A preliminary study of the ruins of Cobá, Quintana Roo, Mexico,

/ by J. Eric Thompson, Harry E. D. Pollock, Jean Charlot.

Thompson, J. Eric S. (John Eric Sidney), 1898-1975.
[Washington, D.C.] : Carnegie institution of Washington, 1932.

https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015012282524

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A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE

RUINS OF COBA

QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO

BY

J. ERIC THOMPSON
HARRY E. D. POLLOCK
JEAN CHARLOT

CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON

March 1932
CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON
PUBLICATION No. 424

washingtoN typographers, INc.

LANMAN ENGRAVING CO.
photochroMie Press
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CONTENTS
PAGE
INtroduction, by J. Eric Thompson.............................................................. 1
Situation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Topography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Water Supply... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Rainfall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Flora. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Fauna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Present-day Population. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ 3
Religious Practises. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Etymology of Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
History of Cobá... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Approach to Ruins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Camp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Description of THE RUINs, BY HARRY E. D. Pollock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Maps and Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
General Description of the Cobá District....................................................... 16
Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Sacbeob. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Oxthindzonot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Yaxunā. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Sac Mul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Lab Mul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Sacakal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Uitzil Mul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Detailed Description of Structures... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................. 28
Cobá (Group B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Western Section... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Central Section. . . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49
Eastern Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Unassociated Mounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Group D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Nohoch Mul (Group C). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 80
Macanxoc (Group A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Kucican . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Architecture, BY HARRY E. D. Pollock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Assemblage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 107
Materials and Masonry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Substructures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Ball Courts. . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 109
Stairways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Superstructures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Types of Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Ground Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Second Stories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Floors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Doorways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Piers and Columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Wall Openings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Wall Depressions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Benches and Altars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Vaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Mouldings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Roofs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Roof Structures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Decoration of Buildings...................................................................... 125
Stelaeand Altars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Roads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
iv. CoNTENts

PAGe
Monuments of the CoBA Region, by J. ERic Thompson ........................................... 131
General Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Carved Monuments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Sculptured Stelae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Stela 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Stela 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Stela 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Stela 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Stela 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Stela 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Stela 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Stela 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Stela 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Stela 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Stela 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Stela 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Stela 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Stela 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Stela 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Stela 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Stela 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Stela 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Stela 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Stela 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Stela 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Stela 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Stela 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Sculptured Altar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Altar 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Uncarved Monuments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Plain Stela and Altars of Macanxoc. Group A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Stela A1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Altar A2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Altar A3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Altar A4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Altar A5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Altar A6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Altar A7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Altar A8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Altar A9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Altar A10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Plain Stelaeof Main Cobá. Group B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Stela B1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Stela B2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Stela B3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Stela B4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Stela B5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Stela B6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Stela B7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Plain Altars of Main Cobá. Group B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Altar B8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Altar B9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Altar B10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Altars B11 to B13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Altar B14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Uncarved Monuments at Nohoch Mul. Group C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Stela C1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Altar C2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Monuments on Sacbe No. 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Inscribed Stone 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Inscribed Stone 2... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Inscribed Stone 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Inscribed Stone 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Monument at Silan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Stela 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Résumé of the Dates Deciphered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
 List of Illustrations V

PAGe
ARTANAlysis of the MAcANxoc StelAt, by JEAN CHARLot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Subject-Matter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Art Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Art Sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Stylistic Comparisons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Conclusions, by J. ERic Thompson............................................................... 193
Colonization of Yucatan..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Architecture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Cobá as a Cultural Center... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Relations of Cobá with the East Coast......................................................... 196
Relations of Cobá with Northwest Yucatan..................................................... 197
Cobá Influences at Yaxuná. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Influences of Northwest Yucatan on Cobá...................................................... 204
Future Work at Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
INPEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
PLATES
Frontispiece, Map of Maya Area with principal archeological sites
Plate 1. Stela 1, Macanxoc (front)
2. Stela 1, Macanxoc (back)
3. a, Stela 1, Macanxoc, on its platform
b, Stela 4, Macanxoc, in its shrine
4. a, Stela 2, Macanxoc
b, Stela 3, Macanxoc
5. a, Stela 5, Macanxoc (front)
b, Stela 11, Cobá
6. Stela 6, Macanxoc
7. a, Stela 7, Macanxoc, in front of building
b, Stela 8, Macanxoc, in shrine
8. a, Stelae9 and 10, Cobá, in shrine
b, Stela 15, Cobá
9. a, Stela 12, Cobá
b, Stela 13, Cobá
10. a, Stela 16, Group D
b, Stela 21, Nohoch Mul
11. a, Stela 17, Nohoch Mul
b, Stela B1, Cobá
12. Stela 20, Nohoch Mul
13. Sketch map of District of Cobá
14. Plan of Ruins, Cobá
15. Cross-section of Ruins, Cobá
16. Plan of Ruins, Nohoch Mul
17. Plan of Ruins, Macanxoc
18. Plan of Ruins, Kucican
TEXT-FIGURES
Fig. 1. Aerial view of Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2. District of Cobá, looking north to lakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3. Central groupof ruins at Cobá... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4. View of lakes, Cobá: a, Lake Cobá; b, Lake Macanxoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5. Structure I, Cobá, and Uitzil Mul beyond Lake Macanxoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
6. Restored plan and cross-sections of Structure I, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7. Structure I, Cobá: a, masonry of substructure; b, northwestern corner of pyramid; c, small temple
with stela. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8. Plan and cross-section of shrine of Stela 11, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
9. Vaulted passage beneath stairway of Structure IV, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
10. Sections of room in northwestern wing of Structure IV, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
11. Eastern façade and vault of southwestern range of Structure IV, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
12. Cross-section of Structure VI", Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
13. Ground plan of Structure VIII, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
14. Interior of Structure IX, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. Structure IX, Cobá: a, ground plan; b, section through doorway; c, longitudinal section...... 42
 -
vi List of Illustrations

PAGE
Fig. 16. Sketch plan of cave beneath Structure IX, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. 44
17. Restoration of Structure XVII, Cobá: a, ground plan; b, transverse section; c, longitudinal
section of eastern range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................ 46
18. Structure XVII, Cobá. Eastern ring of ball court. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
19. Structure XVII, Cobá: a, eastern ring; b, western ring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
20. Stairway to Court O, Cobá . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
21. Ground plan and cross-section of Structure XXVIII, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
22. Structure XXVIII, Cobä. Cross-section of western vault, showing details of construction. . . . . . 55
23. Structure XXVIII, Cobá: a, southwestern corner of interior court; b, southeastern corner of
building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
24. Approximate ground plan and elevation of Structure XXX, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
25. Eastern pillar and door jamb of Structure XXX, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
26. Southwestern corner of Structure XXXIII, Cobá . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
27. Structure XXXIII, Cobá: a, suggested elevation of western façade; b, cross-section of southern
room; c, western façade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
28. Structure XXXIII, Cobá: a, cross-section of stepped vault, showing details of construction;
b, corner of northern room. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
29. Sections of northern room in Structure XXXIII, Cobá: a, transverse section; b, longitudinal section 63
30. Structure XXXV, Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
31. Structure XLIV, Cobá . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
32. Structure XXXVI, Cobá: a, interior of western front room; b, northern façade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
33. Structure XXXVI, Cobá: a, section through northern façade and front room; b, elevation of side
of vault in western front room............ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
34. Structure XXXVIII, Cobá: a, ground plan; b, longitudinal section; c, transverse section. . . . . . 69
35. Cobá. Room b of Structure XXXVIII: a, looking north; b, southwestern corner; c, vaulted
doorway in western wall; d, blocked window in side of vault. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
36. Structure XXXVIII, Cobá: a, western end of room c, b, window in end of room di c, western end
of room e, d, sloped upper zone of western façade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
37. Plan of Building with Columns, northeast of Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
38. Stucco head from Tulum Type Structure, No. 1, between Cobá and Nohoch Mul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
39. Plan and section of Tulum Type Structure, No. 2, between Cobá and Nohoch Mul. . . . . . . . . . . . 77
40. Tulum Type Structure, No. 2, showing doorway with recessed lintel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
41. Group D. Sculptured panel from eastern side of Ball Court. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
42. Group D. Sculptured panel from western side of Ball Court. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
43. Nohoch Mul seen from Cobá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
44. Cross-sections of Structure I, Nohoch Mul (restored). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
45. Diving God temple of Structure I, Nohoch Mul: a, front elevation; b, ground plan; c, longitudinal
section; d, transverse section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
46. Structure I, Nohoch Mul, showing Diving God figure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
47. Cross-sections of Structure VII, Nohoch Mul (restored). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
48. Structure IX, Nohoch Mul. Cross-section of northwestern range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
49. Lake Xkanhã seen from Macanxoc................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
50. Macanxoc. Plan and section of shrine enclosing Stela 4... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
51. Structure V, Macanxoc: a, ground plan; b, front elevation; c, western façade of building. . . . . . 92
52. Structure VI, Macanxoc. Plan and elevation of shrine enclosing Stela 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
53. Structure VIII, Macanxoc. Plan and elevation of shrine enclosing Stela 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
54. Structure IX, Macanxoc. Ground plan of shrine enclosing Stela 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
55. Cross-section of Structure I, Kucican. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
56. Structure I, Kucican. Fragment of stucco serpent on façade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
57. Structure II, Kucican. Sculptured head west of stairway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
58. Cross-section of Structure II, Kucican.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
59. Cross-section of Structure IX, Kucican. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
60. Ideal cross-section of sacbe.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
61. Stela 1, Macanxoc: a, front; b, back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
62. Captives under feet of principal personage of Stela 1: a, front; b, back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
63. Stela 2, Macanxoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
64. Stela 3, Macanxoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
65. Stela 4, Macanxoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
66. Stela 5, Macanxoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
67. Stela 6, Macanxoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
68. Stela 8, Macanxoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
69. Head-dress from Stela 3, Naranjo.......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
70. Ceremonial bar from Stela 4, Yaxchilan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE
RUINS OF COBA

QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO

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 INTRODUCTION
By J. ERic Thompson

SITUATION
Cobá and the outlying groups of ruins discussed in this publication are
situated in the Territory of Quintana Roo, Mexico, close to the boundary
of the territory with the State of Yucatan, and roughly 100 km. east by
south of Chichen Itzá (see map and p. Io).
TOPOGRAPHY
The northern portion of the Yucatan peninsula presents a remarkable
geological uniformity. Low bush and jungle in the western half and tall
rain forest in the eastern portion obscure for the surface observer the natural
appearance of the country, but from a high pyramid one looks out on a low
flat plain, slightly rolling or, perhaps, better described as choppy, stretching
away east, west and north to the sea, and pent up to the south by the hills
of Yucatan.
This is an area of recent limestone formation, the rock being extremely
porous and soluble. This, combined with the flatness of the country,
accounts for the entire absence of rivers or streams, the rain-water sink
ing through the porous limestone with such rapidity that surface water
occurs only in a few favored localities, of which the Cobá district is one.

WATER SUPPLY
In the whole of the northwest portion of the peninsula, and to a lesser
extent in the northeast, the inhabitants are dependent for a permanent
water supply on subterranean sources. In recent years, and also during
the Colonial period, many wells have been bored, but in ancient times, as
to-day in the smaller towns and villages, sub-surface water was obtained
from cenotes. Cenote, a word hispanicized from the Maya dzonot, is a term
applied to large natural wells, frequently as much as 60 meters wide and more
than 30 meters deep, at the bottom of which is a permanent water supply.
They are caused by the caving in through erosion of the limestone cap that
separates the surface from the innumerable underground water pools and
channels, which have arisen as a result of the high porosity of the lime
stone. A large number of the Maya cities of northwest Yucatan, such
as Chichen Itzá, Tihoo and Saki, owe their very existence to the proximity
of cenotes. Where there were no cenotes the ancient inhabitants were
dependent on large reservoirs, in which the surplus water of the rainy
season could be stored against the spring months of drought.
In the Cobá region, on the other hand, there is a series of lakes, none
all

of them very extensive, but potable

of
as

serving permanent source

a
I
2 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

water. These, in the opinion of Mr. Hakon Wadell, are basically due to
the presence of fault lines running northeast-southwest, similar to those of
the Peten, which are partially the cause of the Peten lakes.
Their existence made the Cobá district an ideal location for coloniza
tion, superior to the sites of northwestern Yucatan dependent on cenotes
for a water supply, for the latter are at the mercy of the caprices of under
ground channels, which change like the beds of surface streams, often leaving
the cenotes waterless and useless, save for cacao cultivation.

RAINFALL
Due to the greater rainfall, the flora of the Cobá district, too, is much
richer than that of northwest Yucatan. As one travels from northwest to
southeast across the northern portion of the peninsula there is a marked
increase in the annual precipitation. In 1911 there fell in Progreso only
34.3 cm. of rain. In the same year at Motul the rainfall reached 88.9
cm. At Izamal, still farther to the southeast, the precipitation reached 125
cm., and at Valladolid the annual total had reached the respectable figure
of 169.7 cm. From the Cobá district there are no figures available, but
as this lies east southeast of Valladolid, one would hazard that the
annual rainfall would be even greater. This supposition is confirmed by
the greater floral exuberance, and to a lesser extent by personal observation.

FLORA
West of Walladolid the country is covered by low sub-tropical jungle,
largely deciduous in nature, and with few trees more than 8 to Io meters high,
gradually shading into low and scrubby bush as one travels northwest
into a progressivelydrier climate. Traveling eastward from Valladolid,
on the other hand, one encounters the reverse condition. The jungle
gradually gives place to rain forest, and the trees increase their girth and
height like Jack's legendary bean-stalk. The transition is so progressive,
that were one to chart the average height of the forest and the distance
traversed, an almost unbroken curve would result.
In the Cobá area the thick low jungle has been entirely replaced
by tall rain forest with its accompanying shaded undergrowth, approxi
mating the conditions that obtain in the Peten region to the south, although
not quite so unreservedly tropical. Many trees, scarce or unknown in
northwest Yucatan, are abundant around Cobá. Perhaps most noticeable
to the non-botanist are the considerable number of sapodilla trees (Achras
zapota), from which chewing gum is obtained, cocoyol palms (Acrocomia
vinifera), as well as many species of non-utilitarian palms, mahogany
(Swietema macrophylla), cedar (Cedrela odorata), the wild cacao (Theobroma
bicolor), and the ceiba tree (Bombax ceiba).
The abundance of these trees, together with many orchids, lianas, etc.,
is primarily due to the greater humidity, for the soil is no deeper than that
* Huntington, 1914, p. 178.
 INTRoduction 3

of the northwest area and the temperature in both regions is probably about
the same. That conditions have not altered to any extent during the last
four centuries is attested by the fact that this region was the great center
for the cultivation of cacao in Yucatan in pre-conquest times, and cacao
-- Aguilar

its
requires a damp warm climate for growth. Writers such

as
great part peninsula.

of
of
to

refer the forests the western the

FAUNA
Dependent on this more abundant and luxuriant flora fauna

is
a
considerably more varied and richer than that

of
the contrasted north
west portion the peninsula. The spider monkey (Ateles neglectus),
of

the anteater (Tamandula tetradactyla mexicana), and the tapir (Tapirella

bairdii), while unknown the latter region, are found around Cobá, the
in

two former abundance, the tapir more rarely. Many other animals such
in

jaguar the tepizcuintli agouti (Cuniculus paca melsonii),

or
as

the (Felis onca),

peccary (Tayassu angulatum), parrots and macaws are found

in
the much
greater numbers around Cobá, but this abundance probably partly

is
permanent population.
to

of

attributable the absence

a

PRESENT-DAY POPULATION
35

found the last settlement, the

of

Some km. east Valladolid

is

solitary little outpost Bolmai, sorry affair, two families, and from
of
of

the east coast the country has permanent population, although

no
to

there
few temporary inhabitants.

of
certain number
A

there are chicleros

a

(chewing gum gatherers) are engaged tapping the sapodilla trees during
in

the rainy season, living sparse temporary camps. spring few Maya
In
in

Indians from Tixhualatun, Kanxoc, Chemax and Valladolid make their

milpas the forest, traveling far Cobá for this purpose. Hunters
in

as

as

Chulutan occasionally spend

of

from the same towns and the vivienda a

few days the vicinity
of

of

Cobá game.
in

in

search

RELIGIOUS PRACTISES
interesting
of
it In

with the visits

to

connection these hunters note

it
is
at ak

burn candles, copal, puk

or

that their custom resin obtained

to

(a
is

Io
of

from liana the same name) before Stelae and Cobá and Stela
9
a

a I

Macanxoc, though the latter less frequently. This practise

on
at

based
is

belief that the stelae are the guardians Special stones, either
of

the forest.
peculiar shape, are known
an
of
or

or

tzimin tun,
as

stelae stones odd

a

Maya term which originally signified “stone tapir,” but now means “stone
By day they are said
be

horse,” and they are believed keep

to

to

alive.
still, but night they wander around. offered food, copal,
or

candle,
If
at

a
in p.

Aguilar, 1892, 98, says that the Cupuls, who occupied the region around and east Valladolid raised large
of
*

so

quantities favorably situated shown by the large

of

of

cacao cenotes. That the rest Yucatan was not

is

importations from Tabasco ancient times.

in
p.

Aguilar, 1892, 107,speaks the great forest occupying the region between Chemax, Kanxoc and Tixhuala
of
*

tun on the west and the east coast.

4. PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

they will protect one's milpa, aid in hunting, and keep one in health,
but if not placated they are likely to punish the slight by sending sick
ness. It is believed that they can be brought to life by a h-men (a
Maya priest-sorcerer). This he does by first observing a nine-day vigil
(note the use of the Maya sacred number nine), and then sprinkling the
stone with water and offering copal, posol and tortillas. Unfortunately
one can only speculate as to whether this is merely a survival of lithol
atry, a wide-spread practise in ancient America, and particularly prev
alent in Peru, or whether it is the last tawdry trappings of a worship
of stelae, which the writer believes was in former times a Maya custom,
each stela being worshipped during the “reign” of the Katun it com
memorated.
That the ancient deities of Cobá are not solely the recipients of the
casual prayers of passing hunters is shown by the existence of what would
seem to be a regular cult involving the patrons of ancient Cobá, still in
existence in parts of northwest Yucatan. For this information the writer
is indebted to Doctor Robert Redfield of the University of Chicago, who
kindly placed at his disposal such data referring to Cobá as he had collected
during the course of his investigations in Yucatan in cooperation with the
Carnegie Institution.
Perhaps most interesting is the propitiation of certain Cobá deities
in the bee-keeping ceremony. In Chan-Kom, a Maya village to the west of
Walladolid, a ceremony is performed in propitiation of the gods who rule
the apiaries. There is a hierarchy of these gods who protect the bees and
hives. The chief of them, Noh-Yum-Cab, dwells in the Chun-caan (the
center of the sky), but the class of bees under the protection of Noh-Yum
Cab are known as Mul–Sen-Cab and are believed to dwell in Cobá. The
place where they dwell is inaccessible, as it is guarded by brambles, serpents,
and an animal like a tiger which devours anyone who attempts to enter the
place. Doctor Redfield adds that the h-men of Chan-Kom relates that this
animal is known as Hac-Madz because “it reaches after people with its
tongue which it is able to elongate as much as it likes.” In this ceremony
of propitiation to the protectors of bees and hives, a number of deities are
invoked, including the god of Cobá.
Similarly in the ceremony of offering the first fruits of the milpa at
Chan-Kom there is an invocation to Chac, the rain god, in his audience
chamber to the east in Cobá, and a similar invocation takes place at the
cha-chaac ceremony.
It is clear, then, that Cobá must have played an important part in the
all

ceremonial life of pre-Columbian Yucatan, and these prayers are

of of

Maya Chan
of

emasculated survivals ancient ceremonies. The modern

the present-day ruins Cobá, and the
no

Kom has assuredly knowledge

of

of

Somewhat similar ritual was employed still employed among the Maya
of

ancient times and British

in

is
*

drive out sickness. See Thompson, 1930, pp. 70-72.

or
to

Honduras consecrate houses

 INTRoDUction 5

combination of Cobá and the east is suspiciously like one of the references
to Cobá in the Chilam Balam of Chumayel (p. 198).
Bee-keeping ceremonies were of very great importance in pre-conquest
Yucatan, as Landa and others have pointed out. The reason is not far
to seek. Honey was one of the principal components of balche, the cere
monial drink. It is clear, then, that Cobá was of the greatest importance
in ancient ritual, and also, we may infer, in ancient politics and culture.
In this connection we may note, too, Maler's reference to the beliefs of the
Maya of Chemax (p. 8).
We are thus presented with a picture of Cobá at the present time
as an abandoned city, whose name still lingers on in the conservative
ceremonial of distant villages. Hemmed in by tropical forest and swept
by tropical rains, its sleep is only disturbed by an occasional Maya visitor
or hunter, whose sputtering store-purchased candles and awkward prayers
weakly echo the sacrificial rites and pageants of the forgotten past.

ETYMOLOGY OF COBA
The great majority of Maya are not known by their ancient
cities
names, but by modern titles invented by the exploring archaeologist, or local
names that have grown up in the past century or so. Cobá, on the other
hand, would appear to have been the ancient name of the city, although,
as we shall see (p. 198), there is reason to believe that the site was more
generally known in pre-Columbian times as Kinchil Cobá or Kinchil Cobá
Peten.
A number of the Maya laborers employed by the Carnegie Institution
at Chichen Itzá were questioned as to the etymology of the city's name.
The most intelligent hazarded the suggestion that it was composed
of two words—cob meaning ruffled or turbid, and ha water; the whole
conveying the poetical image of the rippling water of the lake. Bolio
reaches a very similar conclusion—cob clouded or turbid, and ha water."
Maler's derivation is along the same lines (p. 8). This agreement of all
three sources on the derivation of the name would seem to be good evidence
for accepting it as correct, for as a rule, where any doubt exists, the most
divergent derivations prevail, Maler in this respect being a hardened sinner.
The name is very apt, when one considers that it is applied also to one
of the lakes which flanks the city. The rippling wavelets of the lake,
whipped by a slight breeze and sparkling in the spring sun, would undoubt
edly have impressed a very forcible picture on the imaginations of the first
settlers moving in from the waterless expanses of the surrounding country.
Kinchil, a word apparently added to Cobá in ancient times, is a pos
sessive form of Kinch, a syncopated version of the sun god's name. Peten,
as explained on page 198 where the etymology of these names is dealt with
at greater length, means in this case lake.
* Bolio's translation of the Chilam Balam of Chumayel (1930, p. vii).
 6 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

Macanxoc might be a syncopated form of ma kin a xoc, meaning

you wouldn't be able to read (it). This was the derivation suggested by one

is,
of the Maya guides, but it is open to considerable suspicion, as too,
Maler's derivation (p. from Makandzoc. The name Macanxoc

8)

is
the names Nohoch Mul and Kucican. The first,

of
local. The same true

to is
applied the Cobá groups, means “big pyramid,” the latter

of
which one
is

Maya word meaning group

of
applied ruins about

to
snake and
is

is
a

a
a
Cobá. Xkanhá, Maya name applied
of
km. south lake with

to
a
8

a
its

banks lying close Macanxoc, local origin.

on

of
ruins

to

It
also means

is
“yellow water.” Sacakal, the name Xkanhã,

of
another small lake close

to
also local name, meaning “reed-covered swampy depression.”
is

by
The other place names were given the various expeditions. Uitzil
Mul means the “the hill mound,” Nuc Mul means “big mound,”
of
the
Sac Mul means “white mound,” Chan Mul means “small mound,” and
Lab Mul denotes “old mound.” No local names were encountered for any
these small outlying sites.
of

HISTORY OF COBA
history but little can
be
In

gleaned about the area discussed

of

the field
this publication; the passing centuries have reaped too carefully.
in

few

A
fugitive memories survive.
Chumayel there are two
In

three brief passages or

of

the Chilam Balam

Dr. Solis Alcala's unpub
of

Cobá." The first on folio

Io

which may refer

to

lished translation reads as follows:

“At the very beginning the year

of

of

the Katun Ahau the Itzá were routed. The

II

foreigners arrived three hundred years after the destruction Zaclahtun,

of

the town of
Kinchil Cobá, Chichen Itzá, Uxmal and Kabah.”

Probably Kinchil Cobá the city now known

us
the same place
to
as
is

Cobá,
be
as

suggested above. Should this identification correct, the

as

passage would indicate that Cobá was destroyed the same time that Chac
at

Xib Chac was driven out Chichen Itzá “on account the treachery.”
of

of

This, according accounts, took place year 1212 A.D.,

to

most around the

of

year three hundred years before the first arrival

of

which was within

a

Spaniards Yucatan, for Aguilar and his comrades were wrecked and
in

II. However, too

15
of

small boat on the east coast Yucatan

in

in

landed
a

be

be
on

should not placed this passage, even were one

to

much reliance
certain that Cobá and Kinchil Cobá are one and the same city, for the
Chilam Balam are notoriously unreliable and contradictory.
The second passage reads follows:
as

“In Katun Ahau, sixth the government, the arrival the year was celebrated.
of

of
13

he

the period Ah Mex Cuc, when began respected father, when his name
of

be
In

to

as

began respected, when the mouth the well was guarded.

of
be
to

It

called Chichen
is

Dr. Ermilo Solis Alcala, who has given many years the study and translation
to
of

of

his life the Chilam

*

Balam and other Maya documents, kindly supplied translations the passagesquoted. They have been rendered
of

into English from his translations.

 INTRoduction 7

Itzá, for there was where Itzá took the stones from the land. The stones of the ancient
place of Itzam were taken out from the water. When the misery began in Chichen, he
went away to the east and arrived at the house of the priest Cobá.”

In the final chapter, the question of the colonization of northwest

Yucatan from the Cobá district is taken up, and in that connection is cited
the third possible reference to Cobá in the Chilam Balam (p. 198). These
exhaust the little that may be gleaned from original Maya sources on

all
Cobá's history, and reiterated, are somewhat doubtful.

be
them,

of
must

it
According Cogolludo, the Spanish forces

of
the Adelantado Francisco
to

Montejo passed through Cobá the province

on

of
their march from Coní

to
Choaca, and the same author states that Cobá that the Spaniards

at
was

it
Maya Makopob

of
given Ah Anonas.”

of
were first the nickname “Bolters
However, seems hardly likely that the Spaniards would have passed
it

through Cobá, Coni the modern Conil. Furthermore,

as
the same
if

is

Oviedo, our best authority Yucatan, makes

on

of
this phase the conquest

of of
his description Montejo's journey. Cogolludo,
no

of

mention Cobá
in in

the Seventeenth Century)

of
however, adds that his time (the middle
Cobá and the surrounding country was abandoned.
of

he of
The first modern mention Cobá Travel

in
contained Incidents
is

Yucatan, where the author, John

at
Stephens, states that when
L.
in

was
priest told him the great causeway and informed him
of

Chemax
in

1842
a

that there were painted frescos Cobá, but, apparently

so
at

of

the ruins
by

often led astray such reports, his indefatigable urge

on

wild goose chases

turn aside and follow up the
he

for once abandoned him and decided not

to

Possibly

on
the frescos were those found ruinous condition
in

clue.” the
a

Structure XXXV by the third Carnegie Expedition

of

inside wall
in
1926.
chicle contractor reported the writer during

he to
Nevertheless visit
to
a

of a

Payo Obispo 1928 that, when working the neighborhood Cobá,

in

in

had come across extensive painted stucco decorations

on

circular wall.
a
of

His account seated figures sandals with eagle feathers on their heads
in

and sashes between their legs seems something definitely Maya,

to

to

refer
but nothing which would answer the chicle contractor's description has
of to
by
so

far been encountered any the archaeological expeditions the

to

neighborhood.
Shortly after Stephens left Yucatan, the devastating War
of

the Castes
broke out, and from 1847 onward the whole country east
of

Walladolid was
of

involved the savagery and barbarism that marked the conduct

in

the
war on both sides. An indefinite line, few kilometers east Valladolid, for
of
a

many years marked the boundary between Yucatan and the territory
of

the independent rebel Maya—the sublevados they were called. There

as

tradition that Cobá was used by government troops during

as

base
is
a

territory.
of

of

one their incursions into sublevado Most these raids met

Cogolludo, 1867, vol. Book II, chap.
5.
I,
* *

Stephens, 1843, vol. II, chap. 18.

