): 207-232. http://jstor.org/stable/1062996.
Kristan-Graham, Cynthia. "A Sense of Place at Chichen Itza." In Landscape and Power in Ancient Mesoamerica, edited by Rex Koontz, Kathryn Reese-Taylor, and Annabeth Headrick, 327-359. Boulder, Colo. ; Oxford : Westview Press, 2001.
Jones, Lindsay. "The Hermeneutics of Sacred Architecture: A Reassessment of the Similtude Between Tula, Hidalgo and Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Part 1." Chicago Journal 32 (February 1993): 207-232. http://jstor.org/stable/1062996.
Kristan-Graham, Cynthia. "A Sense of Place at Chichen Itza." In Landscape and Power in Ancient Mesoamerica, edited by Rex Koontz, Kathryn Reese-Taylor, and Annabeth Headrick, 327-359. Boulder, Colo. ; Oxford : Westview Press, 2001.
No comments:
Post a Comment