8 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

with disaster, and the territory was tacitly conceded to the Maya rebels.
The command of the lakes would have been extremely advantageous
to any force operating in such a waterless country. For many years this

all
region was closed to whites, and take one's life

in
to

to
enter was

it
one's hands.
Gradually the frontier settlement began

to
push eastwards once more

of
August and September

to of
In
as

the power
of
the sublevados decreased.
1891, Teobert Maler visited Cobá, thus becoming the first archaeologist
visit the site. Maler published nothing his trip, but Dr. Walter Lehmann

on
Berlin has very kindly placed

at
of

the Kaiser Friedrich Museum

in
the

on

as
writer's disposal Maler's short notes his visit. Maler writes follows:
the Maya (sacbe) unites

all
“The ancient highway the principal cities
of

of
the coun
try: Nohpat, Uxmal, Kabahaucan, passes through Izamal Chichen Itzá and Cobă,

to
as

and from here, one can suppose, Tulum and the embarking point for Cozumel,
to

to
the famous temples which great numbers pilgrims annually wended their way. This
of

of
at

grandiose road, the present time very destroyed the inhabited districts, has remained

in
those solitary deserted areas, where the hand man has touched nothing.

of
almost intact
in

by

an
its

raised bed, flanked great stones, has average

75 of

or
It

had breadth meters and

5

6
a

its
height would appear that
of

It

around cm. ancient times raised bed was covered

in
thick cap cement, now naturally broken up and destroyed by tree roots.
of

with curious

A
a

the causeway,’ small truncated pyramid, only

of of

monument the ‘station meters

is

5
a

on
high, and over the platform which passes the road, rising one side and going down on

on

on
of

of

the other. Remains side pieces (walls the road?) rest the substructure both sides.
This station league and quarter distant from Cobá. Cobá Lake small and situated
is

is
a

ancient city, forming

an

hills, from the

of

of
savanna. East bank remains small line
in
a

a
which juts out higher bulk pertaining the principal temple. The best pre
of

to

middle
a

served are the ‘Casa colorada' (red house)—chief temple façade

in
to
west with stairs
meters high. Plaza temple stela with inscription (El Tablero).
of

of
18

direction lake about

Height the platform about meters above the ground. Temple intact. Façade towards
of

25

southwest 8.86 meters wide, 4.80 meters high. the friese three niches, each one with
In

stucco figure, the arms raised above with traces bright color. To the east about
of

2
a

kilometers distant two pyramids colossal dimensions almost touching.

of

Peraza explained
Chemax claim that here was buried their ancient ‘santo,'
of
to

me that the Indians

the day that the Maya recover their ancient empire, the temple will
on

and that opened be

the cult, and they will dig up their ‘santo.' The other lake
to

once more named Makandzoc

is

cabbage palm). Cob-ha ‘Agua picada.’”

of

(bower Cobá
is

These brief notes and solitary photograph the temple the Diving
of

of
a

God at Nohoch Mul Mérida are all that survive of Maler's

in

the museum
in

visit. His remarks about the extension the great causeway are somewhat
of

Cobá, Spanish and German, are rather

on

wild and his notes written

in

brief; nevertheless Maler deserves full credit for being the pioneer
of

this
he

many others.
of
as

so

site was
Excited by Maler's account the importance the Cobá ruins, Don
of

of

Rafael Regil Mérida, owner the Regil archaeological collection, organ

of of

of

ized group about dozen young Mérida men, who visited Cobá 1897.
in
a

Mr. Regil, describing his visit the writer, recalled that they were
in

to

supplied with protection

an

soldiers from the Chemax garrison

of

as

escort
a

against any sublevados who might chance way.

of

roam that One their

to to

number, according Mr. Regil, swam out the lake, protected

an

in
to

island
from possible crocodiles by the rifles the escort, and planted there flag.
of

a
 INTRoduction 9

This small island, Mr. Regil says, was an artificial mound. No such mound
is now visible, but when visited in recent years the water has always been
at a rather high level, and it is quite possible that the Maya had a temple
in the middle of the lake, which is only visible now during a period of excep
tional drought.
For nearly thirty years following the visit of Mr. Regil, no one under
took exploration of this region, with the exception of the normal nomad
population of hunters and chicleros. Indeed these, too, were few in number
all

of
at times, especially until few years ago when the last danger attack

a
from sublevados disappeared.
February 1926, Dr. T.
Gann visited Cobá accompanied by Mr.

E.
In

L.
Crandall, photographer the Chichen Itzá Project. The visit was
of

short

a
one, lasting only thirty-six hours, during which preliminary reconnaissance

a
the main group Cobá (Group B). Dr. Gann returned
of

at

to
was made
Itzá, reporting

9,
Io
at
Chichen the discovery three stelae Cobá (Nos. ofand
the final enumeration) and three glyph blocks along the causeway,
in

in
II

the numerous buildings the acropolis complex. At this time

of

addition
to

was not known that Teobert Maler had previously visited the site. Dr.
it

Gann also reported seeing large mounds the main group,

of
to to

the northeast
he

visit. These mounds proved

of

which from lack

to
was unable time
group,
be

the Nohoch Mul explore them that the second

to

and was
it

expedition Carnegie Institution was organized. This party, con

of

the
sisting Kidder, Advisory
A.
V.
of

of

Dr. that time Committee

at

of
the
the Chichen Itzá Project, Messrs. Wiggins and Franks jr., guests
R.
G.

A.
J.

the staff, and Mr. Eric Thompson, assistant archaeologist

of

of
the Chichen
J.

Itzá staff, made trip the same year. This second visit was
of

March
in
a

scarcely longer than the first. Nohoch Mul was visited, preliminary sketch
maps were made this group and the main Cobá group, and four new stelae
of

the final enumeration) were discovered, although

19

23

(Nos. 17, 18,

in

and
by

they may well have been seen Teobert Maler despite the fact
in

1891,
he makes no mention of them
in

his notes.
May the same year the third Carnegie expedition was dispatched,
In

of

Eric Thompson the Chichen Itzá Project staff

of

Messrs. Jean Charlot and

J.

Carmen Chai, Chulutan,

of

being the members.

of

native the vivienda

a

that time working Chichen Itzá, reported Mr.

as

at

who was
at

to

mason
a

Thompson that while hunting around Cobá,

he

had seen carved stone monu

Lake Macanxoc, and
of

examine these that the

to

to

ments the east was

it

third expedition was organized. Actually Carmen Chai had not only seen
but, making
he

he

revealed,
of

afterward the habit

in
as

the stelae, was

3). With the
p.
as

offerings
of

the tzimin tum that area (see

to

Stela
I

Carmen Chai the third expedition located eight stelae

of

Macanxoc
at

aid
(Nos. the final enumeration). These were drawn by M. Charlot,
in
to
8
I

by

the inscriptions were deciphered Mr. Thompson.

of

and number
a

full description this expedition see Gann, 1926.

of

For
a
*
IO PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

In the course of their five-day stay at Cobá the members of the expedition
also discovered the outlying sites of Kucican and Nuc Mul with their
connecting causeways.
During the week June 4-II of the same year, the fourth Carnegie
expedition, consisting of Dr. S. G. Morley, in charge of Middle American
Research, and Mr. J. Eric Thompson, made a more detailed study at
Macanxoc, when readings of the third expedition were checked up and fresh
decipherments made by Dr. Morley."
In February of 1929 the fifth Carnegie expedition headed by Mr. Harry
E. D. Pollock of the Chichen Itzá Project staff revisited Cobá, discovering
three hitherto unreported stelae in the main Cobá group (Group B)—
Stelae 12, 13 and 14 in the final enumeration.”
Early in January 1930, Captain R. R. Bennett visited Cobá with the
intention of following the course of the main Cobá-Yaxuná causeway. His
stay in Cobá was short, and he does not appear to have made any new
discoveries in the city. From Cobá he traced the causeway some 16 km.
west of the westernmost point formerly traversed by the different Carnegie
expeditions, subsequently visiting Yaxuná, the western terminus of the
great road.” The sixth Carnegie expedition, consisting of Messrs. Harry
E. D. Pollock and J. Eric Thompson, was at Cobá from February 22 to
March 14, 1930, and it was during this visit that the greater part of the
information contained in this report was obtained and measurements
made for the accompanying maps—a lengthy and almost heart-breaking
task in view of the ruinous condition of the structures, their great extent
and the lack of time. In July of the same year Mr. Pollock, accompanied
by Mr. Gustav Strömsvik, returned to Cobá in order to check certain of the
measurements and information obtained during the sixth expedition.

APPROACH TO RUINS
It seems best to close this section with a short description of the
route to Cobá and facilities for the benefit of future visitors.
Valladolid, “The Sultana of the East,” to give it the rather grandilo
quent sobriquet it claims for itself, is the eastern terminus of the Yucatecan
all

railroad and the base for expeditions Cobá. Valladolid

to

the third
is

largest town Yucatan and center for the chicle trade. Hence possible
in

it
is
a

procure mules here without much difficulty. Most provisions, too, can
be to

the city, but, possible, such

in

in

obtained the numerous stores course

if

avoided, for prices are considerably higher than

of be

in

should Mérida.
take two days for the trip,
In

the distance,
to

in
as

view advisable
it
is

this way both travelers and mules can make the journey with minimum
a

these first four expeditions see Morley, 1926, 1927; Thompson. 1928.
of

of

For an account the work

* * *

Pollock, 1929, pp. 328-329.

1927Dr. Morley and Mr. Karl Ruppert the Chichen Itzá staff visited Yaxunā, and previously Juan
In

of

24

Olalde, the head foreman the causeway

at

Chichen Itzá had traced the course

of

km. east from Yaxunā (see

Morley,
a,

pp. description Bennett's trip see Bennett, 1930and 1930

S.

G. 1927 239-240). For

of

a.
a
 INTRoduction II
of fatigue and discomfort. The preferable route is via Tixhualatun (8 km.)
and Kanxoc (13 km.) to the vivienda of Chulutan (31 km.), the aban
doned hacienda Navarrete family, burned and sacked during
of the
the War of the Castes. Chulutan is the best place to pass the night if
the journey is being made in two days. It is possible to go from
Walladolid as far as Kanxoc in automobile, although the road is execrable
and little time is saved, for even in an automobile the 13 km. take close
to an hour and a half, but it helps to relieve the monotony of a long
muleback journey. The traveler is recommended to avoid the water supply
at Chulutan, or to chlorinate it strongly. There is a large cenote in the
settlement, but as the mouth is on a lower level than the village and is not

it,
protected in any way, the rain water drains into bringing with most

it
village
of

the garbage.
Bolmai (35 km.), group
an

little under hour's ride brings one

to
A

a
two houses, and the last permanent settlement before entering the
of

deserted forest. As far this point, the road from Valladolid well known
as

is
any resident the country, and the direction varies
to

of

of

this section
between southeast and east-southeast. From Bolmai one takes the trail,
which branches off the right few yards before reaching the cenote. This
to

trail used by the arrieros bringing chicle out from the Cobá district and
is

is
go Ixil. The trail continues southeasterly direction,
in
to

to

said also
a

passing through high forest, once the milpa land around Bolmai has been
left behind. After just short another hour's traveling the trail converges
of of
on

an
at

the causeway angle about 30°. Where the two converge, the
trail forks, the right-hand trail crosses the causeway and reported
is

continue Ixil. The left-hand fork, which the Cobá trail, does not
to

to

is

actually mount the causeway this point, but continues

at

it.
the left of
to
it,

Every hundred yards then after running

so

the trail sweeps

or

to

close
parallel for away again
of

short distance coils the left its bends

in
or to

one
a

avoid low ground, stony hillock, some particularly thick patch

of
to

muleback, that
on

say about
12

After another hour's travel

to

forest.
is
43

km. from Chulutan and some km. from Valladolid, the trail mounts
top for the next top
on

on

the causeway and continues km. The trail

17

very rough, owing the havoc played with the

of

the causeway
to
is

“tight fill” the road by tree roots, which has reduced the
of

of

the bed
small stones. Travelers, who wish break the monotony
to
of
to

road mass
a

do

riding by walking,
of

spells before they

of

muleback
to

14 so

are advised
reach this stretch. After riding along the causeway for about km. (57 km.
of
of

from Walladolid) the ruins Oxthindzonot are reached. The mounds

this city are grouped the causeway, one long mound
on

on
of

both sides the

its

right built touching the road and, owing

of or

collapse,
to

south side
is

some the débris has actually fallen on the road's surface. The distance
from Oxthindzonot the Castillo at Cobá about km. About km.
to

is

beyond the ruins the trail leaves the causeway temporarily, and just beyond
12 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

this point is the “station of the causeway” mentioned by Teobert Maler

(see p. 8). A kilometer farther on the trail again climbs on to the cause

in its
way, following surface for about half kilometer, and then strikes

a
off the right southeasterly direction, reaching

in
to few minutes

a
a
swampy depression northwest

of
Lake Cobá.
At this point where the trail skirts the edge the swamp for couple

of

of
a
hundred meters before striking inland again, there small mound, prob

is
a
ably one outlying group; for another km. the trail winds through
an
of

2
the right the swampy end

of
thick bush. Hidden from view Lake

to

is
Cobá, which gradually shades into the real lake. Two kilometers before
reaching Cobá, the trail swings the southeast, and Lake Cobá bursts

to

is,
the right front. sunny day
on

on

of
into view The scene indeed, one

a
great enchantment, with the blue waters sparkling the bright light—

in
welcome change from the monotonous greens and greys

of
the forest.
a

Ahead,
of

of
the far end the lake, the tree-clad bulk Structure emerges
at

I
its
high above the other pyramids and mounds that cluster around base.
Skirting the shore, one soon comes old hut, close the water, used by
an
to

to
the transportation

of
passing muleteers engaged chicle from the area
in

east of Cobá.
On reaching this point the traveler already the outlying mounds

of
in
is

Cobá. Another kilometer through dense bush and some low land brings
The total distance from Valladolid by this
of
to

one the center the ruins.

64

on
route about km. (40 miles). This estimate the conservative
is

4 is

side—perhaps
be

or

would allow another km.

to

safer
it

There second route from Walladolid which passes through Chemax

is
a

and strikes the Cobá-Yaxuná causeway little the point of

to

the east
a

This route, which

is it.

where the Kanxoc-Chulutan trail reaches the one is

followed by Doctor Gann, longer, and not recommended, being less
is

easy divide into two comparatively equal parts with night's rest between.
to

a
go

possible one day, provided early

an

from Valladolid Cobá

It

in
to

to
is

start Indeed, the second Carnegie expedition Cobá returned

to

made.
is

single day, but such journey involves unnecessary

to

Valladolid
in
a

suffering traverse many miles

of

the mules, who have

to

the rough cause

to

way.
CAMP
The early Carnegie expeditions camped the muleteers’ rest hut
in

mentioned above, but the sixth expedition built bush huts just the north
to

Structure VII. Such being right

of

of

center has the advantage

in

the
a

ruins, water, and higher ground than the old hut by Lake
on
to

close
is

is

as

Captain R. R. Bennett, the map that illustrates his paper (Bennett, 1930a), places the lakes running
in
1

north and south. He shows the causeway as curling round the south end the lake, and then, the east side
of

of

the
lake on its left, striking north the many errors this paper. Others are: page
to

of

the ruins. These are few

in
a

377: the grand stairway does not face Lake Cobá; page 379: there the Temple
of

of of

no dated stela front

in
is

83

the Diving God. The stela mentioned probably Stela Macanxoc. Figure represents the hacienda
at
is

Chulutan, not the church. Figure 91, the causeway does not end temple, figure 94, does
at

this mound. The

as

not stand on the highest pyramid Bennett says the text. Figure 95 Macanxoc, not Nohotchmue (Nohoch
in

is

Mul).
 INTRodUction I3

Cobá. The greater elevation reduces the trouble of mosquitoes, one of the
worst trials of camping at Cobá.

FACILITIES
There is no water supply at Nohoch Mul, accordingly

all

at
work this
Lake Xkaná,
be

to
site must conducted from Cobá. Macanxoc close

is
where fairly good water obtainable. During the dry season, there no

is

is
supply Kucican, although hunters report swamp land about
at
water
km., possibly less, the northeast, where there
or

large savanna.

to

is
a
3

Lake Macanxoc may drunk without being boiled, but

be
of

The water

be
boiled. The sewage
of

of
the water Lake Cobá should the muleteers' hut
drains into the latter lake.
food supply little reliance should

be
In

placed on game
of

the matter
from hunting. This exists, but often very scarce, although other times

at
is

fairly abundant. Ramon trees are very abundant and yield plentiful food

a
supply for mules. Mules may Valladolid, and
of be

obtained without trouble

in
supply Chulutan,
an

labor available Kanxoc and

in
there excellent
is

any
be

or
at

at
Tixhualatun." Guides may also engaged these villages,

of
Valladolid.
The dry season
at

Cobá appears start little later and end little

in to

a
in of
earlier than the corresponding season the northwest Yucatan.
at

Suggestions for future work Cobá are given the final section
of this book.

As this publication were being written, news arrived

the last pages
of

of
Alfred Percival Maudslay, the first and perhaps greatest scientist
of

the death
the Maya field. say that without Doctor Maudslay's
no

exaggeration
in

to
It
is

pioneer work, Maya research would have been retarded

at

least two decades.

Possibly print. The reason
he

never received his due recognition not

in

is

Biologia-Centrali-Americana
so
far His archaeological work
in
to

seek.
is
it,
all

essential for Maya research, that often one fails quote

to

since the
all

the Maya field.

so

in
to

source clear workers

is

Many years have passed since sat writing up his notes and fighting
at he

the “Monjas”
he

adopted for
of

Chichen Itzá which

in

fever the room

his use, and the work, the foundations surely laid,
he
so
of

which now
is

by others. We
on

being carried generation

of

another find the road made

straight for us, and offer this publication memory
of

him
in

to

whom the
Maya gods Ah Be—He who goes before
of

of

to

name one the clear the

inappropriate.
be

road—would not
be

There appears feud between the people Kanxoc and the other two villages. would, perhaps,
to

of

It
a
*

be advisable not to mix men from Kanxoc with those of Chulutan or Tixhualatun.
 DESCRIPTION OF THE RUINS
BY HARRY E. D. Pollock

MAPS AND PLANS

As the present section will call for frequent reference to the plans
(Plates 13 to 18) included in this work, it seems well to give a word of
explanation as to the methods used in making them. While these plans
are rather more than of the sketch variety, they should in no sense be
considered surveyed, nor should their accuracy be relied upon too greatly.
The expedition did not possess a theodolite, and indeed in the time available
it would have been quite impossible to cover the territory represented by the

all
plans with an instrument of that sort. The instrument used for matters
triangulation prismatic (oil),

an
of

is or

orientation was small to acompass

extremely quick work with, but course not nearly

of
instrument which
true survey.
it or
so

the theodolite telescopic alidade used

in
to as

accurate

all
standing
be

With regard measurements, may general that

in
taken
walls were taped (steel, metric), while mounds presenting no fixed points
of

of
In

measure from were paced. the general map the Cobá

to

the case
district (Plate 13), triangulation from measured base line was the method
a
of

employed. This base line was necessity short (140 meters), but after
Cobă, Nohoch Mul and Macanxoc were once established,
at

stations
was fortunately possible check the three against Uitzil Mul, and the
to
it

believe that these groups are rather accurately placed.

to

results lead one

The mounds Kucican are too far from the stations Cobă, Nohoch
at

at

Mul and Macanxoc insure any true accuracy sighting, but the timed
to

in

walking distance between Cobá and this site corresponds fairly well with
the map. Sacakal, Lab Mul and Nuc Mul are placed only
on

that shown
through timed distances and the angles the roads leading
of

them, and
to

questionable accuracy. This Lake Sacakal;

of

therefore with also true

is

Cobá, Macanxoc and Xkanhã have certain points tri

of

whereas Lakes
angulation about their shores insuring greater accuracy. addition, rela
In

tive positions and outlines

of

the lakes have been checked against several

aerial photographs (figs. 3), and corrected wherever this seemed advisable."
to
I

Symbols used
of

connection with the general map the district (Plate

in

13) should for the most part obvious. The wave lines and shading plainly
be

denote the lakes; the single dashed line shows the present trail leading into
Cobá from Valladolid; while the dashed lines connection with the sacbeobº
in

signify the probable but uncertain existence these points.

of

at

the roads
outline; important
of

The various groups are shown ones, which

in

the more
These pictures were taken during flights made under auspices the University Pennsylvania Museum
of

of
*

December, 1930. They are here reproduced by courtesy the Museum and Fairchild Aerial Surveys, Inc.
of
in

Sacbe (plural, sacbeob) the modern Indian (Maya) name for the ancient stone roads found Yucatan.
in
is
*

The word means “white road.”

I5
16 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

there are plans, conforming to scale and shape. These plans (Plates 14,
16, 17, 18) also present symbols in common usage, and should readily be
understood. Mounds are for the most part conventionalized, a practise
made absolutely necessary where the fall of stone and rubble has so broken
down and covered the walls of the structures as to make it impossible to
determine their character without excavation. On the other hand, a few
structures are in good enough condition to justify an attempt at detailed
plans.” These will readily be recognized as avoiding the conventionalized
mound form.” It should be remembered, however, that only blocked-in

all
walls represent masonry still standing, and, therefore, other lines must
be

In
regarded tentative. this connection the broken blocked-in lines"
as

on the Cobá plan (Plate 14) may walls still standing, but

be
regarded

as
beneath the surface represented by the plan. Although probably apparent,
mention one other fact. The shading the plans Cobă,
be

of
may

of
to

well
it

Nohoch Mul, Macanxoc and Kucican presupposes diffused light from

a
the northeast. This means that the northern and eastern sides of mounds
are light, while the southern and western sides are the shade, the reverse

in
holding true for sunken courts. There
no
cast shadow.
is

All structures, either mounds buildings, bear Roman numerals,

or

while courts are lettered. Stelae and altars are shown by Arabic numerals
the latter case are prefaced by Alt. Where letter appears before
in

and
a
the number, the stela uncarved; where there no letter,
or

altar

it
is

is

is
The letters refer group: denoting Macanxoc, Cobá
to

carved. the
A

B
and Nohoch Mul.
C

all

magnetic north,
be

will noticed that orientation

It

to

referred
is

which necessary true north for this site has not yet been determined.
as
is

may mention, however, that the magnetic declination

be
It

to

as
well
Chichen Itzá, only about 100 km.
of
at

determined the ruins

in

1929
Cobá, was
of

40' East. This suggests that the declination

at
Cobá
6°

west
East, any very working
be

about 30'
in
6°

as

case this can used close

is

figure.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE COBA DISTRICT

the country we are dealing with has been described
of

The character
introduction,
be

said here. The

at

some length and little more need

in

the
one distinguishing feature
of

of

the Cobá district the presence series

is

Yucatan. These lakes form chain taking

of

lakes (fig. 1),

in

rare feature
a

northwesterly-southeasterly direction, starting with Lake Cobá

at

the
a

northwest and ending with Lake Sacakal the southeast (Plate 13).
at

Cobá, Nohoch Mul, Macanxoc, Kucican.

* * |

Structures XXXVI Cobá, and VII Nohoch Mul, Macanxoc, and Kucican are examples.
at

at

at

at
V
I

One exception should be noted. Structures X, XI and XII Nohoch Mul, which are shown simple out
at

in in

line, are entirely tentative and merely an effort portray the approximate shape
to

of

the structures connection

with the stelae. This fact will be mentioned again when the group dealt with detail.
in
is

Structures IV, XVII, XXXIV at Cobá.

* *

p.

Kilmartin, 1929, 312.

 3

By

of
of
of

Fig. 1–Aerial view Cobá, looking east. courtesy University Pennsylvania Museum—Fairchild Aerial Survey's Photo
I8 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

None of the lakes are large, Lake Cobá and Lake Macanxoc each being a
little over I km. in length, while the smallest, Lake Xkanhã, is only about 500
meters. Beside these lakes there are several aguadas, or water holes, that
contain water the greater part of the year but are probably dry in April or
May before the rains begin. Other than the comparatively gentle rise from
the shores of the lakes to the general level of the surrounding country, the ter
rain is without noteworthy features as to contour, but such small prominences
as do exist will be mentioned as the general description progresses.

SIZE
Turning to Plate roughly 9 km. north and south by 5 km.
13, an area
east and west is shown. The northern part of this area, which is to say the
country surrounding the lakes, may be considered as literally covered with
ruins. Between the main groups of Cobá and Nohoch Mul there is an almost
unbroken succession of mounds culminating just southwest of the latter in
Group D, a group of considerable importance, which had probably best be
considered as associated with Nohoch Mul.” The shores of Lake Cobá and
Lake Macanxoc are surrounded by groups of varying size and importance,
and this is probably also true of Lake Sacakal. In addition, from the
Castillo (Structure I) at Cobă a number of mounds may be seen to the
south. Excluding the ruins about Lake Sacakal as being somewhat distant
and the intervening area not well understood, the proximity of all these
ruins, one to another, would apparently necessitate the inclusion of the lake
group into one great site about 3.5 km. east and west by 2 km. north and
south, and certainly one of the greatest sites in the Maya area. The heart
of the city, however, may be thought of as lying within an equilateral
triangle, roughly 2 km. on a side, formed by the three major groups of Cobă,
Nohoch Mul and Macanxoc. Oxthindzonot, Kucican, Nuc Muland the small
sites to the north and east should be considered as suburbs of the central
city, connected to it by road and definitely belonging to the district, but not
parts of the main site. How much farther the district may be extended
beyond the bounds of the map is a question. Oxthindzonot is about 4.5 km.
west of the limits of the map; Sac Mul
is about 5 km. northeast of Nohoch
Mul; Chan Mul is about I km. east of the limits of the map. Beyond these
points, and south of Kucican, nothing is known.

SACBEOB
One of the most striking characteristics of this area is the network of
raised, artificial roads connecting the various groups about the lakes, and
* There are four aguadas known at present: (1) between Lake Macanxoc and Macanxoc ruins; (2) just north
of the northern point of Macanxoc ruins; (3) just north of Sacakal ruins; and (4) northeast of Kucican. Of the
four, the third is the only one that the writer has ever seen dry, but it is probable that the others are without
water during the dry season,except in particularly wet years. An additional lake, Chacluk, is reported to be about
1 km. southeast of Lake Sacakal, and may be seen in figure I. The large open area south of Lake Macanxoc and
Lake Xkanhá is apparently savanna or marsh land (figs. I and 2).
* During the past season it was found impossible to map the area between Cobá and Nohoch Mul. This should
be done at some future time. A better understanding of the area may result in the extension of these main groups
considerably beyond their limits as now understood.
 Description of RUINs I9

running off north, east, south and west to other more distant sites. These
roads built of stone, raised above natural ground level, and for the most
part running straight as a die, have been described on several previous
occasions. Little need be added here in regard to method of construction.
They are
all
apparently built with vertical side walls roughly dressed

of
of

of
stone inside which loose fill large stone covered over with smaller

is
a
stone that probably was mixed with mortar and supported fine plaster sur

a
face, now totally weathered away. words,

In
other the construction did not
differ essentially from that commonly used for substructures buildings.

In
of
width, height and quality workmanship they vary considerably. Features
of
connection with the sacbeobº are raised platforms over which
of

interest
in

them (Sacbe No. 8), pyr

1),

they run (Sacbe No. vaulted passages beneath

of
amids with temples upon them (intersection No. and No. 3), and gateways

1
of

(Sacbe No. 8). interest note that these roads (Sacbeob Nos.
It

to
also
is

apparently were built across the water several points.

8,

at
11, and 14)
Sacbe No. the great road running westward from Nohoch Mul and
at is
1

20
reputedly ending Yaxună, site about
of

the ruins km. south-southwest

a

Chichen Itzá, and roughly IOO km. from Cobá." At its eastern end the
of

sacbe lets into what was probably large plaza, although the plan

of
the
a

ruins this vicinity yet clearly understood. At this point

in

75 as

not

it
is

is
50

meters wide, about three steps running

or
Io

cm. high" and has two

to

3 an

of
at
across the end. From here the
sacbe travels westward angle" 282°
of

for distance meters, where intersects Sacbe No. and continues

it

1300
a

the same angle. At the intersection,

on
as
at

indicated the map (Plate 13),

little platform
on

the two sacbeob broaden out form which small

to

on is
a

a
mound about 3.5 meters high, that apparently had stairways the east
and west. At the top
of

of

the mound are the remains little temple with

a

doorway two square (masonry) altars before

it.
of
at

the west, and traces

a

its

At some point west the intersection, the road changes

its of

course," and
juncture
at

reappears with the trail Walladolid (about km.

to

when
it

running apparently
an

an

from Nohoch Mul) angle 269°, angle that

of
at

it
as is

long Just before reaching the ruins

it.

maintains the trail follows

as

Oxthindzonot, and about km. from its starting point, the sacbe runs over
of

several raised platforms that are met with along its course.
of

the first
Gann, 1926, pp. 110-115; Thompson, 1929, pp. 40-44; Saville, 1930, pp. 89-99; Bennett, 1930a, pp. 347-382.
*

p.

the present volume.

of

Also see
8

be
as

These features, as well definite measurements, will given the description

of

detail the individual

in

in
*

sacbeob.
the introduction, however,
of

No one has ever traced the course this road from end to end. As intimated
in
*

extend about 40 km. westward from Nohoch Mul and 24 km. eastward from Yaxuná.
to

known has also

It
is
it

reported by intervening points. practically unquestionable, therefore, that

at

been the natives several seems

It

the sacbe joins these two sites.

The same width apparently maintained throughout, but the height varies considerably, depending upon
is
*

as

the land, the case the majority

of

of

the contour sacbeob.

in
is

Throughout the text all orientation magnetic, and given on the full scale 360° running clockwise about
of
is

is
*

compass; i.e., equals north, equals east, 180° equals south and 270° equals west.
o°

the 90°
As the exact position this point unknown, the sacbe shown on the map (Plate 13) dashed line. Its
of

in
as is

is
*

beyond question, however, from the point

to

existence our laborers traversed leaves the Valladolid trail

is

it
it
of 3.

the intersection with Sacbe No.

p.

the causeway." See

8.

This Maler's “station

is
*
2O PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

These platforms are 4 to 5 meters high and the same width as the road.
The sides are vertical, and the ascent and descent from the sacbe may have
been either by steps or inclines. So far as could be determined, there
were no chambers or passageways in these mounds, and their use remains
a mystery.
OXTHINDZONOT

The ruins of Oxthindzonot, as mentioned in the introduction, along

lie
mounds apparently
It of
the road with the preponderance

to
of
both sides
the south. typical courtyard group, now, unfortunately very bad

in
is
a

a
preservation,

no
of

but there believe that the remains

to
state reason

is
Cobá. One mound lying about Ioo meters

at
differ essentially from those
the group particular
of

of of

of
south the road and near the eastern limits

is
interest. This structure apparently consists pyramidal substructure

a
circular superstructure, comparatively rare form

of
surmounted by
a

a
Maya architecture. preservation, and nothing can

be
of
It

bad state
in
is

the position doorways

of

of
or
as

made out the interior arrangement

to

the
building. West Oxthindzonot, long
of

the trail follows the

as

as
sacbe, there
of

littleinterest other than the carved stones resembling small stelae, which
is

this volume dealing with the monuments.

of
in

are described the section

YAXUNA

As has been mentioned, Sacbe No. pretty surely has its western
1

Yaxuná, where small and unimportant

of

terminus the ruins

in
at

ends
it

appearing mound. Its course here 265°, surprisingly close what

to
was

it
is
60

gathered

be
(269°) when last seen km. Little may
to

the eastward.
from the ruins. The site has apparently been burned over

of of
number
to a

times and practically nothing remains give one the type

to

as

clue
a

architecture that prevailed here. Amongst small mounds, the

of

wealth
a

most imposing large acropolis-like structure platform

of

the form
in
is
a

surmounted by two pyramids. the entire site, only one building

In

still
is

standing, and this well-dressed stone typical

of

of

north
of

built the sites

is

western Yucatan, but entirely unknown type

of
In
at

Cobá. construction
may buildings Labná, Kabah, Sayi,
be

or

associated with the found

at
it

the early structures This single building, however,

of

Chichen Itzá.
typifying the site, for none
be

of
as

should not regarded the other remains

it,

resemble and the acropolis has distinct leaning away from the sites
a

just its affiliations.

in

mentioned
Sacbe No. starts at the northwest corner of Lake Cobá and runs
us to
2
an

of
at

angle
of

the southwest about 255°. None the natives could tell

its destination, although they suggested Ixil.” This road measures approx
Morley (1927a, pp. 239-240) writes standing building that he associates with Cobá style
G.

of
S.

Dr.
in
a
*

different building not seen by the present writer, disagree

or

to
of

construction. Either this else he forced

is

is
a

in its association.
general belief among the natives this region that Cobá and Ixil, site several leagues south
of

There
is
a

a
*

15

Cobá, are connected by sacbe. Either Sacbe No. might fulfill the prophecy.
or
of

and west No.

2

there, every
to

The writer has been at Ixil and seen sacbe so there seems be chance that the two sites are truth
in
a

connected.
 Description of RUINs 2I

imately 6 meters across, is about I meter high at termination, and

its
probably had steps across the end. poor condition

at
present, but

It
in
is
was constructed differently than the

no
believe that

to
there reason

it
is
others.
leaves the main group Cobá between Structures XIV

of
Sacbe No.

3
and XV (see Plate

an

of
at
14), and runs northward angle

It
359°.

is
and, depression just north

of
small natural
to

8.50 meters wide because

at a
8

structures, group level, doing away

of

these enters the court thus with

any step. Between Structure XIV

of
and the northeastern corner
it

is
a
I4), and about meters from the start, just

70
small unsculptured altar
unsculptured stela (B
5). After traveling little less
an

(B
of

east the sacbe, lies

a
the north, this road crosses Sacbe No.

at
than km.
to

and continues the

1

1
same angle. The intersection here has been described connection with

in
No. The workmen informed us that the final destination of the sacbe was
1.

a
small group ruins several kilometers further on, but this was not verified.
of

way exceptional construction, must

no

or
Sacbe No. while
in

in
size
4

importance.
of

It
have been road considerable forms the shortest route
a

between the main groups Cobá and Nohoch Mul, and passes by con
of

a
80
right and left Starting about it.
of

of
stant succession
to

mounds meters
Structure XXVI

an
at
Cobá (Plate 14), angle
of

of
northwest
at

runs 54° it
little over km., and ends the same group

as
is at
It of

of
for distance ruins
a

consistently about

50
of

Sacbe No. has width meters and cm.

1.

6
a

high, country very level. At the Cobă end

of to

as

meter the traverses

it

is
I

the road there are two steps, and probable that the majority

of
is
it

sacbeob carry this arrangement ascending and descending.

in
to

assist
halfway
or

About along its course, there large trench meters wide

is is

3
2
a a

cutting directly across the sacbe. This phenomenon met with elsewhere
connection with the sacbeob but impossible say whether
to

has been
in

it
is
it

caused by the collapse some passage, which might have been either vaulted
of

bridged over by wooden construction, has been cut through

or

or

I at

some
a

these ruins. The sacbe only about meter

of

time since the abandonment

is

high, and the most logical explanation would appear

be

that
to

was
it

constructed for drainage purposes. As has been mentioned, the area

traversed by this sacbe has not been mapped.
of

few the mounds were

A
be

examined, however, and these will discussed further on.

Structure IX
at
is of of

Sacbe No. starts from the northern side Nohoch

5

an

Mul (Plate 16), and runs northward

at

angle 33° for about km. its

to
5

the small group Sac Mul.

Io
at

at

meters wide, and

of

destination
It

places attains height

of

about meters.
a

SAC MUL

small group central plaza

of

of

Sac Mul consists mounds about

a

With one exception, none

of

which the sacbe enters from the south. the

structures here appear This large oval pit with short and
of

interest.
is
a
22 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

long axes of about 5.50 and respectively, and a depth varying

8 meters,
from 2 to 4 meters, depending upon which side the measure is taken. As
the pit contains considerable débris, any measure of depth means little.
The walls are vertical and of roughly dressed stone. What could have been
the purpose of this construction is pure conjecture. That it may have been
in the nature of a well, or catchment basin for water, naturally suggests
itself, although there is no apparent drainage into it from the surrounding
ground.
Sacbe No. 6 begins about 200 meters south of Structure I at Nohoch
Mul and continues at an angle of IIo’ for 2.5 km., where it ends at a plaza
and single mound known as Chan Mul. Before the mound, which is flat
on top and has a stairway up the front, are the remains of an altar. This
sacbe is II meters wide which, with one exception, is the widest found here,
and is therefore disappointing to find a road apparently of such impor
it
tance ending at so insignificant a ruin. It is additionally disappointing as
the road runs in the approximate direction of Tulum, which legend says is
connected with Cobá by sacbe.
Sacbe No. 7 branches out of No. 6 (Plate 13) about Ioo meters from the
western terminus of the latter. It is 5.5o meters wide and runs off at an
angle of 76° to an unknown destination. In connection with the legend
mentioned above, there is considerable difference of opinion as to whether
Tulum or some point on the coast opposite Cozumel Island is connected
to Cobá. In the latter case this road might fulfill the requirements as to
direction, but it appears rather too small and unimportant to put much faith
in the surmise.
Sacbe No. 8, as may readily be seen on the map (Plate 13), is one of the
most important roads dealt with. It connects the fairly large suburban site
of Kucican directly with Nohoch Mul; and indirectly through other sacbeob
with Cobá and Macanxoc. In length it is exceeded only by Sacbe No. 1.
Starting about 250 meters southwest of Structure I at Nohoch Mul,” and
very near Stela 16, Sacbe No. 8 runs at an angle of 206° for about 1 km.,
where it enters the southeastern corner of a plaza from which Sacbe No. 9
proceeds southeastward to Macanxoc. There is a step down to plaza level
at this point. Thus far the sacbe is 9 meters wide and averages about I
meter in height. Crossing the plaza, or more properly the end of Sacbe
its

No.9, No. found to resume

8 is previous course and run out into Lake
the map, the sacbe has largely disappeared
on

Macanxoc. As indicated
little doubt, however, that
be

at

where crosses the lake. There can one

it

water, protrudes
as

time ran across the well into the lake from the
it

it

northern shore and short distance from the southern. The question,
of to a

by
of

course, arises whether the gap was traversed stone construction

as

by
or

similar the road, but now sunken, wooden bridge.

to

the rest
a
19

Sacbe No. meters wide.

is
9
* *

Sacbe No. was never accurately tied with the main group The point shown
at
of

The end
in

Nohoch Mul.
8

on the map, however, can not be far wrong.

 Description of RUINs 23

On the whole the former view appears the more acceptable for the reason
that at either shore the road very gradually disappears beneath the surface
of the water, and may be marked for some distance further by the reeds

it,
growing on rather than ending more less abruptly

or

as
the existence
of

bridge would presuppose.

a

LAB MUL

Lake Macanxoc the sacbe, still running

at
206°, skirts the
of

South
inlet, and after traveling somewhat less than
an
of

shore km. climbs

a
1
fairly steep hill group

of
Lab Mul. These ruins

as
small ruins known
to
a

mounds about two plazas lying along the eastern edge

of
of

consist series
a

the road, and are apparently without particular significance.

of

One
interest, however, gateway

on

of of
at
of

feature the sacbe

is
either end the
a
section that passes through These gateways each consist
the ruins. two
rectangular pillars built up roughly dressed stone and mortar. They
of
at on

measure about 1.50 meters side, stand little over meter high and

a
a

I
of

as
placed passage well
to

as
are leave either side them between them.
a

Leaving the ruins Lab Mul the road attains considerable height,
of

a
probably the falling away

of
or

meters, due the land here, and

in
to
4

approximately 200 meters reaches small mound about meters high from
a

5
which another sacbe (No. 13) runs off At this point the
to

the southeast.
it of

or

width little less, and addition changes its

in
road assumes meters
a
7
a

which apparently maintains all the way its destination.

to

to
course 197°,
One and one-half kilometers farther along, the road crosses Sacbe 2,
No. 14. The intersection, which plainly visible figure marked by
in
is

is
road,
of

several small mounds but otherwise without

to

the east the

is

From here the road runs straight Kucican, about of

to

interest. distance
a

km. At one place trench similar that discussed connection with

in
to
4

Sacbe No. cuts through the embankment which several meters high at
is is
4

this point, and just before reaching Kucican there vaulted passage 1.32
a

meters wide and 1.80 meters high that pierces the roadbed from side
to

side.
The passage large enough for person walk
to

beneath the surface.

is

through and was undoubtedly for that purpose would have been
as
it

practically impossible
an

arrangement
of

cross the sacbe here without this

to

sort, else stairway. At places such

or

this where the sacbeob are several

as
a

meters high,
or

impossible say whether the side walls are vertical

to
of it
is

not, because fallen débris, but, judging from the steepness

of

the slope,
they probably were. At Kucican, Sacbe No.
of

runs into the northern side

8

stair
of

Structure (Plate 18), which may have been mounted by means

V

way, but this not certain.

is

previously mentioned, begins plaza lying along the

9,
as

at

Sacbe No.
a

northwestern shore of Lake Macanxoc. The southeastern corner of the

plaza
of

9,

marked by the intersection Sacbeob Nos. and while

is

is
it
8

the southwest by the lake and

on

on

bounded the north by considerable

a

upper right the picture.

to

Sacbe No. runs from lower left

in
8
*
 f
#

of
of

to
at

8
14

FIG. 2—District Cobá, looking north the lakes and showing SacbeobNos. and intersecting center picture.
of
of

By courtesy University Pennsylvania Museum—Fairchild Aerial Surveys Photo.

 Description of RUINs 25

group of mounds extending in a general east and west direction for 3oo or
4oo meters. In this plaza rests Stela I 5 (map; Plate 13) against the northern
side of a small mound. From the southeast corner of the plaza, Sacbe
No. 9 runs off at an angle of 138° for about 600 meters to the ruins of Macan
xoc. It is 19 meters wide, and must have been of considerable importance,
although at present it possesses no particular features of interest. About
one-third of the way along its course there is an unsculptured stela (AI)
resting on the surface of the road. At Macanxoc the sacbe ends in a step
up to a small plaza just northwest of the main group. This plaza is bounded
on the south by a long mound with east and west axis, while to the north
the ground falls off steeply to an aguada. Straight across the plaza from
the sacbe is the edge of the large platform that carries the ruins of Macanxoc.”
Sacbe No. 10 starts at the foot of a steep slope that marks the southern
edge of the Macanxoc group. It may be that there was a stairway here
leading down from the platform, but no traces of it are visible at present.
Taking a southeasterly course of 140° to 145°, the road skirts the shore of
Lake Xkanhã, where there is a small temple, and continues on for a little
over 1 km., where it ends at the foot of a fair-sized hill at the eastern end
of Lake Sacakal. On this hill are situated the ruins of Sacakal. The sacbe
is by far the crudest yet encountered; it is only about 5 meters wide, and
at present is no more than a pile of loose stone. Its appearance suggests
that it may never have been completed.
SACAKAL

The ruins here are not of particular interest. The top of the hill shows a
certain amount of leveling and terracing, but the mounds are small and in no
great numbers. Along the northern shore of the lake is a small courtyard
group, and to the south and west prominences may be seen that probably
harbor other ruins. As these were not visited, it is impossible to be certain.
Sacbe No. 11 connects the ruins of Uitzil Mul with Sacbe No. 8 at a
point just south of where the latter crosses Lake Macanxoc. Branching
out of the western side of No. 8, it immediately crosses an arm of the lake at
an angle of 257°, and continuing up a hill for several hundred meters arrives
at the ruins. This road is only about 5 meters wide. As in the case of
Sacbe No. 8, the major part of the section running across the water has
disãppeared, but, for the same reasons cited in connection with the former,
it is believed to have been entirely of stone construction.
UITZIL MUL

The ruins of Uitzil Mul at its western terminus are an outlying group
of some importance.Situated at the top of a natural rise south of Lake
Macanxoc, this group occupies a prominent position well above the level
* These mounds are unmapped. They may possibly be considered as an outlying part of the main Cobá
group.
* The plan (Plate 17) shows the relation of the sacbeto the ruins, but does not show the aguada or the long
mound mentioned above.
26 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

of the lake. It faces northward with an orientation of 15°, and consists

of two raised terraces 40 or 50 meters wide (east-west), and each about
20 meters deep (north-south). The northern, or lowest, terrace has a single

a its
edge, terrace,

to
mound on eastern while the rear which meters

is

4
3
higher, has long range buildings across the southern side. Several

of
partially standing vaults are exposed, and type construction they

be of
in
of
do not appear differ from the better class work

in
to

at to
seen connection
with the main group Cobá. Sacbe No.

at
the slope

of
ends the foot

1
I
formed by the western side stairway

no
these courts, and while

of
now

is
this point, appears likely that originally there may have
at

visible
it
been one.

on

of
Sacbe No. indicated the map (Plate 13), questionable
as

12,

is
skirting tip

of
In

existence. the southern Lake Macanxoc short stretch

a
be
of

what appeared sacbe was discovered, but time did not allow the
to

its
western extremity

at
of

verification the matter. The mound shown

plainly visible from several surrounding points, and the road appears

as
to is

it,

running
be

the two are shown connected. This mound was never

to

visited, however, and both purely

be

in
and the sacbe should considered
it

a
tentative light.
has previously been mentioned branching out

of
13

Sacbe No. No.

as

8
point
at at

where the latter changes runs off It

to
the course. the southeast
it

only
an

an

angle
of

unknown destination. The road little

to

156°

is

a
over wide, being very poorly similar
in

in
meters and constructed

is
3

character Sacbe No. Io.

to

Sacbe No. 14, connecting Cobá with the ruins Nuc Mul and con
of

in
junction with Sacbe No. forming the shortest route from the former site
8

Kucican, appears
of

The start
of to

some importance.
to

have been road

a

marked by large unsculptured stela 2), now fallen,

(B

this sacbe
is

Structure IX
60

Cobá (see plan, Plate 14).

at
of

situated about meters south

point, assuming cuts across the western tip
of

of
From this course
it

199°
a

Lake Macanxoc plaza

its western side.with along
to

small mound
a
a

This
of

of

distance about
The road has breadth
180 meters.
9.5o
is
a

meters, and unlike Sacbeob Nos. standing above water for the
II

and
to is
8

full distance. This fact gives some support the theory that the other two
similar fashion. An interesting detail regard
in

to

were constructed
in
a

it,

this part the presence several canals cutting

14
of

of

Sacbe No. and

of is

thus allowing the passage water between the main body

of

the lake and

on

of

the west. The canals are

or of at

the small pond cut off mass débris

a

or
so

present that impossible give their measurements

to

method
it
is

construction. They may have been covered either by stone wood,

or

may even have been left open, although the last seems improbable.
of

its

South the little plaza with mound along western side, the land
a

gently rises for distance another small plaza with

of

or

to

200 300 meters

a

At the end the rainy season (1930) when the lake was high, the sacbehad height above water-level
of

of
a
*

about 40 cm. This measure will, course, vary considerably from year year.
to
of
 Description of RUINs 27

This mound platform with

it.

of
mound on the east of

in
the form

is

a
on
ranges three sides, and faces north toward Cobá. The whole too

is
the plan, but

be
collapsed may supposed that the ranges

of
to
make much

it
the raised court formed by the platform, and

a on
contained rooms opening
stairway ground-level. Whether
on

or
that the north there was not

to
down
these plazas are connected by sacbe question,

on
in as
shown the map (Plate

of is
a a
road, and the sacbe plainly

be

so

as
13); but there appear far

to
traces
the second plaza the two were probably connected.
of
continues south
From this point on, Sacbe No.

an

of
at
angle

14
runs south 179° for about

on
intersects Sacbe No.

8,
2.5 km. another 1.5
so to

where and then continues

it

Nuc Mul started with,

at or

km. (fig. 2). maintains the same width

It
to

it
places attains the greatest height any

of
or

of
and

(5
the sacbeob meters)

6
met with. Considering the apparent size and importance this road, the

of
Nuc Mul are disappointing. They are small, and offer no feature
of

ruins
particular interest."
of

leaves Cobă just west (see plan, Plate 14),

15

Sacbe No. Structure of

X
199°, paralleling the shore
an

of

of
at

and for about Ioo meters runs angle

of
at

Lake Cobá and crossing Sacbe No.

16

the southeast corner the lake.

continues its original course southward

an
From here unknown destina
to
of in it

preservation, and mainly interesting

of

tion. the
It

bad state

in
is

is
a

possibility going
of

of
the ruins Ixil somewhere south and west Cobá.
to

meters wide, begins the westernmost tip

of
at

Sacbe No. 16, which

is
9

Lake Macanxoc and runs across the isthmus the southeast corner of Lake
to

Cobá, where just mentioned. This little stretch

15

intersects Sacbe No.

as
it

70

only about long,

an
of

of
at

road, which meters angle 283°. From the

is

is

intersection on, however, the sacbe parallels the southern shore Lake of
km., where apparently ends
an
at

is at
angle
of

Cobá 274° for about

it

a a
I

small mound lying between

of

and the lake.” South the road there

it

small mounds and, just before its terminus reached,

of

number runs over

it
is

platform about meters high and similar connection

in
to

those described
3
a

with Sacbe No. (p. 19). There are several features connection with this
in
1

sacbe not previously seen. At places, the large stones forming its sides
higher than the bed the road, which suggests that there was
be

of

appear
to

parapet. addition, the platform just mentioned,

of
In

few meters east

a
a

parallel
of

line large vertical slabs and about meters north

to

there
is
a

the road. They do not appear stelae, and their purpose

be
of

unknown.
to

is

*Native hunter stated very emphatically that there was cross painted building
at
of

blue on wall
in
a

Nuc Mul, but such were the case, the fresco must have been destroyed, for there now no standing structure
is
if

at this site.
Page 20, footnote
2.
* *

The sacbe may be followed short distance beyond this mound, after which disappears. There some
is
it
a

question whether continues on or not.

it
28 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURES

COBA
GROUP B
The central group of Cobá is situated just north and east of the isthmus
between Lake Cobá and Lake Macanxoc (Plates 13 and 14), with the main
body of ruins lying along the northern shore of the latter lake (figs. 3 and 4).
There is little contour to the land here, although the height of the raised
courts and mounds above lake-level has undoubtedly been contributed to

Fascid aerialEuºvº intº c.

FIG. 3–Central group of ruins (Group B) at Cobá, looking west, with Lake Macanxoc in foreground and Lake
Cobá beyond. By courtesy of University of Pennsylvania Museum—Fairchild Aerial Survey's Photo.

by a natural rising of the ground away from the lake shores. The greater
part of the elevation, however, as shown in the cross-sections on Plate 15,
may be considered artificial. In size the group may roughly be thought of
as lying within a rectangle about 500 meters east and west by 300 meters
north and south.
As may readily be seen from the plan (Plate 14), assemblage is of the
compact, well-orientated,” related courtyard type. In this respect the ruins
look to the Peten region of Guatemala for their affiliations rather than to
* As nearly as can be determined without an accurate leveling instrument, the waters of Lake Cobá and Lake
Macanxoc lie at the same level. Whether this is true at all times or not is of course not known.
* The prevailing orientation of this group is 4°.
 Description of RUINs 29

the Usumacintla cities, where topography forbade careful orientation, or

to the sites of northern Yucatan, where the plan is more apt to take the form
of mutually distinct and unrelated courts without particular regard to
orientation. It should be noted, however, that in one or two respects there

FIG. 4—View of lakes from top of Structure I, Cobá: a, Lake Cobá, looking west; b, Lake Macanxoc,
looking southeast.

is a tendency to depart from the typical city plan as conceived by the

inhabitants of the Peten. There is no distinct acropolis, an important
part of the city in the other region, and, in addition, the outlying mounds
to the northwest and southwest abandon the careful orientation shown by
the majority of structures.
3o PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

It is
worthy of observation that the central mass of the group naturally
lends itself to a division into three parts: a Western Section, including
Structures I to VI, that has its chief approach from the Main Plaza on the
west; a Central Section, including Structures XIX to XXIII, and XXVI
to XXXVIII, that faces primarily on Court M to the north; and an Eastern
Section, including Structures XXXIX to XLIII, that has no outstanding
approach, but may probably be considered to face north. Both through
location and ease in description, the mounds (Structures VII to XVII)
outlying the Main Plaza may be included in the Western Section, while
Structures XVIII, XXIV and XXV will be mentioned in connection with
the Central Section. The order of importance of the several sections is
apparently as given above, so they will be taken up in that sequence.

FIG. 5–Cobá. Structure I in center of picture, and Uitzil Mul just beyond Lake Macanxoc.
By courtesy of University of Pennsylvania Museum—Fairchild Aerial Survey's Photo.

WESTERN SECTION
MAIN PLAza
Maya cities possessing
all

The main plaza is a common

feature in
a

carefully oriented and compact plan, and probably was peculiar

of

place
a

ceremonial significance. At Cobá, where the buildings are closely massed,

city offering
of

the one area within the central confines the sufficient

it
is

room for large gatherings

of

of

the populace. Four the six carved stelae

known Cobá occur within the Main Plaza, and the remaining
to

at

exist
 Description of RUINs 3I

two are closely adjacent. This great court measures about Ioo meters on a
side, and is bounded on the west by the main mass of ruins. It forms the
approach to the western part of the group, and in particular to the great
pyramid-temple, Structure I.

FIG. 6—Restored plan and cross-sections of Structure I, Cobá.

Structure I is locally known as the “Castillo,” and probably takes its

sobriquet from the somewhat similar edifice by that name at Chichen
Itzá. It is a great stepped pyramid, crowned by a small temple at its
summit (fig. 5). The approach to the pyramid is effected by means of a low
1The Main Plaza is about 5.50 meters above lake-level. All elevations should be taken as approximate, due
to the absence of an accurate leveling instrument.
32 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

flight of very broad steps leading into a small raised court (Court A), from
which in turn rises the great stairway of the pyramid proper. This little
court is flanked on the north and south by Structures II and III, which at
their eastern ends rest against the main mass of Structure I so as to form a
small platform about one-quarter of the way up and to either side of the
great stairway. In the first of these two structures are to be seen the
remains of a vaulted room, and there is no reason to believe that at one time
both were not made up of similar chambers. There are also the remains
of vaulted rooms on the northern face of the main pyramid at about the
same height as the tops of Structures II and III. In Court A, still
its

standing in the stairway

of

I,
little shrine the foot Structure

at

to

is
Stela II.
The great pyramid (fig. 6), measuring

50
some meters north and south

its
40

24
by base,” and rising platform
at

to
meters east and west meters

a
plaza imposing interesting
an

above level, extremely and structure.

is

large, roughly faced stones set

of
The outer walls are constructed mortar

in
and b), and the interior core undoubtedly
7a

of
(figs. stone and rubble

in
is

the usual Maya fashion. That the surface was smoothed over with plaster
plainly witnessed
of

of
number places where patches this material
in
is

elevation, the pyramid way extraordinary, con

no
In

still remain.
in
is

sisting
of

nine battered terraces. The first six terraces each have

as

does
it

a
height

be
In of

about meters, while the last three appear about

to
meters
3

2
its

high. plan, with inset rounded corners, the pyramid appears

to
have
its only parallel the neighboring ruins Nohoch Mul (Structure
at

of

and

I)
the ruins near Camp
at

British Honduras.” While inset corners also

in
6

the pyramids the Great Temples Tikal, and upon Structures

on

of

at

occur
all
35

36

Yaxchilan, figured by Maler,

of
as
at

18, and these are shown

being square, rather than rounded. These inset corners may probably
be as

formed by buttresses lying against each

of
a as

regarded

of
the four sides
pyramid, fact fairly well shown figures and 7b. The stairway"
in

the
6
A,

rising out apparently carries

19
of

of

Court width far the

as

as

meters
a

and III, after which

by

small platforms formed Structures narrows

II

it
12

down meters and continues at that width the foot of the seventh
to

to

At this point one masonry rising

an

of

terrace. met with unrelieved wall

is

the platform that carries the little temple. unfor

It
to

several meters
is

tunately impossible say how ascent was made above this point. The
to

falling masonry here has exposed what appear

be
of

of

walls construc
to

be a

tion antedating the pyramid its present form, and may that the
in

it
as

The plan and cross-sections are distinctly restorations and should be regarded purely tentative. The
1

overlying mounds about the base may be compared with the plan, Plate 14.
by side, necessity
of

As the base obscured other mounds on all but the northern these measurements are
is
*

approximate.
Thompson, 1931, pp. 280-281.
* * * *

Tozzer, 1911, pp. 117, 121, 127, 129.

Maler, 1903, pp. 136, 168.
6,

figure the stairway has an angle about 36°, figure determined by the ground
of

of

As shown ascent
in

plan and elevation. Actually probably slightly steeper, the error being caused by the slipping away
of

stone
is
it

the top and its collection

at

at

the bottom.
 Description of RUINs 33

FIG. 7—Structure I, Cobá. a, masonry of substructure; b, northwestern corner of pyramid, showing

inset and rounded corners; c, small temple with stela.
34 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

present stairway has simply slipped away from the face of these earlier
walls. On the other hand, final access to the platform of the great pyramid
at Nohoch Mul is gained by a small divided stairway, and the same may

all
that there are probably

be
have been true here. About that can said

is
several building periods the top

of
this structure. The

at

of
the remains
stairway shows no trace

of
balustrades.

—
l 3.

4.
ao

l 2
i

1.
m

1–1
1
1
1

l
i
i
i

Tneters

II,
of

FIG. 8—Plan and cross-section shrine of Stela Cobá.

The superstructure, which rests small platform, tiny, single

on

is
a

is a

room affair with the doorway facing west (fig. 7c). The room 2.20 meters
by

long (north-south) The doorway

of
82

cm. wide. has width 1.32 meters

a

the door jamb, the only measure now

at

and the front wall meter thick

is
I

The walls, which poorly laid courses

as

of

obtainable wall thickness.

to

are
 Description of RUINs 35

of roughly faced stone, and carry traces of plaster, now stand to a height
of 2.20 meters, but above this nothing remains, so it is impossible to say
what type of roof the structure had. Inside the chamber a stela (B 1)
stands against the back wall. It is badly flaked away and no trace of
carving remains.
Shrine of Stela II. All of the carved stelae at Cobá are in small shrines.
Some of these are too badly fallen to obtain plans, but they are probably
essentially alike in construction and a description of the one in connection
with Stela II (Court A) should suffice for the rest.
This little structure(fig. 8) consists of a small platform, 4.35 meters
north and south by 4.05 meters east and west and 20 cm. high. Across the
rear of the platform, which faces west, extends a low wall with antae at either
projecting The stela stands facing west

it.
end 1.5o meters forward from
just

40
the platform
on

of
front this wall. The wall and antae are
in

cm.
height cm. The platform covered by practically
of
80

thick and stand

to

is
a

by
fall, which means that
of no

could never have been roofed over any sort

it

stone construction. On the other hand, may well have borne roof

of
it

a
perishable material, and this case the walls probably were carried above
in

of

their present level material similar nature.

in

formed by the great mass Structure VI

at
of

Court the east and

is
B

Structures III and IV

on

the north and south. On the west, except for

a
narrow gateway, shut off from the Main Plaza by wings

of
the above
it
is

mentioned structures. Entrance the court through this gateway

to

i.
gained by means the same broad flight
of

steps that serves for Court As

of
40

The stairway meters long, and apparently consists

of
about six steps
is

it,

with gentle risers and wide treads. Just

12
of

stands Stela
to

the south
long alleyway
of

ruined shrine. At the southeast corner Court

in

B
a

runs south between Structures IV and VI Court D.

to

its

Structure IV large platform mound measuring

at

base about 25
is
a

is 30

meters north and south by meters east and west, and standing
or
4

meters above plaza level. quite level top except for small mound
on
It

a
its

running along
of

or

western edge, but whether this the débris vault

is

not, quite impossible say. On the same side, there rises from the
to
it
is

Main Plaza, stairway vaulted passage (fig.

16

meters wide with

9)
a

running the full width beneath the platform

of

At the northwest corner

it.

B,

spur juts
of

little out form one side gateway Court men

to

to

as

the
a

of
In

tioned this small mound are the remains

above. single vaulted
a

the room, which probably contained the

of

room. The eastern side

doorway, has collapsed, but the western side and ends
of

the vault are

Two layers plaster, the earlier red and the later white, show on the northern door jamb.
of

careful exami
A
*

these brought out the fact that the white layer was laid over the red after the latter had either largely
of

nation
crumbled away been removed. This shown by the fact that the outer layer (white) places covers the inner
or

at
is

(red), but over considerable areas penetrates the jamb. This may be interpreted either as an
to

of

the stone
ordinary but careless repair job, period elapsed
or

of

that considerable time between the first and second coats.

a

The latter interpretation would tend support the theory two periods occupation here, theory for which
to

of

of

there much to be said.

is
36 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

standing to the capstones. The room is 5.10 meters long by 1.30 meters

Io,
may figure low (55 cm.) from spring

to
wide. As be seen in the vault

is
capstone, giving the soffit slope extraordinarily large angle from the

an

FIG. Io–Longitudinal and transverse sections northwestern wing Structure IV, Cobá.
of

of

room
in
all

the spring runs

of
at

vertical. The step around the room, and the ends

the vault are vertical, an unusual feature Three beam holes
in

these ruins.
standing. The vault flat, rather
of

the side now

in

show constructed
is

hearting
of

thin stones, tailed well into the the wall and undressed but for
the outer ends. The whole
at

rough bevel tied together with liberal

is
a

a
 Description of RUINs 37

use of mortar,
and the face of the vault is evened-up by the introduction of
many small wedge-shaped stones into the chinks between the larger ones.
The result is an extraordinarily fine piece of vaulting, that when plastered
over, as it undoubtedly was, must have presented as smooth a surface as
could be desired. Although particularly well done in this instance, this is
with a few exceptions the type of vault construction found throughout
this group of ruins. The walls of the room are built of larger stones than
those used in the vault. These stones tend to assume the shape of a rec
tangle, the width being about twice the height, and a little more attention
is paid to facing, although at no point do they assume the fine, dressed
surface common at the sites of northwestern Yucatan. The use of little
wedge-shaped stones to fill the chinks is found in connection with the walls
as in the case of the vault.

sº

T
.
º

FIG. I.1—Eastern façade and vault of southwestern range of Structure IV, Cobá.

At the southwest corner of Structure IV,

and probably to be identified
it,

parallel vaults running north and south.

of

with are the remains two

ground-plan
of be

will (Plate 14) that there are least four

It

at

seen from the

rooms, which the southern two are plainly made out and the northern
two are indicated. The southeastern room (fig. II), which has both ends
its

vault still standing, length by 2.55 meters

of

width
in

in

9.25 meters
is
an

of

Io

and has outside (eastern) wall thickness meters. There was

I.

probably doorway opening the east. The masonry here

of
to

the same
is
a

type that has just been discussed, but not quite nicely executed.
as

step
A
38 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

all
at the spring of the vault runs around the room, and the ends

of
the
vault slope inward, which the normal style. little window, ventilator,

or
A
is
cm. square, pierces the eastern wall just below the spring

20

of
about the
vault and the exterior medial moulding, which are the same level. Two

at
interesting features that will

be
seen again better advantage

in
a to
connection
with Structures XXXIII and XXXVI are vaulted interior doorway, and
inset panel the upper zone
an

at
say

of
in

to
the façade. Suffice the

it
moment, that both details are apparently characteristic

of
the site.
little courtyard, formed by the vertical wall Struc

of
Court
is
C

ture IV the north, by the building that has just been described
on

on
the

its
west and by Structure
on
the south. At eastern end the court open
W

is
small flight
of

and steps with broad treads and gentle risers runs down
a

20
meters long that may may
D.

or
to

Court Structure mound about

W
is
a

raised only

or
not have contained vault. two above the level
It
meter
is
its a

a
C,

southern side drops off quite sharply natural ground

on
of

Court but

to
away

of
level, which turn slopes Lake Macanxoc.
in

to

the shore
D,

approximately the same level the Main Plaza,

at

Court which

as
is

by VI,

on
great
bounded on the north the mass Structure and of
the east
is

and west by Court

of
V.

and Structure The northern half the court

is
as S

by

artificially leveled,
of an

at
shown embankment the southeastern corner
(see plan, Plate 14), but south imaginary line between the embank
an

ment and Structure the land falls away the lake shore. This shown
to
V

is
Section C–D, Plate 15.
in

Structure VI, lying against the southern side

of

Structure and between

Structure XXXIII and Structure IV
I
on

on
the east and Court the west,
B

rivaling the Castillo (Structure bulk. It

in
I)

colossal mass measures

is
a

the highest point stands about

on

at

its base, and

50

at

some meters side

a

plan great platform with structures

In

meters above plaza level.

12

it
is
a a
all

E)

on four sides. These structures form high court (Court that

is
entirely closed but for
it at

small opening the northeast corner, and while

a

no stairway can
be

made out present, difficult

at

to

is to

see how access

is

point.
at

the court could have been gained other than this The court
actually L-shaped, due the northwest by
at

the fact that cut into

to

it
is

small sunken court (Court E') which has its floor level about meters
in 4
a

below that of Court E. The various elevations here are shown Section
C–D, Plate 15.
The mounds bordering Court on the east, south and west are badly
E

fallen, and certain that they contain chambers, although

be

impossible
to
is
it

this highly probable. On the other hand, Structure WI' on the north
is

is

preservation. This building apparently rests

be on
of

fair state the third

in
a

E,

the Castillo, but

as
of

faces south on Court identified

to

terrace
it

it
is

with that complex. The plan the building (Plate 14) shows two very
of

long parallel vaults with single outer and inner doorway

of
at

the center
a

the southern and medial walls. The rear room, which has its vault intact,
 Description of RUINs 39

is 19 meters long, I.33 meters wide and 3.70 meters high; the front room is
apparently identical, although only the western end of the vault is standing.
The inner doorway, the lintel of which is now gone, is 1.25 meters wide,
but the other doorway is too deeply covered by débris to obtain any measure.
The medial wall has a thickness of 1.17 meters, and is thus heavier than
the outer walls (95 cm.), a nearly universal practise at this site. Some
small blocks of masonry standing on top of the building suggest a roof
comb, but there is too little left to be certain.

O 1 2 3. 5
+
meters
FIG. I.2—Cross-section of Structure VI’, Cobá.

The vaulting here is essentially the same as that previously seen, but
not very well done. There is less attention paid to beveling the ends of the
stones, and the face of the vault is not true even though much of the plaster
remains. Figure 12 gives the general proportions of the vaults. The offset
at the spring runs across the ends of the rooms as well as at the sides, and
the ends of the vaults slope inward. A great many beam holes are to be
seen in either side of the vault, but none of the beams are still in place.
Between the roof and the capstones a stratum of mortar (45 cm. above the
under side of the latter) apparently runs through the building from wall
to wall. The walls, which are of good-sized, roughly faced stone, are
pierced by a number of small rectangular openings, running through both
the medial wall and the outer walls. Small portions of the floor are exposed
at places and these present a smooth, hard surface of white plaster. Only
the lowest course of the medial moulding remains, but this course indicates
"This appears to be a rather common practise in Maya construction (see pp. 60 and 124).
4O PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

that the moulding was vertical rather than beveled. The undersides of a
number of these stones are coated with a fine red plaster which covers
even that part of the stone that is tailed into the wall. This means that the
stones must have been plastered before they were put in place, a practise
difficult to understand. The upper side of the lowest course of the moulding
is apparently on the same level as the spring of the vault.
Structure VII is a great range running westward from Structures IV
and V along the southern side of the Main Plaza. It is nearly Ioo meters
long by 25 meters broad, and stands to a height of 8 or Io meters. On the
northern side toward the eastern end of the mound there is a low stairway
20 meters wide rising to a small platform about 2 meters above plaza level.

all
There are probably several tiers of chambers in this structure, but are

4.
I 3.
a 1.

5
t2
1o

11
=
1
1
tt

l
ii

Tmeters

FIG. 13—Ground plan VIII,

of

Structure Cobá.

now completely fallen

so

covered with débris that impossible

or

to
it
is

make out any plan. On the southern side the mound near the center,
of

there may well have been another stairway, and there are some signs
of
a

raised walk running from the foot the lake shore, but these
of

to

down
it
on

details are too questionable the plan (Plate 14).

be
to

shown
Structure VII its eastern end the ground drops away
of

South
at

is to to

Lake Macanxoc. This natural slope along the shore the lake appears
of

occupy strip wide, while above this the ground

20
of

land
to

30 meters
a

artificially leveled. As one progresses westward along the southern side

the structure, good-sized plaza opens out, due the drawing away
of
of

to
a

triangular
on

the shore-line the left. The plaza, which shape, limited

in
is

is

small sink-hole between Structures IX and X, and by

by
on

the west
a
a
 Description of RUINs 4I

much larger natural depression south of the latter structure. Sacbe No. 14
enters the plaza at its southwestern corner.
Structures VIII and IX are two tiny buildings situated in this plaza
near the southwestern corner of Structure VII. They unquestionably
belong to the class of buildings known as shrines and found in considerable
numbers along the eastern coast of Yucatan. Each of these little buildings
stands on a small platform about 6 meters square and I meter high. The
plan of Structure VIII, which faces east, is shown in figure 13. The single
room is 1.55 meters long, 1.20 meters wide, and now stands to a height of

Fig. 14—Cobá. Interior of Structure IX, showing

stucco altar.

about I meter. The upper part of the vault is fallen, but enough remains
all

four sides. The doorway has

of

to show that it sloped in on

55

width
a

cm., and the walls, the outer faces covered by

or
of of

which are either fallen

structure,
of
In

débris, are
55

cm. thick. front this about meters east

2

little platform masonry altar, which

of

or

the steps, are the remains

a

measures approximately 2.50 meters east and west by meter north and
I

badly fallen, but apparently was about cm. high.

50
It

It

south. also
is

is

East Coast tradition.”

in

The platform Structure IX

of

Struc
of

worse condition than that

in
to is

VIII,
be

ture but may supposed have been essentially the same. The
p.

See Lothrop, 1924, 26.

* *

p.

See Ibid., 26.

42 PRELIMINARY Study of RUINs of Cobá

building proper, however, which faces west, is in a fair state of preservation,

all
standing the spring the vault, and the rear and ends

of
with the walls

to
position. The plan and sections this building are
of

of
the vault still

in

is an

of
figure 15. With interior length (north-south)
in
shown 1.58 meters and
almost identically the same size
of

of
width 1.13 meters, the other

as
it
a

shrine. The doorway cm. wide, and the walls, which rise

57 58

90 50

to to
cm. the

is
spring the vault, are cm. thick. Above the spring
of

cm. the

it
is
the spring very small cm.), and

of on
at
capstones. The offset found

(5
is

is
all
every wall the vault slopes inward from four sides. The capstones,
is as

which one still place, are large, and there probably were never more
in

the doorway fallen, having let down the front

of
than two. The lintel
of

is
vault, likely wood and probably recessed

of
the but seems that was
it

it
style prevalent

of
the along the eastern coast Yucatan. Inside the
in

building the usual smooth plaster floor (white) present, and tiny altar

is

a
(fig. 14) cm. long, cm. high placed against the back
83

50

cm. wide and

is
6
(2.HE

C
5

*
1.

l 3.
2
1o

i 5
11ºf in111
1

i
Tneters
FIG. I5–Structure IX, Cobá.
b,
a,

ground plan; section through doorway; longitudinal section.

c,
I of

wall. stucco with rounded edges, and has two depressions

II
It

cm.
as in
it
is

deep (fig. a). These depressions are U-shaped, and look though
5

they might have accommodated the feet little idol,

of

or

may have been

a

for the burning Nothing was found

of

copal. them, however, and there

in

Structure VIII, the outside

no

of

of
of

are traces fire. As the case the

in

building has slumped away, but simple

be

may imagined
to

have carried
it

rectangular moulding
of

or
at

about the level the capstones, little lower.

a

the débris around the building

of

Several pieces blue and red stucco found

in

indicate that there may originally have been considerable decoration

of

this sort.
The construction by far the worst that has yet been
of

these shrines
is

seen. The stones are roughly shaped fulfil their respective functions,
of to to

fact particularly noticeable regard the stones forming the door jamb,
in
a

but that about all. Even the ends the vault stones are not beveled,
is

of

profuse
of

small stone fill the chinks that

to

and the use the secret the

is

vaulting connection with Structure IV almost entirely

of

excellent piece
in

is
 Description of RUINs 43

absent. While the faces of the other vault (Structure IV) present a perfectly
true surface even after the plaster has fallen away, it is obvious that in the
present case the use of a heavy coating of stucco was depended upon to
even up
of all
surfaces. Probably the essential difference between these two
varieties construction laying the stone rather than

in
the care used

in
is
the quality the stone-cutting, although there certainly slightly more
of

is
attention paid

of

of
dressing the ends the vault stones and the faces
to
the
wall stones the better class of constructions.”
in

Cave. has previously been mentioned that between Structures IX

It

small sink-hole. This depression about

15
X

in
and there meters
is

is
a

a
diameter and from deep, that has been formed by the erosion
to

meters
3
2

and crumbling

on
of

of
the natural limestone. The walls the depression the
west and north exhibit an overhanging ledge that forms the roof

of
cave

a
running back into the bed rock variable distance. This formation con
a

the east, but here, directly Structure IX and

at
of
tinues around front

in
to

a
lower level, masonry has been thrown across the mouth
of of

of
wall the cave.
a

Near the middle this wall vaulted passage marked by three small
is
a

unsculptured altars (Alt. II, 12, and 13) immediately before the
B
B

cm. wide, runs beneath Structure IX

70

entrance. The passage, which

is

small artificial platform.

on
of

for distance 5.40 meters, where lets

it

a
a

The platform stands about meter above the natural floor

of
the cave and
I
it,

rectangular altar (Alt.

on

of
line with the passage, Io) built up
in

is

B
a

97

stone and covered with stucco. The latter measures cm. north and south
by direction, including small cornice that projects
87

the other
in

cm.
a
all

parallel
of

around. South passage vaulted chamber

to

cm. and the

is
3

sketch plan
of

4.35 meters long and 1.20 meters wide. the cave shown
A

is
maximum height
of

of
figure 16. The roof
to
the cave has
in

3
a

meters, but for the most part one must stoop walk about. The floor
to

covered with sand and silt, and nothing particular interest

be
of

to
is

is

seen at present.”
Structure VII,
X,

lying south and west

of

of

Structure the first seven

is

outlying mounds that depart from the careful orientation (4°) adhered
to

almost without exception by the central mass ruins. These mounds,

of

starting group, chain running north

of

the southwestern corner

at

the form
a

Plaza, finally turning

of

of

along the western side the Main east, north

Structure XVII. They are
all

preservation and
no
of
in

bad state case

in
a

exhibit any standing vaults. This regrettable, does away with the
as
of it
is

discovering whether the abandonment

of

chance careful orientation

different period building.
of

came with
a

"A piece this stucco, clinging the spring the vault and practically obscuring the offset there,
to

at
of

of

the wall
seen figure 14.
in
is

highly probable that there are two distinct classes this site. The above discussion,
at
of

construction
It
is
*

be

therefore, some importance, although more fully treated the section dealing with the architecture
of

will
in
is

it

region.
of

this
as

The possibility burials naturally presents itself, but the cave flooded during certain seasonsand damp
of

is
*

all times, any material found would probably be very bad condition.
at

in
44 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

X, which has an orientation of 19°, is largely noteworthy

Structure

its
(see plan, Plate 14). reality two parts,

of
In
for odd shape consists

it

a a
small northern mound and larger southern one, joined together by

a
platform which sup

be
narrow ridge. The southern mound appears

to

a
ported several buildings now entirely fallen, and the northern part may
be

Whether the ridge raised passage con

of
well similar character.

is
a

a
necting the two,

of
single range collapsed rooms, impossible say

or

to
it
is
of a
at

present. West Structure where the land slopes away

to
the eastern

%
Lake Cobá, Sacbe No. has its origin.
of

15
shore

L
%

&
A/t. B10

4.
- 3.
1.

2
o

11111111
Lll
meters

plan IX,
of

FIG. I6–Sketch cave beneath Structure Cobá.

Structure XI large mound which conjunction with Structure VII

in
is
a

forms the southwestern corner of the Main Plaza. has an orientation of

It

355°, and 40 meters north and south by meters east and west. Stand
22
is

ing probably contained several tiers

of
or

meters above plaza level,

it
7

all
of

chambers, which are now fallen buried beneath débris.

or

giving the orientation any mound, the axis nearest due north and south used. The other axis may,
of
In

is
*

course, be obtained by simply adding 90°.

of
 Description of RUINs 45

Structure XII, which lies almost directly west of the Castillo across
the Main Plaza, is a small mound roughly 14 meters square, 3 to 4 meters

in its
high and oriented at an angle of 7°. On little

14
Stela

in
eastern side

is

a
shrine, with the characteristic plan seen connection with Stela II. The
platform of
the shrine meters north and south by 2.14 meters east and

is
5

25 84
west. The wall and antae are cm. thick, and the latter project

45
cm.
Structure XIII

66
great range meters long (east-west), meters

is
a

an

its of
Io
meters high.
broad and about orientation 359°, and

It

in
has
conjunction with small spur that runs south (7°) from southwestern
a

corner forms the northern side and northwestern corner of the Main Plaza.
There undoubtedly are vaults this structure, but none are now good

in

in
enough repair discover the type

of
construction used.
to

Structure XIV large platform mound only

on
meters high its

to
or is
a

2
I
high away
on
eastern side, but meters the west where the land falls
4

an

of
angle

50
the lake. orientated meters north and
It
to

at

9°, and
is

is

it,
by
35

any buildings

no

on
of
south meters east and west. There are traces

3,
but corner, and close Sacbe No.

to
few meters from the northeastern
a

unsculptured altar (Alt.

an

there I4).
is

this point mounds string out along the

of

of
North and west number
a

Lake Cobá. They are rather widely separated, and can

of

northern shore
hardly part the central group. Their chief interest lies
be

of
as

considered
a

be
the fact that there are two stones associated with them that may
in

unsculptured stelae. another unsculptured

of be

will recalled that there

It

is

Structure XV and just

70

stela about meters north east Sacbe No. of

3
which enters the ruins between this mound and Structure XIV.
Structure XV lies east of Structure XIV and forms the western side
meters north and south,
of

Court H.
at

38

16
orientated
It

22°, meters
is

is

east and west and about meters high. probably contained chambers
It
5

and there are some signs stairway on its eastern side.

of
a

Court by Structure XVI on the north, Structures XVII

H

formed
is

and XVIII on the south and Structure XV on the west. at the same
It
is

the eastern part

of

this court between Struc

In

the Main Plaza.

as

level
tures XVI and XVIII are eight low mounds that are not shown the plan
on

meter high and vary

of

the ruins. These mounds, which stand about

I

considerably
no
of

of

size and shape, are built loose stone with signs

in

masonry now showing. They give the impression being burial mounds,
of

but their original use purely conjectural prior excavation.

to
is

Structure XVI, which the pre

as
at

oriented the same angle (22°)

is

ceding structure,
of

the last and most eastern the mounds placed without

is

the group.
of

of

regard the orientation large structure

It
to

the rest
is
a
43

32

meters (east-west), height

of

of

with length width meters and

a

above plaza level Asymmetrically placed

on
of
Io

meters. the southern

stairway
or
Io

side near the western end meters wide that leads up

is

9
a

the platform above. Just east the stairway

of

from Court ruined

H
to

is
a
 *
-
#

-
3

o
1
4.

&

meters

of
c,
of

b,

a,

FIG. I7—Restoration Structure XVII, Cobá. ground plan; transverse (east-west) section; longitudinal section eastern range.
 DEscRIPTION of RUINs 47

shrine containing Stela 13. The platform on top is a mass of fallen build
ings that are now unfortunately obscure as to plan or arrangement. There
are probably several distinct and separate structures, however, that form
a complex of some importance.
Structure XVII, lying at the northeast corner of the Main Plaza and
immediately north of Structure II, is separated from the central mass of
ruins by Courts F and G, but, nevertheless, conforms to the normal scheme
of orientation (4°). This structure (fig. 17 a, b, c), which belongs to the class
of buildings known as ball courts, consists of two parallel ranges with their
long axes north and south, and separated from each other at their bases by

FIG. 18–Structure XVII, Cobá. Eastern ring of ball court.

its

a distance of 3 or 4 meters. In present fallen condition, the eastern

27
of

range appears length

17
of

about width about

to

have meters and

a

meters, while the western range the same length, but roughly meters
is

narrower. The former has its northern end stairway about

at

meters
a

wide with vaulted passage running beneath, and probably has another
on a

stairway
of

its eastern side. The vault the passage, which 1.30 meters
at is

wide, good condition, and except for having the spring,

no
in

offset
is

While preparing this stela for photographing its discovery, an interesting fact came light.
at

to
of

the time
*

the sculpture was hidden below

of

was found that the monument was set the shrine so that about 30 cm.
It

in

floor-level. This was made necessary by the fact that the sculpture extended to within 15
to

of

20 cm. the bottom

believe that the stela would originally have been carved with base obviously
to
of

the stone. As difficult

is
it

support it, the suggestion some subsequent time the base was accidentally broken, re
to

at

insufficient that
is

shaped, and the stela reset its present position. The evidence regard no way conclusive,
to

the above
in

in

in
is
as

however, may prior its original erection. (See Pollock, 1929, pp. 328-329.)
to

the break have occurred

48 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

resembles the better class of work that has previously been seen. On the
platform at the top of the mound are the remains of low walls 1.10 meters
thick and standing to a height of about 1.5o meters. These form an en
closure that is entered by two doorways in the eastern wall. Opposite
the northern doorway there is a little covered niche 95 cm. high, 65 cm.
wide and 35 cm. deep in the rear wall, while between it and the northern
end of the room is a small pilaster of masonry that projects 30 cm. and stands
the full height of the wall with a width of 70 cm. The wall is finished off at
the top by a little rectangular cornice Io cm. square. As there is little
débris in the room, it seems very improbable that these walls ever stood
much higher, or carried a roof of any material other than of a perishable
nature. The southern end of the mound contains a badly fallen vaulted

meter
al b
FIG. 19—Structure XVII, Cobá. a, eastern ring; b, western ring.

chamber that was probably entered from the south at ground-level. At

the foot of the western slope of this range are lying three fragments of a
stone ring of the type that is commonly associated with ball courts. When
fitted together, as shown in figures 18 and 19 a, the stone is 1.50 meters long,
82 cm. wide and 20 cm. thick. The ring proper must originally have had an
inside diameter of about 50 cm. and an outside diameter of about 90 cm.
The tail of the stone was apparently roughly hewn, but the part that pro
truded from the wall is nicely dressed, although now badly weathered. On
both faces of the ring there are traces of a raised band 5 cm. wide around the
inner and outer circumferences.
* The tail, by means of which the ring was tenoned into the wall, is not shown in the photograph, but it was
found and is represented in the drawing.
 Description of RUINs 49

The western range, against the western side of which is a shrine with
two stelae (Stelae 9 and Io) in it (Plate 8), is mainly notable for the fact that
a part of the other ring was found in situ immediately beneath a small
moulding at the top of the eastern slope. This fragment (fig. 19b) has the
same thickness as the other ring, and maximum measurements of 75 cm.
across by 70 cm. in the other direction. Although badly weathered, a
nicely dressed portion still remains and shows the same raised border found
on the other stone. There are indications that this range once carried a
superstructure similar to that on the east, but nothing can be made out as
all

to plan and traces stairway are missing.

of
of a
This ball court particular interest for two reasons.

In
the first
is

place, having sloping inner walls design from the classic

in

in
differs

it
examples Chichen Itzá and Uxmal, where these walls are vertical; and
at

the second place, whereas ball courts have long been thought

be
late
in

to

a
importation into the Maya area by foreign people (Toltecs) from the
a
Valley Mexico, this one site with stelaei bearing dates that
of

found
in
is

period long before the advent

of
mark this foreign invasion. These facts
a

harmony with the comparatively recent discovery

of
the regions
in

in
are
Chiapas and Peten, territory apparently pure Maya and supposedly
a

early, ball courts, with sloping walls, although these southern

of

of

number
a

courts do not appear possess the stone rings previously considered

to

forgotten that

be
On the other hand, must not
to

essential such structures.”

it

period
of

this site, and that these remains are

at

there are the remains late

a

distinctly allied with those found along the eastern coast Yucatan, region
of

a
that, known, contains ball courts, but was apparently open
no
so

as

far

to
is

the same foreign influence that accounted for the ball court Chichen Itzá.”
at

XVIII, XX,
by

XVII the north,

on
I,

Court formed Structures and

is
F

east, south and west, respectively.entered through Court

It

on the
G
is

southwest, northwest,
on

Court common with them lies at

H
or

the and
in

the same level as the Main Plaza. little north of the center of the court
A

and before the stairway Structure XVIII stands unsculptured stela

an
to

built-up
(B

altar (Alt.
it.

with small
3)

9)

before
F B
a

raised alleyway running

of of

of

At the southeast corner Court sort

is
a

VI
D.
at

south along the eastern sides Structures and and ending Court
I

the eastern boundary just

of

This the Western Section that has

as

serves
be

been discussed, and attention may now the Central Section.

to

turned
CENTRAL SECTION

As previously mentioned, the Central Section faces primarily north on

Court M, where great flight Court N, and thence south
of

steps leads
to
a

so

as

conjunction with the ball court are unfortunately make any reading
to

The two stelaefound weathered

in
*

the hieroglyphs impossible (see pp. 154-155), but they almost certainly belong the same early period that
or to
is of

Macanxoc. Their connection with this structure may may not be chronological
at

of

recorded on the stelae

as

importance, the possibility dating buildings by means adjoining stelae yet be proved,
to
of

of

fact that
is

is
a

best highly questionable. See Smith, 1929, pp. 323-324.

at

and
* is

Blom, 1929; and 1930, pp. 167-171.

*See Lothrop, 1924,pp. 169-170, for Mexican influence the East Coast area.
in
5o PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

ward to a compact and elevated group of buildings. For the moment, how
ever, it is probably as well to continue the description from where we left
it at the northwest corner of the section.
Structures XVIII, XIX and XX. It has just been seen that Structures
XVIII and XX
form the northern and eastern sides of Court F. They are
mounds 3 to 4 meters high that probably contain chambers now com
pletely fallen and hidden beneath débris. On the southern side of the
former structure there is a stairway Io meters wide with Altar B 9 and

it,
Stela B 3 standing before

an
at
while the northeastern corner rests altar
(Alt. 24) now badly weathered, but that probably once bore carving.
Structure XIX, which eastern wing Structure XX, approxi

an

of

of
as is

is
mately the same height probably

it of
the other two and similar charac

is

is a
K,
ter. Lying between Courts

of
at
and and orientedJ 12°, one the few
part group departs
of
mounds the central that from the usual orienta
in

the
is,

moreover, quite inexplicable why this structure should

of

tion
It

4°.
vary thus from the normal plan.
XVIII

of
Court small raised court situated east Structure and
is
It of on J
a

bounded the other side by Structure XXIII.

At its northern edge there
drop plaza level, but stairway

no

of
about 1.50 meters sign
to
is
a

a
just possible, therefore, that entrance this court was

to
remains.
is

XXII XXIII

be
gained between Structures where there appears

to
and

a
all
narrow passage. On the south, but not extending the way across the
court, Structure XIX.
is

bounded by Structures XIX, XX, XXI and XXII,

K,

Court about

is
J,

meters higher than Court and thus little over meters above plaza
2

3
a

level.
XXI
large mound situated south and forming
of

Structure Court
K
is
a

35

roughly meters east and west by

27
L.
of

Court
It

the western side

is

meters north and south, and stands height

12
of

about
to

meters above
a

plaza level. At the top platform any

of
without sign
of

the mound
is
a

building, but may have carried some structure

of

perishable material.
it

Court deeply sunken court formed by Structures XXII, XXXII,

is
L
a

XXXIII and XXI the north, east, south and west, respectively. The
on

actually meters above plaza level,

or
at
of

floor the court some about

is

4
K,

of

Court but the steep slopes

as

the same elevation the several mounds

that surround give the court distinctly sunken aspect. (See Section
it

A–B, Plate 15.)

the Central Section, which
M

Court forms the main approach now

to

is

under consideration. Maintaining the same level the Main Plaza,

as

runs
it
on

the west, stretches along the northern edge

of

of

out Court Court

H

and continues eastward before the great flight steps leading

of

Court
N
to

the north by Structure XXIV, long

on

on

the south. The court limited

is

be a

visible,
no

seen,
of

narrow mound with vaults but with traces walls still

to
20

while meters farther north the little mound, Structure XXV. Some
is
 DEscRIPTION of RUINs 5I

40 meters east of the latter and about Ioo meters from the eastern end of the
steps to Court N is the beginning of Sacbe No. 4.
Court N, lying between Structure XXIII
on the west and Structure
XXVI on the east, and at an elevation of slightly less than 2 meters above
plaza level, is entered from the north by a magnificent flight of five great
steps. The steps are 39 meters long and have an average tread and riser
of about 1.5o meters and 35 cm., respectively. They are faced with large
blocks of stone that run up to 1.75 meters long by 38 cm. deep in some cases.
These stones, which are nicely cut and may have carried a slight batter,

FIG. 20–Stairway to Court O, Cobá.

form the risers, while behind them the tread is built-up of rubble that was
undoubtedly once surfaced with plaster. The stairway is of particular
interest not only in being larger, but in being much more gradual in its
ascent than the normal Maya stairway.” Both as to construction and
design, however, it appears to be closely paralleled at the ruins of Lubaan
tun” and Hatzcap Ceel" in British Honduras, as well as at the ruins of
Chichen Itzá in Yucatan.
1 Gann, 1926,pp. 121, 126-128. The writer disagrees with Dr. Gann as to the necessity of these steps form
ing a link between Cobá and Lubaantun. See pp. 110-III.
* The stairway leading from the Main Plaza to Courts A and B is probably similar to the above in design
and construction, but is so covered with débris that it is impossible to be certain.
* Mound K, see Joyce, 1926, pp. 219-20.
* Thompson, 1931, pp. 251-252.
* Lower stairway of the Caracol.
52 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

Structures XXIII and XXVI are good-sized mounds situated on either

side of Court N. They
stand 5 or 6 meters above plaza level and undoubtedly
contain vaults that are now either fallen or covered with débris. At the
northeastern corner of the latter is a large stone that may possibly be an
unsculptured stela (B 4).
Court O. A second flight of steps (fig. 20), similar in all details to those
just described with the exception that the treads and risers average re
spectively 25 and 5 cm. less, rises from the southern side of Court N to
Court O. This gives the latter court, which lies between Structure XXII
on the west and Structure XXVII on the east, an elevation of a little over
3 meters above plaza level. Just south of the stairway, and somewhat west
ofthe center of the court, rests a small unsculptured altar (Alt. B 8). The
two structures to the east and west are both large mounds that nearly
certainly contain chambers, although none can be made out at present.
Structure XXVII, which measures at

its

35
base roughly meters north and
by

meters above plaza level;

or
west,
22

south meters east and rises

9
8
while Structure XXII, with base measurements meters greater

of

or

in
3
2
each direction, second only the Castillo height, and must stand
to

in
is

meters above plaza level. The height and steepness

at

15

of
least the latter
its summit temple rather than residential quarters.
at

suggest that carried

it

a
O,

stairway
of

or
On the southern side Court meters wide rises

4
a

3
I
I
platform (Sections A-B and E–F, Plate 15)
an
to

meters extensive elevated T,

extending as

as
that runs east and west between Courts well
O

and
platform

an
of

southward along the western side the latter court. This has
considerable magni
of

about 3000 square meters, and

of

area thus work

is

the plan (Plate 14), L-shaped and may

be
on

tude. As shown divided

it
is

into northern wing supporting Structures XXVIII XXXII, which are

to
a

grouped about Courts and Q, and southern wing including Structures

P

XXXIII XXXV grouped about Court

be

noticed, more
is R.

It
a to

should
by

P,

over, that position peculiar importance forming,

of

assumed Court
does, the culminating stage
of

of
as

series three successively elevated

it

courts (Section E-F, Plate 15), and harboring temple (Structure XXX),
a

may partake
be

of

that through its elevation and seclusion

to

considered
“holy the east by
on
of

This court
of

the nature holies.” limited

is
a

XXVIII, by low mound (Structure XXXII)

on

Structure and the west

to a

Lying
on

of

that falls off steeply

L.

its western side Court

to

the level
and distinguished from only by low retaining
of

the south Court

it
P

a
Q,

on

meter high
50

wall Court which has its southern side

to

cm.
is

a
I

T.

stairway leading down Both this stairway and that

on

Court
to

the
lead up low mounds (Structures XXIX and
of

northern side Court

to
P

XXXI) that collapsed vaults; but this fact

be

may
of

in

the remains no
is

way assured.
successive elevations culminating temple fairly common throughout the Maya area,
of

This scheme
in

is
a
*

and probably reaches its highest development the complex behind (south) the Casa de las Palomas
at

Uxmal.
in

See Morley, 1910,pp. 1-18.

 Description of RUINs 53

Structure XXVIII
is an extremely interesting building both in plan
and in that is sufficiently well preserved to provide the opportunity of
it
studying some of the constructional features employed at these ruins. The
building is of the residential or palace type and, as may be seen from the
plan and section (fig. 21), consists of an interior courtyard surrounded on
all

sides by vaulted corridors.

of
The northern side the structure unfor

is
tunately too deeply covered with débris any way clear plan,

be

as
in
of to

to
but the apparent breadth (north-south) this wing indicates two parallel

O,
as

vaults the figure. The extreme northern wall faces Court

in

shown
although considerably higher level, and there the possibility that
at

is
a

there may have been one more doorways here, making this side the main
is or

façade. The possibility strengthened, moreover, through the fact that

this range, which now stands considerably higher than the other three,
all

probability carried roof-comb, superstructure that primarily

in

is
a

a
for decorative purposes and that accordingly should rise above the prin
cipal front. At the moment, however, there doorways and

no

of
trace

is
therefore they are not shown on the plan, which should

be
considered
entirely tentative respect the northern range. The other three ranges,
in

to

which carry no superstructures, are not nearly deeply covered

so

in
débris
and, although there question position doorways,

of
to
as

some the the

is

plan can made out fairly definitely. Judging from the walls that remain
be

standing and the position the fall, there apparently one outer doorway,
of

is

Q,
of

which opens out

of
the southern corridor Court
to

the eastern end

and three inner doorways, one on each side, that communicate with the
interior courtyard. There also the possibility that the northern range
is

has an entrance directly into the inner court. The walls

of

these three
preservation, standing for the most part
of

corridors are varied state

in
a

the medial moulding the spring

on
of

the first course

of to

to is to

the outside and

on

In

the vault the inside. several places, moreover, the vault complete
with the capstones place. The thickness run fairly
of

the walls seems

90 in

constantly around cm. for the inside wall,

75

cm. for the outside wall and

while the width of the corridor varies from Io meters on the east
to

1.8o
2.

meters on the west, and 1.60 meters on the south. The exterior measure
the building are 15.30 meters east and west by about 16.30 meters
of

ments
north and south, making the courtyard
Io

meters east and west by about

8.

meters north and south.

6

Turning the building,

at
of

the constructional details

to

feature once
a

that the vaulting

of

noticed the corridors carried around each corner

is

is

apparently referring “a two-storied, flat-roofed

to

of

Dr. Thomas Gann this structure when he writes

is
*

building, the floor the upper and roof the lower story which had been formed by great flags limestone,
of

of

of

of

laid across beams, supported on pillars, both probably sapote wood (See Gann, 1926, pp. 121-122.)
of

"
.
of .
.

There does not, however, seem be the remotest chance that this type construction prevailed. He has evi
to

dently mistaken the interior courtyard for room, and mistaken several very large stones from the lowest course
a

moulding “great flags” (ceiling?)

of

the medial for the that formed the flat-roof he mentions. The walls show no
the beam holes that would be required by this type construction; there are far too few “flags," and too
of

of

trace
general second story above the courtyard. There consequently no
to

of

little débris account for the fall

in

is
a

as

believe that this building Tulum style,

to

of

reason he affirms.
is
54 PRELIMINARY Study of RUINs of Cobá

without interruption, fact plainly seen at the southeast and southwest

a
corners, and surmisedat the northern corners. This feature is also found
at several of the Usumacintla sites, and at Chichen Itzá in northern
Yucatan, but on the whole is rather rare in Maya construction.

o 4. 2 3. 4. s

FIG. 21–Ground plan and cross-section of Structure XXVIII, Cobá.

The masonry does not differ essentially from that found in the north
wing of Structure IV, and described in connection with it
(p.

western 36),
Structure XXVIII exhibits very good cross-section vault, this
of

but
as

is
a

a
 Description of RUINs 55

shown in figure 22, which may be considered as typical of the better type
of vaulting found at this site. While the thin, flat vault stones that are only
roughly shaped and beveled at the exposed ends are fairly well shown here,
the figure unfortunately fails to portray the great number of small wedge
shaped stones that fill the chinks in the face of the vault. This feature also
is true of the walls and is a factor of considerable importance in giving the
masonry a smooth, true face, as well as probably being a factor of strength.
An atypical feature in connection with this vault is that it is slightly unbal

FIG. 22—Structure XXVIII, Cobá. Cross-section of western vault, showing details of construction.

anced (also see section, fig. 21), the spring on the side nearest the interior
court being about 10 cm. lower than the other. As the stones forming the
offset at the spring rest immediately above the lowest course of the medial
moulding, this places the moulding on the wall facing the courtyard lower
than that on the outer wall of the building. This lowest course of the medial
moulding has an overhang of about 25 cm. and is made up of some very large
stones (fig. 23a). The under sides of these stones and the outer surfaces
of the walls show remains of a fine red stucco. It is unfortunately not
certain what form the moulding and the upper zone of the façade took
(fig. 23b), but it seems quite possible that there were two simple rectangular
mouldings with a sunken panel between, an arrangement seen to best
advantage in connection with Structure XXXIII.
The walls are pierced
by the usual small ventilators, 15 cm. to 20 cm. square, at a level immediately
below the medial moulding (fig. 21), and, while no beams now remain, the
holes where these were bedded into the vault are to be seen at two levels
(fig. 21). each level the beams were spaced about 1.50 meters apart,
At
and where the vault turns they were placed diagonally across the corridor
"This technique may be seen in the photographs in connection with some of the structures yet to be described.
56 PRELIMINARY Study of RUINs of CobA

Fig. 23-Structure XXVIII, Cobá. a, southwestern corner of interior court; b, southeastern corner of building.
 Description of RUINs 57

with one end of the beam at the outer corner and the other end at the inner

all
corner. The lintels over the doorways have

so
fallen that impossible

it
is
or
to

say whether they were stone, complete

of
wood but their absence

of
In
suggests the former type. the western wall the western corridor about

30
small niche (fig. 21) cm. square and

25
meters above floor-level cm.

is
a
2

r.----------------------------------

&
l 3.
o

s
i.

Lil LiLiLill
t

Tneters

FIG. 24—Approximate ground plan and elevation XXX,

of

Structure Cobá.
an
of

deep; while larger niche, with decoration oval

in

somewhat stucco
a

low relief, wall rising out

of

of

found the débris

in

the south face

in

is

be

above the northern chambers. this wall that appears

It

to

the remains
is

roof-comb, although there the possibility that

of

of

the outer wall

it
is

is

a
a

second-story chamber.
XXX building importance,
be

of

as

Structure
to

seems considerable
a
it by

the ap
its

formality
of

witnessed seclusion and the elaborateness and

p.

proach These facts lead one believe that its function

to

to

(see 52).
is,

in be

religious nature and that therefore, temple

of

to

as

was classed
of it
a

building. Lying
of

rather than type Court

as

residential the center

a
P,

faces north and apparently has its back against the retaining wall
it
58 PREliMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

forming the northern edge of Court Q. The plan of the structure is un

fortunately obscured by débris, but a provisional plan and rough elevation
are shown in figure 24. The temple has exterior measurements of 9.85
meters east and west by about 5.5o meters north and south and, it is sup
posed, has an inner chamber, or sanctuary, behind the vestibule that is
entered through a triple doorway formed by two rectangular pillars. The
pillars, which are now fallen (fig. 25), consist of large rectangular stone
blocks, measuring I meter across the face by 80 cm. on the side, and from

FIG. 25—Eastern pillar and door jamb of Structure XXX, Cobá.

25 to 55 cm. in height. The eastern pillar contained at least five blocks with
a total height of 2.17 meters, while the western probably had seven blocks,
although only five are now to be seen. The lintels that rested on these pillars
are of course fallen, but because of the width of the doorways (1.65 meters)
and the fact that no lintels are visible, it is to be supposed that they were
of wood. The utilization of a form of stone column in this building is an
interesting and exceptional feature as columns have been found in only one
other instance in the area under consideration.
Court R, which covers a considerable portion of the southern wing of the
elevated platform that is still under consideration, is an irregular shaped
court bounded on the east by Structures XXXIV and XXXV and on the
north and west by Structure XXXIII. It is entered from Court Q on the
northeast by a rather narrow passage between an eastern wing of Structure
XXXIII and Structure XXXIV, which is a low L-shaped mound that ap
 Description of RUINs 59

parently once consisted of two ranges of rooms at right angles to each other.
Beneath the northeastern corner of this mound is a vaulted underground

its
passage that has the main platform and

of
of in
eastern entrance the side
from there runs westward distance 7.50 meters (plan, Plate 14). The

a
passage has height

of

of
width meter and
a 3.10 meters from the floor

a
I
the capstones which are just beneath the level

Q.
The vault

of
Court
to is to

exceptionally fine piece masonry similar

an

at of
excellent condition and
in

is
the best that has been seen. The usual offset found the spring, while

is
slightly convex surface,
of

the faces the vault have feature that does not

a
Just what

at
occur elsewhere. purpose this passage served present

is
unknown.”
Structure XXXIII, partially

an

of of
as

now stands, intricate complex

it

is
standing walls and vaults that extend along the western side

R.
Court
The plan can only partly
be

made out (Plate 14), and difficult under

to
it
is
stand the relationship the various parts the building

of of
of

to
one another.
practically certain that several periods construction are represented,
It
is

be

possible that several structures rather

to

as
and considered
it

it
is

is

than one, although the long western wall appears tie the whole together

to
into single structure. This western wall, which extends southward from
a

Structure XXI for distance

37
of

of
to

meters the southwestern corner the

a

building, seems the principal front, but

be

at
uncertain present
to

it
is
on

how the complex

be
of

the north could entered from this

to
as

rooms
its

side. As the structure has foundations approximately the same level

at
R,
S,

be
or it is in as

Court meters below Court the vaults appear

or

to

to
imbedded
3

the platform that forms the latter court, and approach from that side
equally difficult understand. While the plan
be
obscure,
to

to

thus seen
is
is,

nevertheless, sufficiently clear assign the building the residential

to

to

palace type.
interesting architectural features are found
of

number connection
in
A

with the structure. First turning our attention

to

the southwestern corner

the building (fig. 26), may seen from the plan (Plate 14) that there
be
of

it

chamber here with its long axis north and south and doorway opening
to is
a

only
be

the west. This

at

the chamber that can made out the southern

is

the building, but highly probable that there are others com
of

end
is
it

pletely hidden beneath débris immediately north and east Protruding

it.
of

from the western wall (fig. 26), opposite the northern end
of

the room and

standing the medial moulding, which fairly well
of

about the height

to

is

this point, platform. Figure

or

preserved square masonry buttress

at

of is
a

the building with the buttress the left and the

at

27c shows the exterior

doorway right. This façade,
of

which carries traces

to

in at

the chamber the

red paint, showing the sunken panel arrangement
of

of

interest the
is

p.

as

this passage accordance with that described by Dr. Gann (1926, being 120
of

The location 123)

in
a is
*

feet long and communicating with its present condition, however, the passage
to

sunk court the southeast.

In

does not approach any such length, and runs nearly due west. Nothing approximating Gann's description was
encountered.
6o PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

upper zone, that was mentioned in connection with Structure IV (southwest

wing) and suggested in the case of Structure XXVIII. Only one panel and
a small piece of moulding remain, but these show the latter to be a broad
band something over 1.5o meters wide that projects 12 cm. from the wall

its
level with the spring the vault. The panel,

on

in of
and has lower edge

a
moulding

as
the same plane

12
which let into the cm. and thus the
is

is
wall, long by height, leaving
of

in
face the measures 2.20 meters meter

a
I

all
30
small rectangular band cm. wide beneath the panel, and probability

in
it,
there was somewhat similar band above although the latter may have
a

been considerably wider. Figure 27a shows the possible arrangement

of
the
based upon the one remaining panel.

of

of
number fragments
as

façade

A
stucco decoration were found connection with the structure, and

in

it
is
probable that the panels were decorated with this material.

Fig. 26–Southwestern corner XXXIII,

of

Structure Cobá.

the building measures meters long by

of

The this corner

at

chamber
8

3.65 meters high. The vault, which standing

at

2.57 meters wide and

is

all is

the room, has the usual offset the spring

on
of

at

both ends sides except

the north, where the end wall rises vertically without offset
or

inward slope.
About 1.40 meters above the floor, this wall has three well-plastered niches
odd shape (fig. 27b). They vary from the bottom,
to an
of

at
27

to 31

cm. wide
to
29

top, high Construc

at

deep.
18

22

25

28

cm. the are cm. and cm.

the building not differ from those already seen, with
do
of of

tional details
cm. apart
of

the exception mortar spaced about

1o

six horizontal strata

above the capstones (fig. 27b). The lintel over the doorway gone,
to as

are
is

be

all the vault beams, but the holes that contained the latter are still
by

seen and the walls, which are about meters thick, are pierced
Io

the
1.
 Description of RUINs 61

usual small ventilators just below the spring of the vault. Slightly to the
east of this chamber a wall of masonry rises a little above the level of the
capstones so as to suggest a roof-comb, or possibly a parapet along the
edge of Court R.

FIG. 27—Structure XXXIII, Cobá. a, suggested elevation of western façade; b, cross-section

of southern room; c, western façade.

The long wall of Structure XXXIII is standing for the most

western
lie

part to the bottom course of the moulding, but whatever chambers

completely hidden
be
or
so

covered with débris

to
as

behind are fallen

in it

the room just described and one other

of

except the north

at

the case
the building (see plan, Plate 14). The latter, which
of

western corner
is

1.65 meters north and south and about width, must have been
in

meters
2
I

although doorway
be

at

entered from the west, the can not seen present.

standing
no
of

The vault
at

both ends the room and exhibits details

is

that have not already been seen. The room holds one feature interest,
of

formed by
an

however, that the southern wall earlier exterior façade

in

is

against which the present chamber has subsequently been constructed.

62 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

The façade has a retreating upper zone that rises above an apron moulding,
the latter occurring on a level with the spring of the more recent vault.
The moulding is 33 cm. wide, projects Io to 12 cm., and is nicely plastered.
East of this room are the remains of at least six vaulted chambers, of
which three are in a fair state of preservation and exhibit an interesting
type of vaulting. Instead of having the smooth faces of the vaults pre
viously seen, this vaulting (fig. 28) is of the “stepped” variety, a variety
not extremely common, but at the same time not to be considered rare.
of all

the vault, this case, there are three overhanging steps built
of

On

in
sides
up

roughly shaped stones heavily covered with stucco. principle,

In
a.

XXXIII,
a,

stepped vault, showing details construction;

of

of

FIG. 28—Structure Cobá. cross-section

b,

northeastern corner of northern room.

the vault does not depart from the normal type and purely question
of
is

a
of

design. The most northern the chambers now under discussion

in

the
is
its

preservation (figs. 28b and 29). long axis east and

of

It

best state has

west, measuring 5.70 meters that direction by 1.95 meters across. At
in

apparently doorway now completely buried débris

in

the south there

is

vault, north, cm. from the western wall,

on

45

from the while the another

is

doorway that the outside by what appears artificial fill,

be
of on

to

blocked
is

indicating that that side the building was hidden by some later structure.
the medial moulding on this disused façade
of

The lowest course still

in
is

place, but above that the masonry has crumbled away. The doorway,
69
of

which shows the wall 1.34 meters, cm. wide and

is to

have thickness
is
a

1.80 meters high. interesting having stone lintel slightly shorter

It

in

the doorway, and held up either end by two stones

of

at

than the width

projecting few centimeters from the jambs. This arrangement appears
a
p.

Gann, 1926, 123.

*
 Description of RUINs 63

to be a halfway stage between a vault and a true lintel. Beam holes occur
in an orderly arrangement at each step in the vault (fig. 29b), and it is also
to be noticed that the ends of the chamber are stepped as well as the sides.
At either endthe room, 30 cm. below the spring of the vault, is a little
of
ventilator; while immediately beneath the capstones at the eastern end
is a good-sized niche measuring 30 cm. across the bottom, 18 cm. at the
top, 50 cm. high and over I meter deep (figs. 28b and 29a). The roof of the
niche is formed by a continuation of the capstones of the main vault.

o 1 2 3 4. 5
LLLLil 11111 l l l I
Tneters

FIG. 29—Sections of northern room in Structure XXXIII, Cobá. a, transverse section; b, longitudinal section.

About Io meters south of this room is a parallel chamber that is similar

to the one just described in every detail except in the fact that both door
ways occur in the northern wall. The eastern doorway is covered by débris,
while the western is walled up with masonry, but it originally led to another
chamber with a stepped vault running north and south. This last room,
the northern end of which is partially filled with loose stone laid without
mortar, is interesting in showing some very poor masonry in the western
wall that is quite obviously secondary to the well-laid, well-plastered work
least two, and maybe three, periods
of
it.

around There are construction

at

interesting point for excavation.

at an

here, which should make

it

R,

Structure XXXV, lying

of

the southeast Court faces eastward

T,

stairway
13

and overlooks Court from where

to

meters wide rises the

a

platform before the building. The structure (plan, Plate 14)

at

present
of

one long room about meters north and south by

12

consists meters
2

wide, with the western side part

of

of

the vault and the southern wall still

standing (fig. 30). There are indications, however, that there was formerly
another chamber that ran westward from the northern end of this room.
The eastern wall, which meters thick, apparently pierced by three
Io
is

is
I.

doorways, the southern one having width

of

of

1.40 meters. The vault

is
a

excellent masonry smoothed over with plaster, the figure. At

in
as

shown
the western wall, just below the spring the vault,
of
of

the southern end

64 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

are traces of what seem to be hieroglyphs painted in black upon cream

colored stucco. While this fact is interesting, the symbols are too far gone
to be of any value.

it,

S,
South of this structure and about 4 meters below lies Court
reality the top platform that drops off sharply

of
which Lake

is to
in
is

a
on

on
Macanxoc the south and Court the west, while Struc

to
of to D
the east
ture XXXVI and

T.
narrow passage Court seems probable, though

It
a
by

means certain, that flight

no

of
stairs led from the eastern end the

a
the lake where Structure XLIV

of
court down situated. The
to

the shore

is
small construction consisting large, nicely faced stone 1.75

at of
latter
is
a

a
parallel the water, and that

of
long that lies the edge

to
meters the shore

end of room and western half of vault.

stones projecting about

an

of
at

has either end arm undressed meters

3

into the lake. The arms are now for the most part under water, but this
was probably not originally the case, and the little structure would have
served admirably bathing place. Figure
or
as

dock for small boat

as
a

shows the large stone along the water's edge and that part
of
31

the western
arm that still above water.
is

This large court, bounded the north and west by the large
to on
T.

Court
XXXV,
by

platform supporting Structures XXVIII

on

the south Lake

Macanxoc and on the east by Court U, lies about meter lower than
I
its
S,

Court but still meters above the lake. Along southern edge
to

is
of 7

large building palace type (Structure XXXVI), while the north

at

the
a

east Structure XXXVII, low platform mound only about meter high
is

any building.
of

and without trace

 Description of RUINs 65

Structure XXXVI faces north on Court T at an angle of 355°, and thus

9°.
varies from the usual orientation of this group by a matter of The reason
the position the building

of
for the variation obvious this case

in

as
is

is
T,
determined by the southern edge dependent upon the

of
Court which

is
35
shore-line of
Lake Macanxoc. The structure meters long (east-west)

is
by

As 60
meters wide, and stands low foundation platform about

on
14

cm.

a
just

all
high and projecting about the building.

75

of
cm. from sides
intimated, residential character, fact plainly brought out by the
of
is
it

a
plan (Plate 14), which shows multi-chambered, and with the

be
to
it
buildings.

in of

of
cell-like arrangement of
rooms characteristic this class
all

As nearly the vaults have collapsed, filling the rooms and obscuring
in of of

the outlines the walls, the plan frankly open question

in
to
several

is
points, but probably gives arrangement.

of
the main fair idea the

a
three parallel east and west vaults, flanked
of

at
the
It

to

seen consist
is

by

building,

of
ends two transverse vaults that run the full width the and
by

lie

of

of
two shorter vaults that inside the latter and across the ends the
rear and central rooms. The front (north) east and west vault divided

is
into three chambers, while the two vaults parallel

be
may single rooms,

to
it
the plan,
be
on

separated into two rooms each. The trans

or
as

shown may
be

of
verse vaults appear single chambers with the exception the most
to

by

western, which divided cross-wall near the middle, but there some
is

is
a

question building
of
at

the room the eastern end the may not have been
if

As the plan stands

at

divided present, there are ten

in

the same manner.

chambers, but the alternatives suggested above proving
of
in

the event
correct, there would
be

thirteen. There also some doubt the exist to

as
is

position certain doorways. case the two rear longitudinal

of

In
or

ence
the middle by cross-walls, there could not
be
rooms are divided central
in

doorways, now shown, and

no

addition there believe that

in

to
as

reason
is

the building,
be

of
at

there may not outer entrances the rear and ends view
a

strongly supported by nearly

of

that the complete collapse the eastern

is

part
of

wall and the rear wall.

a

the building near the western end, there

of

At the front small piece

is
a

façade still standing (figs. 32b and 33a) which shows the usual rectangular
of

medial moulding with the lower edge the spring

on

of
as

the same level the

vault. The moulding cm. wide and projects
45

22

cm. from the wall

is

but only cm. from the upper wall which rises

15

87

its
to

beneath cm.
it

highest point probable

as

that this the familiar

It

now stands. seems

it

is

sunken panel arrangement with the upper part the panel and moulding
of

gone. An interesting detail stucco figure still adhering

of

the fragment
is

32b),
of

panel (fig. fact suggesting that there may have

to

the face the

a
in of

been considerable this material for decorative purposes here.

use
a

of

While none the vaults this structure are complete, the western front
(longitudinal) room
of

fair state preservation with the entire southern

in
is

part the northern side still standing. figures

of

It

in

side and shown

is
a
66 PRELIMINARY Study of RUINs of Cobá

FIG. 32—Structure XXXVI, Cobá. a, interior of western front room, showing vaulted inner doorways;
b, northern façade with fragment of stucco decoration.
 Description of RUINs 67

32 and 33, and will serve to exemplify certain details of construction in

connection with the building.
The walls of the chamber, which is 6.50 meters long by 2.60 meters
wide, are the heaviest yet seen, the outer wall having a thickness of 1.60
meters and the inner wall of 1.75 meters, which brings up the fact that
throughout these ruins the inner walls are customarily slightly heavier
than the outer. Inside of the room, a small portion of a very hard, nicely
polished floor, carrying traces of red paint, is exposed, while 2.28 meters
above this occurs the spring of the vault with the usual offset (Io cm.)
on both sides and at the western end of the room, but not at the east.
The end walls of the room are vertical, and the eastern one appears to be
secondary in point of construction to the side walls and the vault. The

b
1. 2 s 4. s
aLiLi1-1=1a l t l 1
Tneters

FIG. 33—Structure XXXVI, Cobá. a, section through northern façade and front room, showing vaulted interior
doorway; b, elevation of south side of vault in western front room.

stones that form the offset at the spring are large, deeply tailed into the
wall, and covered on the undersides with fine red plaster that does not stop
at the face of the wall, but runs on into the masonry. The same phenomenon
was observed in connection with the bottom course of the medial moulding
of Structure VI’ (p. 40) and, as mentioned there, signifies that the stones
were plastered before they were laid. The customary small ventilators that
pierce the walls immediately beneath the spring of the vault are capped
by these stones. -

The vault, which has a slightly arched soffit slope similar to that of
Structure XXVIII but more pronounced, has a height of 1.88 meters from
spring to capstones, giving the room a total height of 4.16 meters. There
is a rather large number of beam holes in the standing side of the vault
(fig. 33b), but neither walls nor vault are exceptional as to masonry. An
interesting detail of construction, however, is found in the vaulted interior
68 PREliMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

doorways (figs. 32a and 33), a feature occurring at several sites' in the
southern area, but not very common. The four in this room” average about
1.05 meters in width and 1.85 meters in height. There is no offset at the
spring, nor are there any transverse beam-sockets, but otherwise these vaults
are identical in construction to the main one, even to the extent of employing
the same sized capstones. Wherever interior doorways can be seen in the
building, they are of this type. Unfortunately no exterior doorways are
visible, so it is not known whether they are of the same type or employ
the more common arrangement of a lintel of wood or stone.
Structure XXXVIII is situated north of the eastern end of Court T
and at approximately the same level. Facing east upon Court U, which is

by
it,

3 to 4 meters below was probably approached from that side

it

a
stairway now hidden beneath débris.

on
The roof comes about level

a
Structure XXVIII, which only

or
of

with the foundation meters west

is

6
5
this building (Section A-B, Plate 15), and the space between the two
of

eastern terrace for the other building, plan

an

has been filled

in
to

form

a
obviously executed subsequent Structure XXXVIII.

of
to

the erection
The blocking up large
of

the western wall has been fortunate that

in

a
portion the façade, and roughly the entire rear half the structure,
of

of
has thus been preserved, and while the front wall and vaults have fallen,
very fair idea the original appear
of
nevertheless possible
to

obtain
it
is

the building (fig. 34).

of

ance
once from the plan that we are again dealing with
be

at

may
It

seen

a
structure, having two parallel longitudinal
of

residential type and that

in

by vaults,
at

vaults flanked the ends transverse bears general resem

it

Structure XXXVI. As that building, there are

of
in in
to

blance the case

plan The front wall
as

certain doubtful features the present instance.

to

visible only
so
at

the extreme corners, the arrangement

of

rooms this of in
is

part the building based solely upon study the disposition

of

of

the
is

débris and upon what appears most probable. The vault turning the
certainly questionable, but
a no
as
at

corner the southern end there trace

is

is
of of

cross-wall here arrange this manner. Not

in
to

seems best trace

it

it
a

the principal entrance remains, and there may have been one, two, three,
more doorways multiple arrangement somewhat
as or

the front wall.

in

the plan, rather than single doorway,

of

preferred because
in

shown
is
at a

the complete collapse this point.

of

the wall
Turning our attention the façade, we find retreating upper zone
to

a
by

bordered above and below apron mouldings (figs. 34b and c), treatment
a

suggested by the enclosed façade forming

an

interior wall the north

in

Structure XXXIII (p. 61), but otherwise departure

of

western chamber
a

from the usual rectangular moulding and vertical upper wall zone occurring
group. The treatment Maya tradition,
at

this however,
in

excellent
is
p.

See 118.
* *

as

as

The two doorways the southern wall have purposely been blocked high the spring the vault, while
of
in

the doorway the eastern front chamber has been blocked completely.
of

the southern wall

in
 B

b,
c,

a,

FIG. 34—Structure XXXVIII, Cobá. ground plan; longitudinal section; transverse section.

&
7o PREliMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

being found at the Usumacintla sites, in the Peten area, and rather rarely
in northern Yucatan. The mouldings are built up of several courses of
stone, and along with the intervening zone are heavily coated with stucco."
The medial moulding, which rests at a level 15 cm. below the spring of the
vault, has an overhang of 21 cm., is 50 cm. wide, and protrudes Io cm. from

it;
the sloped face above while the cornice moulding 1.75 meters (vertical

is

65
former, overhang cm. high.

an

of
measure) above the has cm. and

is
9
mouldings intervening pitch,

at
Both and zone have the same which an

is
the building

of
angle
of

about 76° from horizontal. The roof too weathered

is
make out its design, and the arrangement shown entirely

in
to

the sections

is
hypothetical. All that can apparently stood about meter
be
said that

it
is

I
higher than the cornice. There are some indications that the structure
roof-comb, but this fact by

no
supported means certain.

25 is
a

The building, which about meters long by 8.5o meters wide,

of is
95

Io
has rear wall thickness cm. and inner walls that are cm. heavier.
a

majority

be
of

of
As the architectural features the structure are

to
seen
a

be
The
b,

the central rear room (room fig. 34) will considered first.
in

chamber II.20 meters long by meters wide, and entirely standing but for it
is

the collapse the eastern doorway that has let down portion
of

of
the vault

a
on that side. The masonry does not differ essentially from that which we
have been dealing with, although possibly not quite up the best that has

to
flooring exposed, and this presents the usual
of

been seen. small area

A

is

hard, polished surface, but paint. The vault

of
this case without traces
in

springs 2.45 meters above floor-level and rises 2.57 meters more

to
the
capstones, giving the room total height An offset

Io
of

of

to
5.02 meters.
on a
all

the spring occurs

at

the room, and the ends

15

of

cm. sides the vault of

pitch only slightly steeper than the sides. The soffit
at

slope inward with

a

not present very even surfaces and

do

slopes places have distinct bulge

at

near the top (fig. 35a) that gives the vault the odd outline” shown figure
in

the other vaults now standing show this irregularity. The

of

34c. None
large number figure 34b. The doorways
of

transverse beam holes shown

in
is

the room are the only two

of

the northern and western walls good

in

in

condition that are visible. They are both crudely vaulted (fig. 35a,
b,

c),
importance originally
of

fact connection with the latter

as

some
in

it
a

communicated with the outside, and vaulted exterior doorways are very
rare. The former meter wide at the bottom and about 80 cm. at
is
I

top, while the latter shows the same tendency the top,
to

at

the narrow
80

spring
at

being
59

of

cm. wide below and cm. the its vault. Both

of

have height 1.95 meters. Beside the usual small ventilators beneath
a

the spring the vault, there are some larger openings that pierce the rear
of

wall level about halfway between the spring and the capstones (figs.
at
a

By peering into crevice between the façade and the fill the building painted design may be
at

of

the back
a

a
*

seen on the stucco, but impossible make out what the painting represents.
to
is
it

This common shape for vaults the East Coast area. As occurs only one vault this building,
in

in

in
is

it
is a
*

however, and apparently caused by irregularities the surface rather than having been planned, probably
in

is
it

incorrect to see East Coast influences in this case.

 Description of RUINs 71

FIG. 35—Cobá. Room b of Structure XXXVIII. a, looking north and showing bottle-shape of vault; b, southwestern corner of
room; c, vaulted doorway in western wall; d, blocked window in side of vault.
72 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

34b, 35d, and 36a-d). These openings, of which there are three in this
room, are 74 cm. high, 28 cm. wide at the bottom and 20 cm. wide at the
top. A similar but slightly larger opening, moreover, occurs in the same
position in each of the other rooms that come in contact with the rear
wall. The central window of the room under consideration has been

all
walled up (fig. 35d), and at one time were blocked by the fill behind
the building, but when the structure was first erected these openings must
have formed exterior windows (fig. 36d), very rare feature Maya

in
a
architecture."
two interesting details are

be

of
or

One this room.

a of to
noted outside
the extraordinary width
In

the first place, the northern chamber (room

is c)
worthy
of

of
attention. This vault has span 3.95 meters, which
is

only throughout Maya doorway

in

exceeded few instances” the area.

A
a

90
the bottom, the top

at
the western wall (fig. 36a)
in

at
meter wide cm.
is
I
height 2.13 meters, but above this the masonry has
of
and now stands
to
a

fallen away was spanned by

so

that impossible say whether

to
it

it
is

a
vault lintel. Just the southern room (room e), an
in
or

above the débris

be

be
opening the western wall (fig. may seen, and this
in

to
36c) taken

is
doorway

b,
another vaulted figures 34a, but the fact not cer.
in
as

shown

is
relatively narrow (1.75 meters)
be

tain. will
noted that this room
It

is

compared the other chambers, and that the capstones rest lower level.
to

at
a
the original structure,
be
an

These facts suggest that may addition

to
it

a
answered only through excavation.
be

question that can

XXXVIII

of
The slope before Structure and along the eastern side
Court (Plate the boundary between the Central and Eastern
T

14) forms
the group, and we are thus ready
of

turn our attention

to

to
Sections the
recalled that the boundary lines between sec
be

latter section. should

It

purely arbitrary, and the fact that this case Structure XXXVIII
in

tions are
way sets aside the fact
no

separated from Court upon which faces,

in
U

it
is

probably
be

that associated with that court.

to
it
is

EASTERN SECTION

The Eastern Section, the north by ground

on

an of

bounded level stretch

a

without sign buildings and on the south by Lake Macanxoc, exten

of

is

low mounds and courts (Plate 15, A-B) running eastward from the
of

sion
main body no well-defined approach
of

ruins. There these courts

T,to
is

from the north, and

be

of

Courts and the southern

in
as

unless the case

it

side of the section abandons the usual orientation

no in

to

order conform more

standing vaults visible
of

closely the shore-line There are

to

the lake.
of
so

impossible
to

compare the architectural details these structures

it
is

with the rest of the ruins.

p.

See 118.
* *

Uxmal, the portal vaults the same place

at

at
of

of

Vaults the House the Birds the House the Governors

in

in

and the portal vault about 4.25 meters. They are all constructed the finely
at

of

to of

Kabah each have width

a

worked, highly specialized, shoe-shaped vault stones commonly used that area, and interesting note that
in

is
it
as

was possible build practically broad vault with the flat, unfaced stone used
to

at

Cobá.
it

a
 Description of RUINs 73

FIG. 36—Structure XXXVIII, Cobá. a, western end of room c, showing collapse of masonry above doorway, window in end of
vault, and loose fill against western façade; b, window in end of vault in room d c, western end of room e, showing window in end
of vault, and capstone of vaulted doorway (?); d, sloped upper zone of western façade, showing apron moulding and window.
74 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

Court U, lying immediately east of Structure XXXVIII, rests I or

2 meters below the level of the Main Plaza, and is bounded on the north,
east and south, respectively, by Structures XXXIX, XL and XLI. Struc
tures XXXIX and XL stand to a height of about 3 meters and exhibit traces
of vaulted chambers, while Structure XLI is a meter or two higher and
probably also contains chambers now covered by débris. At the southeast
corner of Court U, and about I meter above Court W,

it,
little raised

is

a a
court lying between Structures XLI and XLII. There may small flight

be
U,
steps leading up was probably entered
of

from Court and Court

to

Y
it
from between Structures XL and XLII.
it

XL

on
Court lies east Structure of and bounded the south and east
Y

is

U,
by Structures XLII and XLIII. about meter lower than Court

It
is

I
Structure XLII and
or

and consequently meters below plaza level.

3
2

Y,
Structure XLIII are joined

of
at
the southeast corner Court and stand
height the court. The former has
of

of
about meters above the level
to

4
a

a
small platform with stairway
1o
meters wide against the northern side,
a

western side. Both prob

its
while the latter has stairway meters wide

on
6
a

ably contain collapsed vaulted chambers. Structure XLIII, the

of
East
Z,

group terminates which gradually slopes away

on
Court
of in

the south and

to

east the level the lake.

UNASSOCIATED MOUNDS

has previously been mentioned

an

of
that almost unbroken chain
It

mounds stretches northeastward from Cobá the general direction assumed

in

by good-sized group (Group D)

4,

No. and that this chain ends

in

Sacbe
a

just the main group

of

Nohoch Mul. Neither these unas

of

southwest
nor Group are mapped, and their position and extent
D

sociated mounds
major importance were
of

are thus not well understood. No structures

buildings
of

observed, but several present

in of

details

to
the sufficient interest
suggest their inclusion this description.
30

Building with Columns. This structure situated about meters south

is

its

and probably Ioo meters

of

of

Sacbe No. western end. The

or

more east
4

building faces southeast pyramidal sub

an
at

angle 117° and rests upon

of

a
At

pyramid steep stairway

of

structure high. the front

or

meters the
7

37

platform that supports superstructure. Figure

of to

rises the the shows the

plan the platform and building.
be

will noticed that the latter merely

It

consists of rear wall with antae at either end and two columns set well out
a

small built-up altar meters long by

of Io

cm. deep
85
of

front
in

these walls.
A

I.

cm. high rests against the center the rear wall which, com
50

and about
in

height
of
to
of

mon with the antae, has thickness I.20 meters and stands
a

The inner length

of

little over. the rear wall

or

meter 6.5o meters

is
a
I

while the antae project 3.10 meters. The two columns, which stand 3.45
meters apart and 5.15 the back wall, consist
of
of

front
in
to

5.25 meters
They
62

30

height.
20

round stone drums

in

in
to

cm. diameter and from cm.

 DEscRIPTION of RUINs 75

are now fallen, but at least seven drums may be associated with the northern
one and six with the southern, which gives a total height of roughly 1.5o to
1.75 meters. That these columns are fairly accurately placed on the plan
seems assured by the fact that in the case of the southern column the second
drum still rests upon the bottom one, thus showing it to be in situ.
The plan of this building, with the two columns set well out in front, has
a very odd appearance, and the first conclusion to be arrived at is that there
must have been two other columns, originally in line with the antae but now
fallen from the platform, that would have made it possible to span the front
of the building with an architrave. This is a solution that may not be dis

|
_”
|

*—Fūri--
o º - e 3. s

FIG. 37—Plan of Building with Columns, northeast of Cobá.

regarded, but probably a better one is that there were wooden posts at these
points. There is practically no débris in the building, which indicates a roof
of perishable material, and in this connection it should be noted that a
steeply pitched thatched roof could spring from walls only a meter or so
high and still leave sufficient room to walk about inside. On the other hand,
the stone walls may have served as a base for wooden walls, a practise not
inconsistent with that used by the present-day Indians in the construction
of their dwellings. The front part of the building, moreover, may have been
enclosed by walls entirely of wood, although the columns suggest an open,
portico-like arrangement."
Disregarding the columns, the similarity of this building to the stela
shrines at Cobá is apparent; and other structures of this type, both with and
without stelae, will be seen in connection with the Macanxoc group of ruins.
The presence of columns in this particular instance is of interest in offering
very fair proof that the low wall with antae type of building carried a roof. It
* For a similar type of construction see Thompson, 1931, pp. 241-247.
76 PRELIMINARY Study of RUINs of CobA

is a generally conceded fact that the ancient Maya made considerable use of
wood as well as stone for building purposes, and this class of structure may
represent a combination of the two materials. In so far as houses of wood
times throughout Maya history, this does not

all
were probably built at
argue relatively great antiquity for these buildings, and fact the presence

in
this particular instance argues against

it.
of

of

in
slender columns stone
While this structure may

be
stand transitional between

to

as
considered
seems just
all

wood portico and that using stone columns, likely that

in be as
the

it
purely fortuitous.
of

the use stone here fact that should noted, how

A
is
the large, square pillars

of
ever, that with the exception connection
is

with Structure XXX Cobá, the only instance

at
this which columns

in
is
are known to occur the entire area.
in

Fig. 38—Stucco head from Tulum. Type Structure, No.

1,

between Cobá and Nohoch Mul.

Tulum. Type Structure, No.

4, of

About 300 meters northeast

1.

the
structure just discussed, and
of

short distance south Sacbe No.

is
a

building that unmistakably East Coast, Tulum, type. This struc

of

or
is

pyramidal substructure about meters high that supports

of

ture consists
a

small raised platform height upon which rests little

in
to

1.5o meters
a

a
1

landing the top the main stairway the pyramid,

of

of
at

temple. There
is
a

and the platform has its own little stairway flanked either side by balu
on

type peculiar building poor

of

the East Coast. The

in
to

strades
is
a

preservation, doorway
of

state but shows recessed lintel over the that

is
a

typical the East Coast” and appears unquestionably link

of

with that
to

it

possible that the temple supported flat ceiling

of

rubble and
It

area.
is

mortar, and this the case, the only example known this region.
in
if

it
is

is

Structures 20, 21, and 25 Tulum exhibit good examples this type See Lothrop, 1924.
at

of

of

balustrade.
* *

p.

See ibid., 30, and elsewhere.

 Description of RUINs 77

On the upper platform in front of the building was found the stucco
head shown in figure 38, while on the side of the platform to the left of the
stairway is a small, crudely executed human figure done in the same material
in low relief.
Tulum. Type Structure No. 2. Farther northeast and still south
of Sacbe No. 4 is structure more or less similar to the preceding one.
a
The arrangement the substructure, which consists of a pyramid sur
of
mounted by a raised platform, is almost identical to the above, while
on the platform is a tiny vaulted edifice (figs. 39 and 40) typical of
the shrinesfound along the eastern coast of Yucatan. The little build
ing has interior measurements of 1.57 meters long by 98 cm. wide
and a height from floor to capstones of 1.73 meters. It thus conforms

l l
Tneters

FIG. 39–Plan and section of Tulum Type FIG. 40–Tulum. Type Structure, No. 2, showing doorway
Structure, No. 2, between Cobá and with recessedlintel.
Nohoch Mul.

very closely in size to the shrines (Structures VIII and IX) at Cobá. The
front wall, which is 68 cm. thick, is pierced by a doorway 55 cm. wide and
1.16 meters high that is spanned by a stone lintel. This lintel is recessed
to form a sunken panel 16 cm. deep over the doorway. About 25 cm. above
the panel is a simple rectangular moulding made up of two courses of roughly
faced stone. The building shows a profuse use of stucco and exhibits the
same poor class of masonry seen in connection with the shrines at Cobá.
GROUP D
While the limits of this group are not known exactly, it may be thought
of asextending at least from the northeastern end of Sacbe No. 4 to the west
ern end of Sacbe No. 6 (see map, Plate 13), a distance of about 400 meters,
and as having a north and south range of about 200 meters roughly termi
nated on the south by the end of Sacbe No. 8. Its long axis is apparently
"At Tulum shrines occur on the ground, but at Tancah and Xelhá are found on good-sized pyramids as in the
present instance. See Lothrop, 1924, p. 26.
78 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

about in line with Sacbe No. 6 (1 Io") which comes fairly near paralleling
the long axis (119°) of the main group at Nohoch Mul. The three mounds
(Structures X, XI and XII) and stelae shown at the bottom of Plate 16 may
well be included in this group rather than Nohoch Mul proper, and there is
the chance that once Group D is mapped it will be found to be a part of the
main group of Nohoch Mul rather than a separate complex.
Little can be said of the structures that make up this group. They are
apparently laid out to form courts and plazas, but whether a definite scheme
of orientation is adhered to, as in the case of Cobá and of Nohoch Mul,
is not known. That the group is of some importance is indicated by the
termination of four sacbeob within its limits, and by the existence of four
stelae (Stelae 16, 20, 21, and 22), if the three mounds mentioned above are
included.
Ball Court. A structure situated just east of the end of Sacbe No. 4 is
worthy of mention. This is a ball court similar in style to the one (Structure
XVII) at Cobá. The two parallel ranges, which are about 22 meters long and
6 meters high, stand roughly 4 meters apart at their bases. The inner face
of each mound is sloped and at its base has a step about 50 cm. high that
corresponds to the low sill in the ball court at Cobă. A fragment of a stone
ring was found at the top of the western slope, and this apparently dispels
all doubt as to the character of the structure. Near the southern end and
halfway up the slope on either side, were found two carved panels of stone,
both of which had fallen, so that it is impossible to say exactly where they
stood or how they were fixed to the structure.
The eastern panel (fig. 41) has maximum measurements at present of
about 1.40 meters in height by I meter wide by 20 cm. thick; the western
panel (fig. 42) has similar measurements of I. Io meters by 80 cm. by 20 cm.
While the carving is greatly weathered, it may be seen from the illustrations
that each panel carries the representation of a human figure and has two
glyph blocks in one of the upper corners. The hieroglyphs can not be recog
nized in their present state, and it is probable that they are not of calendrical
significance. In either panel, the figure is half kneeling in supplicatory
attitude with hands bound in front, and held aloft in the case of the western
figure. The eastern figure is bearded and has a human head fastened at his
back, but other than the peculiarity of head-dress little further detail can be
made out in respect to either panel.
These bound and kneeling figures are usually described as “captive,”
all

on

of

and belong to a class of figures not at uncommon the monuments

the southern cities where they occur various attitudes, and are
of

in

some
always subordinate the principal figure.” not necessary, however,
It
to

is
go

find close parallel

so

far afield the figures

to

to

to
as

the southern cities

a

not known, but approximately north and south.

of

The exact orientation the structure

is

is
it
* *

p.

the Cozumel Stela (Lothrop, 1924, 46) Mérida, Yuca

to to

Attention should also be called the museum

in

in

tan. The subsidiary figure appears have two glyph blocks before his face, very much
of

the manner these

in

panels.
 Description of RUINs 79

FIG. 42–Group D. Sculptured panel from western side of Ball Court.

8o PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

of thesepanels, for the subordinate, captive figures of the stelae at Macanxoc

show a striking similarity. A reference to the illustrations (figs. 61–68) of the
section dealing with the monuments of the region will make this plain.
The left figure on the back of Stela I (fig. 61b) and the left and right figures
of Stela 8 (fig. 68) are particularly noteworthy in the resemblance of their
attitudes to the figures on the panels, while the first-mentioned figure and
the right one on the front of Stela I (fig. 61a) present great similarity in the
binding of the hands. The head-dress of the last, moreover, is much the
same as that of the captive on the eastern panel. It should also be noted
that the principal figures of Stela 4 (fig. 65) and Stela 6 (fig. 67) wear belts
with human heads attached, and resemble the figure of the eastern panel in
this respect, although the treatment is quite different. The beard of the
last-named figure is a feature commonly associated with the later art of the
northern cities, but there are instances of beards in the earlier period and,
by and large, the other details far outweigh this one feature, so that it
appears best to assume that the panels date from approximately the same
time as these stelae.” Whether the panels date the ball court or not is of
course a different matter, as there is no indication as to the time of their
erection in connection with the court; but their presence here at least sug
gests that structure and panels represent the same general period.

NOHOCH MUL
GROUP C
The group of ruins known as Nohoch Mullies at the top of a small rise
of land about 1.5 km. or a little over, in a generally northeasterly direction
from Cobá (see map, Plate 13). The group covers an area that is approxi
mately square, measuring roughly 200 meters on a side, and is thus con
siderably smaller than Cobá. It does not, moreover, number many mounds,
but several of the structures are very large and give the group the appearance
of having been of considerable importance.
It will be noticed from the plan (Plate 16) that, as in the case of Cobă,
the structures observe a carefully fixed scheme of orientation,” and are
placed to give the group a compact, well-ordered plan with the quadrilateral
its

court as has been seen that this systematic arrangement

to
It

basis.
is

Guatemala, and
be

of

of

associated with the cities the Peten region this

in
by

parallel great raised

of

instance the carried further the existence

is

as a

platform (Structure VII) that probably acropolis,

be

an
to

considered
or is

feature apparently lacking, Cobá. An

at

least not well defined,

at
a

equally important feature that

of

questionable existence this case,

in
is

all
be

at

however, the main plaza. large plaza found here, must

to
If

it
is

is
a

Human heads, faces, the principal figure are represented on the stelae the
or

of

of

connection with the belt

in
1

instances. An even closer parallel the eastern panel, however, found

to
of

southern cities number Stelae

in

in
is
a

Yaxchilan (Maler, 1903, Plates LXIX and LXXI), where head carried the figure very
in at

at

of

and the back

is
6

as

that shown on the panel. The motif also occurs the graffiti from Tikal figured
of

of

much the manner two

in
15

by Maler (1911, figs. and 16).

M. Charlot considers the work representative the middle period style the stelae(see pp. 185-192).
of

of
* *

an angle
at

of

The orientation here 29°.

is
 Description of RUINs 81

and Group D,

lie
almost surely the group and between

of
the southwest

to

it

be
fact that would tend confirm the idea that the two groups are

to

to
a

as
the acceptance

of
deterrent this area the main

to

as
considered one.

A
plaza that just this point the ground slopes upward

at

of
to
the crest the
is

rise that carries the main group. The Maya went

of
trouble

in
to
no end
leveling off their courts and plazas, and sloped plaza, gentle though the

a
is,

On the other hand, this slope

an
slope

of of
almost unheard occurrence.
is

strongly gives the impression being the main avenue approach

of

to
the
ruins; not only that the most important structures face that direction,

in
in

this general area. The surface

of
but that four sacbeob terminate

in
the
in

ground, moreover, places appears small, broken stone, good

of
at

to
consist

a
artificial surfacing, and the possibility the main plaza having
of

of
indication

be
at

occupied this slope must least taken into consideration.

FIG. 43—Nohoch Mul from Structure Cobá.

I,

great pyramid and temple (Plate 16) situated the south

I,

Structure
at
a

the group and locally known the Castillo, the most impor
as
of

ern corner
is

Nohoch Mul. Measuring about

55

tant structure (northeast-southwest)

at
by
60

base and standing roughly

its

24

of
at

meters meters above the level

A,

the substructure closely approximates

of

Court size that Structure

in

Cobá. The parallel carried further by the similar character

at

of of

the
is

masonry and by the presence

of

inset, rounded corners the front

is at

the
pyramid, although the one rear corner that exposed simply rounded
is

of

without being inset. The structure composed seven battered terraces

is

(fig. 44), the first four each being about meters high, the next two each
4

platform, about
or

about meters, and the uppermost terrace, meters.

3

2
by

temple gained great stairway

12

meters wide that rises'

to

Access the
is

the pyramid
on

the final terrace,

of

of

the foot
to

the southwestern side

flights
of

where two small stairs branch opposite directions and lead

it in

to

the
platform this connection,
be
on

In

top. should noted (fig. 44) that the

the great stairway
at
of

foot level about meters below either the rear

is

4
a

The angle ascent determined by the ground plan and elevation

of

about 36° as was the case connection

in
is
1

with Structure at Cobá. For the same reasons mentioned there, seems possible that the angle actually
is
it
I

slightly greater.
82 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

of the pyramid, or Court A, a circumstance caused by the slope in the land

that rises from Group D on the southwest and does not reach its crest until
about on a line with the southwestern ends of Structures IV, V and VI
(Plate 16). Against the northwestern side of this stairway, and at a lower
level, is a second flight of stairs' Io meters wide that, because of its asym
metrical arrangement, appears to be secondary to the mass of the pyramid
and to the main stairway. It rises to the level of the third terrace where
there is a small platform carrying a heap of débris that was probably once
a building. Neither stairway gives any indication of having possessed

o
meters
FIG. 44–Cross-sections of Structure I, Nohoch Mul (restored).
*

balustrades. At the foot of each flight and at the western corner of the
pyramid are the fragments of stelae (Stelae 18, 19 and 23) that show traces
of carving in each case.
As mentioned above, final access to the platform at the top of the sub
structure is gained by two small flights of steps that are each about I meter
wide. Divided stairways somewhat similar to this are found in the Great
Wall at Tulum,” and taking into consideration the temple here that is of an
unmistakable East Coast type, the present instance may most likely be
assigned to that late period of Maya history represented by the structures
* The plan and elevation of the pyramid and particularly the arrangement of this secondary flight of stairs
must be considered as partly restored, and thus not beyond question.
* Lothrop, 1924, p. 72 and fig. 39.
 Description of RUINs 83

at Tulum and elsewhere along the eastern coast of Yucatan. On the other
hand, that area presents no great substructures such as this one, the highest
known being only about 8 meters, and outside of the present region the pyra

I its
the south,

of

of
mid appears to find closest affiliations the ruins

in
some
of 32). All

of
p.
as

true Structure Cobá (see the above suggests that

at
is

stairways possibly the entire platform the top

at
the temple, the small and
the pyramid form the original structure.
of

late addition

to
a
ſº

- [T]

s}

4.
l 3.
2

i
o

s
-

lii ill 11111

C

_l

meters
FIG. 45–Diving God temple
b,
a,

Nohoch Mul: front elevation; ground plan;

of

I,

Structure
d,

longitudinal section;
c,

transverse section.

the platform, which measures

of

The temple
at

situated the back

is

by

roughly
30 of

meters deep, while

14

meters wide front

II

meters the
in
50 3

building small, built-up altar (Alt. C2) about cm. square and cm.
is
a

45

high. The temple (figs.

of

and 46) has exterior measurements 8.90 meters

by

length (northwest-southeast) width,

of
in

in

3.33 meters and consists

a

single vaulted chamber with walls meter thick. doorway 1.54 meters
A
I
80

high, the top pierces the front wall

at

at
73

cm. wide the bottom and cm.

and spanned by two stone lintels that are inset
so
as

form sunken panel

to
is

a
84 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

18 cm. deep, 22 cm. high and extending 21 cm. beyond the door jamb at
each end. The medial moulding, which comes on a level with the spring of
the vault, or 34 cm. above the sunken panel, is rectangular in section with a
projection of Io cm. and a width of 38 cm., while 94 cm. above this occurs
a similar moulding 30 cm. wide that rests about 50 cm. below the level of the
roof. Immediately above the medial moulding, and directly over the door
way, is a niche 70 cm. wide, 66 cm. high and 20 cm. deep that carries the
figure of a Diving God, moulded in stucco and preserving traces of paint.
A similar niche and figure occur 2.53 meters to the right, and while the
façade at the left has fallen away, there was probably a third one there.
The Diving God is a decorative motif common along the eastern coast of

FIG. 46—Structure I, Nohoch Mul, showing Diving God figure and sunken panel over doorway.

Yucatan, but practically unknown elsewhere in Maya architecture, and

its

presence here, conjunction with the sunken panel over the doorway,
in

is

strong proof some period.

at
of

connection between the two areas

30

The interior plan the temple exhibits cm. high that nearly
of

bench
a

the building space only 1.90 meters long

of

so

covers the floor

to
as

leave
a

cm. wide just inside the doorway. The vault springs

75

by height
at

to of
a
Io

meters, while the room has total height

of

3.60 meters from floor

2.

as all

the spring occurs on

of
at

capstones. The usual offset sides the room,

and the vault, which slopes inward
at

in at

well the sides, has the

as

the ends
peculiar bottle-shaped outline (fig. 45d) frequently found connection with
*See Lothrop, 1924, pp. 47–48. Beside appearing the Maya codices, the Diving God found on the
in

p. is

Sayi (Stephens, 1843, vol. II, pp.

21

the principal building and 394; Marquina, 1928,

at
of

façade 69).
 Description of RUINs 85

the ruins of the East Coast. Two of the transverse beams are still in place
in the sides of the vault, and the usual small ventilators pierce the walls
just below the spring, while 70 cm. below the capstones at each end of the
room is a niche 35 cm. high and 20 cm wide. The masonry of the vault,

its
and to a lesser extent of the walls, is characterized by poorness. The ends
practically no use
of

the vault stones are not beveled; there

of
the small

in is
the vaulting Cobá, and the

at
wedge-shaped stones that fill the chinks
soffit slopes and inner walls do not even approximate regular surface. The

a
masonry for the most part heavily covered with stucco, and while this
is

quite well applied on onthe building, inside

of

of
the exterior the chamber
is

so
merely daubed that the finger marks

of
with the bare hand the
it
is

workmen are plainly visible.

the great pyramid that has

of
Court lies along the northwestern side
A

Structure III

by
just

on
been considered, and bounded the northeast
is

the northwest by Structure IV. At

on

of
and the eastern corner the court

is
II,

the pyramid and

of
Structure flat mound that abuts the northern corner
a

height approximately
on

of
level with the second terrace
It to

stands the
is a

a
at

latter. not possible say present

is to

whether the mound has chambers

simply platform. Structure III,

on
or

connection with the other

in

it

hand, shows definite traces about meters high,

of

vaulted chambers.
It
is

1o 6
stairway
of
at

and the center its southwestern side has meters wide.

a

At the southern corner stairway Stela 17, while another stela (CI),
of

the
is

unsculptured and fallen,

of
14

Court about
in

found meters southwest

of A
is

the above structure and meters southeast Structure IV.

4

Structures IV, and VI are long, comparatively narrow mounds

V

running southwest from Structure VII, and forming Courts The

C.
and
B

Structure VII, while the other two

on

of

first abuts the southern corner

apparently have passages between them and the latter, although the inter
vening space height
to

of
now filled with débris. Each mound stands
is

probably
of

about meters, and the first two contain the remains vaulted
6

simple platform with vertical sides

be

chambers, but the last appears

to

buildings. Court quite large and forms the main

of

and without trace

is
B

approach Structure VII.

to

Structure VII colossal elevated platform situated northeast

of

the
is
a

system mounds and courts that has just been described. Measuring
I of

roughly meters by 125 meters

at

the base,
17

stands about
Io

meters
it
B,

great stairway the platform

50

above Court meters wide rises

to

where
a

above. As shown the plan (Plate 16) and figure 47, the structure consists
in

height, certainly true

an
of

of

at

two terraces equal arrangement that the

is

structure, open question

of

front but
to

at

the the sides and rear because

is

the great amount

of

of

débris that has fallen from above. There also some

is

question whether the stairway broken into two flights, illustrated,

or
as
is

is

single flight. The sides

so

of

set into the lower terrace

in
to
as

rise the
a
as

as

These beams were identified by one chacle(Caesalpinaplatyloba).

of

the workmen local hardwood known

1

a
86 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

terraces carrybatter; the corners are rounded, and what masonry is

a
visible does not appear to differ from that of the substructure of Structure I.
On the front of the lower terrace, between the southern corner and the stair
way, a short stretch of apron moulding is exposed. The moulding is stuc
coed, carries an overhand of 25 cm., is 50 cm. wide, and has a receding wall
rising above thus closely resembles the medial moulding

on
it.
Structure

It
XXXVIII Cobá, and suggests that there may

be
of at
range

of
rooms across

a
the front the lower terrace, fact that would explain the apparently

a
on

on
of
greater width the terrace this side than the other sides. There
chambers here, and the moulding may
of no

are, however, other signs

of
simply The great platform above does not
a be

that the terrace proper.

support any importance, but carries
of

of
single structure number low

or be
on
or
stone walls, arranged squares side, that appear
in

to
meters

a
3
great many metates,
of

foundations for houses perishable material.

A
corn grinders, are found with these foundations and suggest that the build
ings were
of

domestic nature.
a

N.E.

Nw. wo to S.E.
o

meters
VII, Nohoch Mul (restored).
of

FIG. 47–Cross-sections Structure

difficult any conclusion regard the original use

It

in
to

to

to

come
is

intended for this structure. seems hardly plausible that the builders
It

no

would have gone the great effort entailed its erection for other
in
to

purpose than support houses;

of

number small wooden and for that

to

to a

matter, there nothing indicate that the house foundations are contem
is

even approximately contemporaneous with their substructure."

or

poraneous,
This unavoidably the belief that, whatever the eventual purpose
in
to

leads
builders, the project was never carried
of

of

com
a to

the minds the stage

a

pletion, but stands only partially finished and without suitable super
structure. The tremendous size and great height the platform suggest
of

was originally planned probably best

an

that acropolis, and

to
as
it

it
is

this light.
in

consider
it

Resting against the southeastern side Structure VII, and facing

on
of

Court D, VIII, single range

of

Structure vaulted chambers that are now

is

at a

A,

badly fallen. Court lies level about meters above Court and
D

of is
2
a

the southwest by Structure III, the southeast by

on

on

bounded cluster
a

*This question may possibly be answered through ceramics, and its solution would be
of

considerable interest.
 Description of RUINs 87

small unmapped mounds and on the northeast joins Court E, which leads
to Structure IX.
Structure IX. It will be noticed from the plan (Plate 16), that Struc
ture IX possesses a formal approach of Court A, Structure III,
consisting
and the raised Courts D and E. The of the approach marks
elaborateness
the structure as having been of considerable importance, and although
dwarfed by the huge mass of Structure VII, which it abuts on the northwest,
it is in reality a very large mound that measures about 40 by 50 meters at
the base. At the rear of the structure is the start of Sacbe No. 5, while at
the front (southwest) a stairway 20 meters wide rises out
of Court E to a
platform about 6.50 meters above the court and on a level with the first
terrace of Structure VII. This platform assumes the character of a raised

all
courtyard, as there are ranges of rooms on except where the

on of
sides

it
stairway enters. Unfortunately, only three rooms the northwest are
sufficiently well preserved obtain their plans, but there are ample traces
to
on
of

vaulted chambers the other two sides. These chambers, moreover,

that the building must
on

appear least two levels, not three,

to

at

so
occur
if

originally have been multiple storied.

4.
1.

l 3.

5
t2

11li li _l
1
1

i1
ir

Tneters
FIG. 48—Structure IX, Nohoch Mul. northwestern range.
of

Cross-section

the courtyard (Plate

of

The three chambers on the northwestern side

of

and fig. 48) consist broad vault divided into two rooms, and
16

much
of a

narrower, parallel vault one room. The former 2.40 meters wide, has
is is

height capstones, and divided by cross-wall

of

4.02 meters from floor

to

northeastern room 12.15 meters long and

85

cm. thick into southwestern

a

room 8.50 meters long. The narrower vault 1.05 meters wide, about 3.92
as is

meters high and probably the same length

of

the northeastern room the

the spring
of
Io

at

of

broader vault. An offset cm. the vault occurs 2.22

the rooms, while the ends
of

of

meters above the floor and found on all sides

is

the vaults slope inward. At each end

of

the broader vault ventilator

is
a

cm. square immediately below the capstones, and the usual small
20

about
Although there are
no

ventilators penetrate the walls below the spring.

88 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

transverse beams remaining, they were evidently numerous as witnessed

by forty-two holes in one side of the vault of the northern chamber. The
medial wall between the two vaults is 1.35 meters thick and is pierced by a
doorway I meter wide, while the cross-wall between the two rooms of the
northwestern vault has a doorway 85 cm. wide. Unfortunately, the lintels
(or vaulting) above these doorways have fallen, and it is not possible to say
how they were spanned. The entire façade of the building has either fallen
or is covered by débris, and portions of the narrow vault and of the more
southerly room of the broad vault have collapsed, so that the outer doorway
shown on the plan is more or less hypothetical, being determined only by a
hollow in the débris at this point. The remaining chamber, however, is in
very good condition and exhibits the same class of masonry seen in con
nection with the majority of the structures at Cobá. The ends of the vault
stones are beveled; there is a liberal use of small, wedge-shaped stones to fill
the chinks, and the faces of the walls and vault present a smooth, even
surface that is very different from the poor gradeof work seen in the temple
of Structure I.
It has previously been mentioned that Structures X, XI and XII at the
foot of the slope to the southwest of this group may well be considered as
belonging to Group D, and their significance on the plan (Plate 16) is entirely
through their connection with Stelae 20, 21 and 22. The stelae are fairly
accurately placed, but there is no pretence of accuracy in regard to the size
and shape of the structures, which are shown in simple outline merely to
note that the stelae occur in connection with mounds.

MACANXOC
GROUP A
A little over 1.5 km. south of Nohoch Mul, and about the same dis
tance southeast of Cobá, are the ruins of Macanxoc. South of the ruins
the land drops away rather sharply to the shore of Lake Xkanhã (fig. 49),
and to the west and northwest it appears to be low and marshy, so that
the group stands on somewhat of a prominence, an effect that is heightened
by a terrace, or platform, that supports the entire group with the exception
of a few outlying mounds. It will be remembered that the ruins are ap
proached by a great sacbe (Sacbe No. 9) leading into a plaza' at the north
western corner of the group, and crossing this plaza one reaches the platform
(Plate 17) mentioned above. It is a work of considerable magnitude that
measures about 200 meters east and west by 140 meters north and south at
its

broadest point, and stands

to

height meters, depending

of

to

from
4
a

upon the contour the ground. Along the eastern edge

of

of

low mound
is
a

débris that suggests but this parapet, other places, and the
in

absent
is
of a

entirely conjectural. sup

be
of

wall this sort

It

of to

existence
is

is
a

posed that the terrace was raised expedient leveling

as

the most means

Not shown on plan.
*
 Description of RUINs 89

prior to the erection of the structures thereon, but whatever the reason, it
gives the group a certain definiteness, though not regularity, as to boundary
that is not seen elsewhere. It is also to be noted that the careful orientation
and the scheme of related courts seen at Cobá and Nohoch Mul are for the
most part absent here. Structures I to V and Structure VII appear to be
oriented at an angle of 4°, the same as at Cobá, but this is questionable
because of the great amount of débris, and the other structures apparently
have no common orientation. The existence of eight sculptured stelae and
as many monolithic altars gathered into this comparatively small and other
wise unimportant group makes the ruins of particular interest and suggests
that the group is to be regarded in the light of a ceremonial center, or sacred
precinct, a view purely hypothetical, but abetted by the size and elaborate

T
ness of the great sacbe that forms the approach.

-
-

FIG. 49—Lake Xkanhá from Structure I, Macanxoc.

Structure I
(Plate 17), standing at the southwestern corner of the
terrace, consists of a good-sized pyramidal substructure capped by the
remains of a small building. The pyramid is about 30 meters square at the
base, and rising to a height of 12 or 13 meters, it is the tallest structure at
Macanxoc. In common with the majority of structures here, it is in a very
bad state of preservation so that the exact design of the substructure is
difficult to ascertain. Apparently, however, the pyramid is of the stepped
variety, has rounded corners, and does not differ essentially from the great
pyramids of Cobá and Nohoch Mul as to masonry. At one place a small
portion of vertical moulding with a present width of 90 cm. and a projection
of 35 cm. occurs about 2 meters above ground-level at the top of a battered
wall, and this seemingly indicates that the terraces were battered and carried
mouldings. There are liberal traces of an outer coating of stucco, and there
* The dates recorded by these stelaerun from 9.9.o.o.o to 9.12.o.o.o, and represent the only dates in this area
that have so far been deciphered with absolute certainty. See section dealing with monuments, pp. 131-184.
90 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

are some signs that the pyramid may represent two periods of construction,
but nothing definite can be said in regard to this matter. Against the east
ern face of the substructure a steep stairway 8 meters wide rises to the plat
form above, and in the stairway, a meter or two from the top, are set two
round column drums, or altars, with a diameter of 43 cm. and a height in one
case of 33 cm. and in the other of 41 cm. They give the appearance of being
in their original positions and their presence here is rather extraordinary.
There are only the barest traces of a superstructure, but apparently it
consists of two parallel rooms entered by an outer and an inner doorway
as shown in the plan, Plate 17. Each room has a length of about 6.65 meters
and a breadth of 1.5o meters while the doorways are roughly 1.83 meters
wide. The walls, which are about 8o cm. thick, do not stand to a height
of over 30 to 35 cm. and, as there is comparatively little débris, it seems
unlikely that they ever carried vaults, but more probably served as founda–
tions for a building of perishable material. The comparatively great width
of the doorways, moreover, lends some support to this idea.
Structure II (Plate 17) lies immediately east of Structure I, and, as in
the previous instance, consists of a pyramidal substructure with the remains
of a small superstructure on the platform above. The pyramid, which is too
badly fallen to observe whether it is terraced or not, measures about 32
meters square at the base and faces to the north, where a small built-up
altar (Alt. A Io) about 50 cm. square stands a meter or two before the stair
way and 5 or 6 meters in front of Stela 4. The stairway is about 14 meters
wide and rises at a gentle angle to a small landing some 8 meters above the
level of the terrace. At the rear of the landing, which is roughly 15 meters
wide by 3 meters deep, is a vertical wall some 2 meters high that is ascended
by a small stairway 1.80 meters wide leading to a platform that has approxi
mately the same width as the landing and measures about 12 meters from
front to rear. At the rear of the platform are the traces of a superstructure
that consists of a rear wall roughly I meter thick and 9 meters long, with
short antae projecting forward about 1.5o meters at either end. Near the
center of the wall is a niche 1.55 meters wide and 40 cm. deep.The walls are
now standing only 50 to 60 cm. above the level of the platform, but some
previous excavation has revealed the fact that they extend to a depth of a
meter or more below the surface. While this construction is not easily under
stood, a possible explanation lies in that a building first rested on the level
of the landing, but was subsequently partially destroyed, and with the con
struction of the final platform the old rear wall was either allowed to pro
trude above the surface or else low walls were raised upon it as a foundation.
Whatever the sequence of construction here, the walls are similar in plan to
the stela shrines at Cobá, and it seems probable that in their final form they
served as foundations for a wooden superstructure in the manner discussed
(p.

in connection with the Building with Columns northeast of Cobá 74).

The angle ascent appears
to
of

be about 23°.
*
 Description of RUINs 9I

Shrine of Stela 4. It will be noticed from the plan, Plate 17, that Stela 4
occurs in conjunction with the stairway of Structure II. The stela stands
within a little vaulted structure (fig. 50 and Plate 3) that rests about on a
level with the fifth step, or roughly I meter above the main terrace, and faces
to the north. All of the outer facing of the shrine has crumbled away or is
buried beneath débris, so that it is impossible to obtain the exterior measure
ments or wall thickness of the building, but the inner faces of the vault are
standing and show the tiny chamber to be 2 meters long by 1.75 meters wide,
and approximately 3 meters high. The doorway is I meter wide, but the
height is unknown as the lintel has fallen and let down the wall above as high
interesting

all
as the capstones. The vault slopes in on sides, and

in
is
it
-

r----
-

l 3.
12

5
LLLLLLLL
LL1
Tneters

shrine enclosing Stela

of

4.

FIG. 50–Macanxoc. Plan and section

apparently springing almost from the level the floor, although there may
of
60
of be

be
spring. The masonry appears
50

of

vertical wall below the

to

cm. to
preservation
of
so

very poor grade, but the structure

in

bad state
is
a

is a

fair judgment. This the only stela

so

that difficult far

to

make
it
is

in a

discovered that enclosed vaulted structure, although quite possible

B it
is

I, is
a

Cobá, which holds Stela

at

that the temple

of

Structure was vaulted.

I

Structure III, situated about Structure II, trun

14 60

of

meters east
is
a

cated pyramid, measuring some meters north and south by meters

2
I

the base and standing

of

or

height
It
in
at

to

east and west meters.

is
9
a

very bad condition, and any structure that may have stood the platform
on

completely At the west there apparently stair

at

the top now gone.

6 6 is

is

way about meters wide, and small rectangular platform,

of

the foot
at

it
is
a
by

cm. high, that supports Stela

on

25

side and about

5.

some meters
5

The pyramid stands

of
on at

the southwestern corner closed court

a

(Plate 17) that limited the north, east and south by low mounds
is

meters wide that probably are the

or

height and about

in

meter less
3

wall; Structure IV, mound roughly meters

on

west,
of

remains while the

7
a

high, the pyramid and

on

of
or

wide and meters abuts the northern face

4
3
92 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

runs northward to form the western side and northwestern corner of the
court. of the latter mound stands Stela 6
Some 6 meters in front (west)
in the remains a completely ruined shrine, while at the center of the
of
mound there is a depression that apparently marks a gateway to the court.
Although there are no chambers visible at present, it seems quite possible
that Structure IV contains a single range of vaulted rooms.

FIG. 51—Structure V, Macanxoc: a, ground plan; b, front elevation; c, western façade of building.

Structure W. Within the closed courtyard, and thus well secluded,

stands Structure V (fig. 51 and Plate 7), a small temple resting upon an
elevated platform that faces westward to the gateway in Structure IV. At
each side of the substructure, an uncarved monolithic altar (Altars A 2,
A 3, A 4, and A 5) is lying in the courtyard, while just outside of the court
to the east is another altar (Alt. A 9), also monolithic and uncarved. In
addition to these monuments, Stela 7 stands upon a small platform set into
all

the stairway of the structure, so, all, appears that Structure with
in

V
it
its

enclosing courtyard was extremely sacred and holy spot.

an

The platform the temple measures roughly

of

meters square, stands

II

height about meters, and probably has vertical sides, although this
to

of

4
a
 Description of RUINs 93

last fact is obscured by débris. As shown in figures 5I a and b, it is ascended

by two rather interesting stairways that are separated by a small platform,

its
3 meters wide by 4 meters deep, that supports Stela 7 and has own little
flight of
three steps. The northern stairway has almost entirely fallen, but
may
be
supposed have been similar the southern one, which fair

in
to

a to
it

4 is
condition. The latter lower flight ten steps

of

of
consist

to
meters

is
seen
height court,

of
wide that rises to about meters above the where small

3
a

a
upper flight six steps, little over meter wide, continues the platform
of

to
a

I
The upper flight the north by central pro

on
of

the temple. flanked

is

70
jection the platform, and the south by

on
of

little balustrade cm. wide

a
off from landing the top the lower flight. The balustrade

of
that sets

at
it

connection with Tulum Type Structure, No.

in

resembles those seen and

1
No. (p. 76), conjunction temple surmount

of
with the character
it in

and the
2

ing the platform tempting see East Coast influences the design

in
to
is

stairway. hand, stairways

be
of

the On the other should noted that closely

it
approximating this one plan have recently been discovered

at
in

several

is,
the early southern areas,' and therefore, probably best not
in

sites
of it
place the substructure and building the same period
of to

Structure

in
V
construction without certain reservations, question that further

is
a
complicated by the uncertainty whether Stela
to
as

has been reerected

7
or

p.

not (see 133).

The small temple (fig. 51), which set well back the substructure, on
is

single long by
of

consists vaulted chamber 6.20 meters 1.30 meters wide

a

and 2.10 meters high, that entered by doorway the western wall. Just
in
is

opposite the doorway, and against the back wall, small altar cm. long, of 90
is
a
68

high up
13

of

cm. wide and cm. that built several blocks stone and
is

the spring
at
of

covered with stucco.” The usual offset the vault occurs

at

a
height
on
at

1.35 meters, and the vault slopes

of

well
in

as

as

the ends the

sides. There are no ventilators and apparently there were only two trans
verse beams. The masonry the poorest type and quite similar
of

that
to
is

the doorway,
of

Nohoch Mul. The lintel

at

the temple
of

of

Structure
I

cm. wide, has fallen, but judging from the other characteristics
55

which
is

building, was probably recessed

of

so

to

sunken panel similar

as

the form
it

Type Structures,
2,

that seen connection with Tulum No. and No.

in
to

and the Diving God temple Nohoch Mul. While the greater part
of
at

the
façade has fallen, small strip rectangular moulding (fig. 51c) consisting
of
a

roughly faced stone height

of

of
at

place
of

two courses still

in

40 cm.
is

above the spring the vault. Probably the most interesting detail regard
is of

in

this building that, while the front and end walls

of
to

the chamber are

70

only about cm. thick, the rear wall appears

a of
to

have thickness 2.5o

a

meters. One naturally suspects that this space occupied by rear

to

is
3

chamber parallel entrance visible; the

no

the front one, but there

to

is

San José northern British Honduras, Uaxactun the Peten, and Yaxchilan on the Usumacintla River.
in

in
* *

Fragments type generally ascribed the last Pre-Spanish period were found on and
to
of

of

several incensarios
a

around this altar.

94 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

mound has not fallen in at this point and only excavation, or further dis
integration, will solve the problem. Whatever the mystery contained in the
rear wall, the remainder of the building gives every indication of dating
from the late period represented by the structures of the eastern coast of
Yucatan.
Structure VI, situated midway between Structure IV and Structure II,
is a small mound with the shrine of Stela 3 against its western face. Includ
ing the shrine, the structure measures about 8 meters north and south by Io
meters east and west and stands to a height of some 2 meters at the highest
point. It is oriented at an angle of 358°, and thus departs from the orienta
tion of 4° that obtains for the structures so far considered in this group.
The shrine is very simple, consisting of a low platform or step 30 cm. high
and 8 meters wide that supports two benches with Stela 3 between them,
in the manner shown in figure 52. At the rear of the platform, which has an
extreme depth of 3.60 meters is a wall I meter high, and against this are set
the stela and two benches, the last having a height of 50 cm., and respective
lengths and widths of 2.90 meters by 2 meters exclusive of two small projec
tions that support the stela at either side. The mound at the rear is a
jumble of débris that may be the remains of either a vault or a raised plat
form, although it hardly seems high enough to have been the former.
Structure VII, lying north and a little east of the above, is a mound
about 2 meters high that has the peculiar trapezoidal outline shown in the
plan (Plate 17) although it does not appear likely that this was the original
shape of the structure. On the southern side of the mound are the faint
traces of a stairway with Stela 2 standing on about the second step. There
also appears to have been the familiar low wall with antae on the platform
above, but the entire structure is in too bad a state of preservation for one
to be at all certain of its details. Immediately north of it is Structure XI,
a low platform mound that exhibits no features of particular interest.
Structure VIII (fig. 53 and Plate 7), situated a short distance northeast
of the stairway to Structure II and oriented at an angle of 25°, is a small
shrine containing Stela 8. Facing westward, it consists of a low platform,
25 cm. high and 7.65 meters north and south by 4.55 meters east and west,
that has a wall 55 cm. thick and 1.25 meters high on three sides of Against
it.

cm. high and 1.60 meters deep that

75

the side walls bench carried

is

is
a

the same height, but with

of
at

across the back wall width 1.40 meters.

a

little moulding the upper edge that interrupted only where

at
It

carries
is
is a

set against the face not great deal

of

of

the stela the bench. There

is

débris connection with the structure and quite definitely could never
in

it

have carried vault. There nothing, however, that would prevent

is

a
a

wooden superstructure having been superimposed upon the present walls.

Structure IX lies nearly the shrine just described, and
of

due west
the stairway Structure II. About halfway between
of

northwest
to

and
it

Structure VIII 6), while just

it,
of

small monolithic altar (Alt. front

in
A
is
a
 Description of RUINs 95

and just behind

it,
are two larger monolithic altars (Altars and 8).

A
7
The structure (fig. and Plate 3), which faces southeast

54
and oriented

is
an small raised platform about
at
angle 35°, comprises meters square

1o
of

a
meter high that supports

of
and shrine enclosing Stela The walls the

I.
a
I

by
platform are vertical, and stairway

of
the front little

at
ascended

it
is

a
L-J
r-------------------------------------------------------------------------
!

FIG. 53—Structure VIII, Macanxoc. Plan and ele

shrine enclosing Stela 8.1

of
vation

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*
[T]
I

i
:

4.
3.

s
2
o

neters -
FIG. 52—Structure VI, Macanxoc. Plan and ele- FIG. 54—Structure IX, Macanxoc. Ground plan
of

shrine enclosing Stela shrine enclosing Stela 1.1

of

3.

vation

similar stairway may

be

five steps 1.5o meters wide, while hidden beneath

a

the platform.
be
of
at

figure
54

will that
It

in

débris the rear noticed from

taking the form rectangle broken by doorways the front and rear,
of

at
in a

the shrine differs plan from those previously seen, difference made
a

necessary by the fact that Stela carved both on the front and rear.
is
I

6.40 by 3.70 meters; the doorways

of

The shrine has exterior measurements

90

are 2.80 meters wide, and the walls are cm. thick by about 1.20 meters
No graphic scale. See text for dimensions.
*
96 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

high. As in previous instances, there is little débris and the walls may have
carried a wooden superstructure.
Structure X is a good-sized mound located on the edge of the main
terrace almost due north of Structure II. Standing 5 or 6 meters above the
terrace, but considerably more above natural ground level, it faces south
west and has an orientation of 34°. At the front of the structure there
appears to be a narrow stairway about 3.50 meters wide that ascends to the
platform above, where is found the usual low wall with antae. The wall is
roughly 8 meters long and in common with the antae, which project forward
some 2 meters, stands about 75 cm. above the little subsidiary platform that
it rests upon. The whole is badly fallen, but apparently presents no new
features. A much smaller mound abuts on the northwestern face of the
substructure, and it may be seen from the plan (Plate 17) that several small
lie

various points along the edge

of
at

mounds the main terrace. None

particular importance and are probably
be
of

of
these structures seem
to

simple platforms without chambers.

of

the remains

KUCICAN

the description
of
the sacbeob that the ruins
It

in

has been mentioned

lie
of

of

of
Just
or

at
Kucican some km. south Cobá the end Sacbe No.

8.
7

reaching
so
before the site, the road mounts small rise that the ruins stand
a

upon low eminence, but known the country

so

as

far otherwise without

no is

is
a

pronounced contour. There are the immediate vicinity, and the

in

lakes
only source water supply known
an
of

or
at

present aguada, water hole,

is

As just intimated, the site

of

several kilometers northeast the ruins.

is
by

Sacbe No. therefore not surprising

8,

approached from the north and

is
in it

find the most important structures facing that direction. The plan
to

compact, carefully orientated group some

of

(Plate 18) the ruins shows

a

what less than 150 meters square that constructed about main plaza
is

and two subsidiary courts. interesting note that the prevailing

It

to
is

group exactly faces the main group

so

places
of

orientation that
9°

the
it

Cobá, the highest structures which could undoubtedly

be
of

of

seen were the

intervening country comparatively free bush, seems likely
as
of

to

have been
the case when these cities were inhabited. Kucican not, however,
to

be
is

thought part the great city Cobá, which made up

of
of

of

of

the various
as

is
a

groups that have already been considered, but distinct and separate site,
as
a

it,

the former by but suburb rather

to

to

connected road and thus related

a

than part and parcel the main city.

is of

The Main Plaza large court resting slightly above natural ground
a

by

level and measuring some

75

meters north and south Ioo meters the

in

the north, east and west by low mounds

on

other direction.
It

bounded
is

by

(Structures IV VII) and the two principal structures

on

the south
to

and II) the group.

of

(Structures
I

2,

This aguada was reported by the natives but not visited. appears the lower right corner figure
of

and
It

in
1

from its position that picture apparently

to

km. from Kucican.

in

is

3
 Description of RUINs 97

Structure I (Plate 18 and fig. 55), standing at the southwestern corner

of the group and facing north on the Main Plaza, is the most imposing struc
ture at the ruins. The building rests upon a large terrace with vertical walls
and rounded corners that measures about 32 meters east and west by 29
meters north and south, and stands to a height of 6.75 meters. Against the
northern side, a stairway 21.70 meters wide rises from the Main Plaza to the
platform above, while at the east there is a terrace about 4.50 meters high
that appears to form a part of Structure I in point of construction, but in

its
present form closely allied Structure II, that from approached

in
to

it
is

It is
and must have been used connection with the latter. should be noted
in
that the vertical walls and rounded corners of the terrace Structure

to

I
very similar las Monjas

de
of
to

at
make the substructure the Casa
it

Chichen Itzá, similarity that not complete, however, because

of
the
is
a

the apparent
of

as

as
the present instance, well
in

absence decoration

i
1O 2O
Li Li

1
i

i
i
i

i
i
i

Tneters
of

I,

FIG. 55—Cross-section Structure Kucican.

connection with the stairway. The masonry does

of

in

absence balustrades
not appear differ from the roughly shaped stone seen Cobá, and
to

at

it
is
somewhat inferior that of the substructure at Chichen Itzá.
to

a 26

24
The building on top has exterior measurements by
of

about
meters, and thus occupies nearly the entire platform, only
so

that narrow
front,
at

terrace 3.65 meters wide meters wide the ends and about 1.5o
in

the rear surrounds the structure. Although the relative height

at

meters
this building set
of

prominence
of

and off somewhat from the remainder

it
is,

the group,
or be

nevertheless, rather too large and elaborate

to

classed
it

temple, and had probably better

be

palace
it of

considered the residential

a

type. The plan (Plate 18) five parallel

of

of

the structure shows

to

consist
longitudinal vaults with
of

transverse vault across the eastern ends the

a

four rear rooms and another transverse vault across the western ends of the
three center rooms, thus making seven rooms
at In

all. its essentials, this

in

plan parallel quite

of

several vaults with transverse vaults the ends

is

parallel practically
of

common, but large vaults

in

the number (five)

it
is

unique throughout the Maya area. The building only

of

fair state
in
is

preservation, with the vault

of

of

the central chamber and that the chamber

98 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

immediately south of it the only ones standing, but the arrangement of

rooms can be made out quite clearly so that there is probably no gross
error in the plan in this respect. The position of doorways, on the other
hand, is open to considerable doubt. Apparently the front chamber, which
runs the entire length of the building and has a width of 3.15 meters, is
entered by seven doorways, each about 1.5o meters wide, that are separated
by six masonry piers varying from about 1.5o to 2 meters in width and hav
ing the same thickness (I.15 meters) as the wall. While the exact number
and measurements of the doorways are open to question, it appears certain
that some such arrangement of multiple doorways and masonry piers exists.
None of the lintels are visible, but from the width of the doorways it seems
best to assume that they were of wood. The room immediately south of the
above is 15 meters long by 3.30 meters wide, and at present exhibits no
entrance, but this must almost surely be in the northern wall as shown
in the plan. Whether the entrance consists of one or more doorways, how
ever, is a question. At the western end of the room is a niche 68 cm. deep,
about 1.5o meters wide and of unknown height, that is roofed over by four
wooden beams' occurring on a level just below the spring of the vault.
These are the only lintels in position throughout the entire building, and
they suggest that the others were of a similar nature.
The central chamber, which is entered by doorways 1.5o meters wide
at either end of the room, is standing in almost perfect condition with the
exception that the lintels above the doorways have given away and let
down the ends of the vault. The room is 15 meters long, 3.17 meters wide
and stands to a height of 4.95 meters from floor to capstones. The spring of
the vault occurs at a height of 2.77 meters and is marked by the customary
as all

the room, while the vault apparently slopes inward

of

at
offset on sides
on

The walls the chamber,

of

well common with

as

the ends the sides.

of in

the building, have

of

the other interior walls thickness

to
1.30 1.35
a

At either side
of
or

cm. greater than the exterior walls.

15

meters about the

of 30 by

a 80
of

room the faces the vault are pierced four large windows about cm.
50 35

high by the top that occur

on
at

at

cm. wide the bottom and cm. level

roughly cm. above the spring. Most these windows have been blocked,
but originally they communicated between rooms and are very similar
in
of

shape and size the large openings that pierce the rear wall Structure
to

XXXVIII Cobá (p. 70). The masonry, moreover, quite similar

at

is

the better class of work seen at Cobá with the ends of the vault stones
to

beveled and the chinks filled with small wedge-shaped stones, while the
in

wall stones are roughly faced and the interstices filled the usual manner.
in

carry plaster.
of

Both walls and vault liberal traces

The room immediately south this has its vault completely standing
of

the doorway
of

except where the fallen lintel the southern wall has let
in
it,

portion masonry
of

down the above and the chamber differs from the

a

as

The workmen identified this wood habin, local hardwood (Piscidia communis).
a
*
 Description of RUINs 99

central one only in the position of the doorway and in the existence at either
end of the vault of a window, similar to those described above.
The rear room is 19 meters long by 3.35 meters wide, and has only a
trace of the vault still standing at the western end. There is a doorway 1.60
meters wide at the eastern end of the room, and it is just possible that the
southern wall, which has largely fallen, is pierced by doorways, although
if this isthe case, they lead to a very narrow terrace only about 1.50 meters
wide. The eastern transverse room, which is 17 meters long by 3. Io meters
wide and has a part of the vault standing at the southern end, is apparently
entered from the outside by two doorways about 1.5o meters wide separated
by a masonry pier of about the same width. The western transverse room
is 12.15 meters long by 3.17 meters wide, has none of the vault remaining
and it is impossible to say what is the arrangement of doorways, as the
western wall has either fallen or is hidden beneath débris.
At the southwestern corner of the building the exterior walls are stand
ing to almost their full height, so that small portions of the southern and
western façades are preserved. Both façades exhibit mouldings and stucco
decoration in high relief, but it is unfortunately impossible at present to
obtain detailed measurements. Apparently there are two simple rectangu
lar mouldings spaced about 1.50 meters apart and with the lower one occur
ring approximately on a level with the spring of the vault. The field between
them carries the decoration and does not appear to be set in as far as the
plane of the main wall, so that the high relief stucco figures project beyond
the moulding (fig. 56). It is probable that this arrangement is to be con

all
sidered as a broad band, rather than as two separate mouldings, but at
similarity the recessed panels seen connection with
in
to

events shows
it

Structures XXXIII and XXXVI Cobá which also probably carried

at
In
at

stucco decoration one time. the present instance, the western façade
exhibits kneeling human figure that approximately life sized. The head
is
a

the detail has crumbled away, but the modeling gives

of

missing and much

is

impression having been excellent. The treatment strongly realistic,

of

the
is

and both this and the fact that the figure

of in

executed stucco are features

is

generally associated with the architectural decoration the southern cities.

red paint may still
be
of

Traces made out below the figure. The southern

serpent (fig. 56) treated
of

realistic
in

façade shows the scant remains

a

the “feathered” variety, but

be

be

manner and that may impossible

of

p. to
it
is
all

probability the ruins take their name from this figure (see 6).
In

certain.
and fig. 58) lies immediately east
of
18

Structure (Plate Structure

II

by
of

the substructure the latter

to

and connected terrace 4.5o meters

is

high and 6.85 meters broad that probably part The

of

Structure
is

I.
a

construction, however, not well understood, and

of

as

sequence the
is

the same height and possesses the same front

at

intermediate terrace stands

the platform supporting the second story Structure II, seems best
of

wall
as

it

simply the platform

an
to

of

of

consider extension the latter. The area

it

is
IOO PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

FIG. 57–Structure II, Kucican. Sculptured head west of stairway.

 Description of RUINs IOI

further increased by ranges of rooms against the eastern and southern sides
of the substructure, so that at one time the second story must have rested
upon a platform measuring roughly 45 meters east and west by 27 meters
north and south. At the north there is a slight projection of the substruc
ture, and against this rests a flight of steps 13.70 meters wide that rises from
the Main Plaza to the platform of the second story. On either side of the
stairway is a peculiar buttress built into the angle formed by the side wall
of the stairs and the face of the projection. Each buttress is 2.20 meters
wide by about 2.5o meters high, is flat on top, vertical on the exposed side
and steeply sloped in front. Near the top of each slope is a stone head
(fig. 57) sculptured in very high relief on a large stone fitted into the masonry
of the buttress. The heads are 45 cm. high, 32 cm. broad and have an ex
treme projection of 34 cm. As may be seen from the figure, they are human

1O 2O
1I I I I I I I I I I 1
Tneters
FIG. 58—Cross-section of Structure II, Kucican.

and thoroughly naturalistic in treatment. On the forehead of each are

incised two glyph-like circles, while roughly the same design is repeated
on the stone above the head. Whether these buttresses are to be considered
as balustrades or not is a question. Their connection with the stairway
suggests this; but the fact that they do not extend to the full height of the
stairway and do not project as far as the bottom step rather detracts from
their effect as balustrades. So far as the writer knows, both in design and
ornamentation they are unique in Maya architecture if they are considered
in the light of balustrades.
The chambers in connection with Structure II occur at three levels
(fig. 58), and through its size and complexity the building appears to be of
the residential or palace type. The structure is in an extremely bad state
of preservation, but it must originally have stood slightly higher than Struc
ture I, just as important an
and there is no reason to believe that it is not
edifice. The only traces of the ground story that are visible are the remains
of the end of a vault at the southwestern corner of the structure and two
rooms at the northern end of the eastern side (Plate 18). It seems probable,
however, that a range of rooms extended the full length of the eastern side
and another range across the rear. These chambers must have been entered
IO2 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

from Courts A and B and were apparently built against the sides of the
substructure so that their roofs were about on a level with the platform
of the second story.
The second story is very badly fallen, but, as shown in the plan (Plate
18), it appears to consist of four parallel longitudinal vaults with a trans
verse vault across their western ends and probably another transverse vault
at the east, although no trace of the last is visible at present. The only
room with its vault standing, and that may still be entered, is the third from
the front (north). This room is 16.65 meters long by 2.65 meters wide and
stands to a height of 3.90 meters from floor to capstones. The vault springs
at a height of 2.53 meters and is entirely comparable to the vaults of Struc
ture I, not only as to masonry, but in the possession of several blocked up
windows similar to those in the other structure. At the western end of the
chamber is a doorway leading into the transverse vault, and because of the
collapse of a part of the southern wall and that side of the vault, it seems
fairly certain that there is another entrance there. The only other doorway

all
the remaining

of
visible is at the western end of the rear room so that
the plan are purely hypothetical. The two front vaults
on

entrances shown
predicated upon the outer
be

at

can not seen present, and their existence

is
17.30 meters long. This length
of

western wall the transverse vault which

is
so

closely fulfils the requirements that there every reason believe that

to
is

plan,
on

some reason for

as

the rooms occur somewhat shown the and there

is
the belief that the two front vaults, which are totally buried beneath débris
from the third story, are still standing.
The third story too badly fallen attempt plan
of
the chambers,
to
is

but there were apparently three longitudinal vaults

as

shown figure 58. in

the front and middle rooms, and probable
of

There are definite traces

it
is

the rear. The stairway

at

at

that there was also third room the front the of

a

building longer rises above the second floor, and

be
no

may that access

to
it

the uppermost chambers was gained by means wooden stairway, type

of

a
a

probably fairly
of

construction that was common." The western outside

the third story occurring about
of
of

wall indicated
as

meters east the

is

to 6

the story below, and there do not seem any transverse

be
of

similar wall
this floor. The most interesting fact
on

connection with the

in

chambers
upper story that the wall between the middle and rear chambers placed
is

is

directly above the capstones the vault below, practise for the most part
of

carefully avoided Maya architecture. addition, this presupposes that

In
in

the other longitudinal walls the third story occur approximately above the
of

capstones the respective

is of

vaults beneath them.

It

has been mentioned

that there believe that the two front vaults of the second
to

some reason
story are still standing, and surprising
be

would not find that they have

to
it

support story above. Practically

of

been filled order

in

of to

the chambers the

building
of

at

none the façade this exposed present, and there not

is

is

a
p.

See Tozzer, 1911, 97.

*
 Description of RUINs IO3

trace of moulding or other decoration to be seen. The character of the

workmanship portrayed in the one standing vault, however, suggests that
the details of the structure do not differ essentially from Structure I.
East of Structure II is Court A,
a small closed court bounded on the
north, east and south by Structure III
and on the west by the building just
described. The only entrance to the court that can be seen at present is at
the southwest where it opens into Court B, but there may well have been an
entrance from the Main Plaza through the northern wing of Structure III.
Court B lies south of Structures I and II and contains Structures IX and X,
which will be described later.
Structure III consists of three ranges bordering Court A, as just men
tioned. The northern and southern ranges measure 20 meters, respectively,
along their sides facing the court, while the eastern range has a length of
24 meters. Each range is about 7 meters wide and stands to a height of 3 or
4 meters. At the northwestern corner of the structure are the remains of a
all

vault, and it is probable that three mounds represent collapsed vaulted

portion standing near the north
of

small the northern façade

A

chambers.

is
the structure and exhibits the usual rectangular mouldings
of

eastern corner
with sunken panel between. This arrangement identical

to
the western
is
a

Structure XXXIII Cobá, and can hardly

be
at
of

façade doubted that the

it

two structures represent roughly the same period

of
construction.
Structure IV lies immediately north
of

this and along the eastern side

43

meters long,
of

the Main Plaza.

or
about
It

meters wide and

is

4
3
8

vaulted chambers showing

no

of

at
meters high. There are signs present,
this type.
of

shape suggests of
but the the mound that contains rooms
it
of

At either end the structure are narrow passages between and Structures
it

III and V.
runs the length
of

of

Structure the northern side the Main Plaza and

V

wing extending southward

of
at

20

each end has distance about meters.

a

high probably
of

The wings are

or

meters and are the remains vaulted

3

top and apparently represents simple

on

rooms, but the main mound flat

is

platform without chambers. does not stand quite high above the plaza
It

as

the two wings, but drops off rather sharply

on
as

the other side where the

natural ground slopes away the north. Sacbe No. ends against the north
to

a 8

stairway this point,

of

at

the structure and there are some signs

of

ern face
but its existence by no means certain.
is

Structure VI lies at the southwestern corner of Structure and faces

V

tiny by and Structure VII.

of

east on court formed the ends Structure

is V
a

conjunction with the last-named structure, which meters long and

In

25

probably marks the remains vaulted chambers, Structure VI completes

of

little building about

of

the Main Plaza.

1o
It

the western side meters

is
a

square and some meters high, that has its eastern façade still standing
to
3

height small doorway

of

of

about meters. At the center the façade

is
a
2
a

76

of

indeterminate height that shows the wall

to

(Plate 18) cm. wide and

IO4 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

be 97 cm. thick. The doorway is spanned by a stone lintel and at either side,
just above the top of the lintel, is a stone head similar to those occurring
in connection with the buttresses flanking the stairway to Structure II.
Each head is 32 cm. high, 25 cm. broad and projects about 25 cm. from the
wall. The same glyph-like circles are incised in the stones above these
heads as in the previous instances.
Structure VIII is a circular pit, or basin, sunk into the Main Plaza in
front of the little court before Structure VI. It has a diameter of 8.80 meters
and a present depth of about 60 cm. The sides consist of two steps of nicely

t I
Tneters

FIG. 59—Cross-section of Structure IX, Kucican.

cut stone forming concentric circles, and there may be a third lower step
that is now hidden beneath débris. This structure is practically duplicated
in Structures IX and X, previously mentioned as being situated in Court B.
The former (fig. 59) has a diameter of 7.30 meters, is roughly 90 cm. deep
and is made up of three steps with risers of about 30 cm. and treads of 40 cm.;
the latter is in the shape of a U, 7.40 meters wide by about 6.50 meters
long, is roughly 60 cm. deep and has two steps. Both contain a good deal of
débris, and as in the case of Structure VIII there may be lower steps that
are now hidden. Just what purpose these structures served is pure guess
work. They strongly suggest having contained water, and in fact it is
difficult to see how water could have been kept out of them. On the other
hand, unless they are much deeper than they appear at present, no great
amount of water could have been stored in them and it is possible that they
possessed some ceremonial usage.
No stelae or altars have as yet been discovered in connection with this
S1te.
 ARCHITECTURE
BY HARRY E. D. Pollock

The previous pages have dealt with the general character of the region
under consideration, and have described the individual remains of buildings,
with occasional references to similarities outside of the local area. It now
seems well to give some attention to the broader aspects of the architectural
features of these ruins, and wherever possible to relate them with other parts
of the Maya area. It has already been seen that we are apparently dealing
with two classes of construction, a superior and an inferior, which do not
differ from each other radically, but exhibit certain differences in quality of
workmanship and in design that merit their being set apart. By far the
greater number of buildings belong in the former category; there are a few
into either group; while the latter class
fit

border-line cases that may made

is
up
of

those structures that show pronounced affiliations with the remains

the following discussion

be
of

of

In

the eastern coast Yucatan. will well

it
mind, and wherever necessary pointed out

be
keep this distinction will
to

in

it
which class of structures under consideration.
is

ASSEMBLAGE
closely knit,
of of

preponderance the ruins the Cobá district shows

in
A

a
connected court type assemblage, with the majority buildings any of

in
group obeying Compactness
of

one fixed and definite scheme orientation.

a

particularly noticeable feature the main group

of

of

plan
of
Cobá (Plate
is
a

14), while the groups Nohoch Mul (Plate 16), Kucican (Plate 18) and
of

Oxthindzonot show the same orderly arrangement, but are less closely knit.
The Macanxoc group (Plate 17), the other hand, entirely abandons the
on

great extent does away with the scheme

of

system connected courts and

to
a

fixed orientation, although the major structures are apparently oriented

at of

the above important ruins

of
In

common angle. addition number

to
a

small outlying groups (e.g., Uitzil Mul, Lab Mul, Nuc Mul) exhibit careful,
connected court plans, but there considerable body
of

unassociated
is
a

grouped and follow no known system

a of

mounds that are not orientation.

Careful and compact assemblage with due regard definite scheme
to
of

of

orientation finds its most common expression the Peten region

in

Tikal, Nakum, Naranjo and the like. Other sites

of
at

Guatemala the sites

Uaxactun and Ixkun, show
as

this area, such tendency spread out

to
in

groups orderly buildings

an

of

into separate that still possess arrangement

definitely the other. The main plaza and the acropolis
to

and are related one

part important
of

in of

are for the most features these sites. South this region
Copan and Quirigua differ from the above only giving less
of

the cities
orientation, while the cities
of

of

attention the Usumacintla

to

fixed scheme
a

Valley largely abandon careful planning because the varied topography

of

105
Ioé PREliminaRY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

of the country. In northwestern Yucatan the principle of the connected

it,
court, and the compactness that goes with almost entirely disappears
building about their individ

of

of
and the cities consist number complexes

a
ual courts that bear no particular relation one

no
the other and have

to
fixed
addition, the acropolis

it In
orientation. not found this area, and the

in
is
main plaza, all, does not bear the intimate relation

of
at

to
exists the rest
the city that if
true the south. Lastly, the sites along the eastern coast

in
is
Yucatan show generally orderly arrangement buildings, but with little
of

of
a

of of
attention system connected courts.
to
a

The main group Cobá, with its clearly defined main plaza and its
well-ordered and compact arrangement connected courts, certainly finds

of
its

closest parallel the Peten, while the same may probably

is be
of
the cities
in

Nohoch Mul, where acropolis exists, although the main plaza

an
of

said
apparent. the third major group Macanxoc, along with great

of
so

If

not

a
unassociated mounds and several small outlying groups about
of

number
the lakes, however, are included with the above ruins form one great city,

to
problem

no
so

not clear. Macanxoc bears relation

to
the the Peten cities
is

any comparison can prob

be
of

from the aspect assemblage, and made,

if

it
ably resembles the sites
of
Yucatan more closely than
of

the eastern coast

any other region. The small outlying groups are indistinguishable
of

those
over the Maya area; the unassociated
all

plan from similar assemblages

in

mounds not only bear particular resemblance

no

arrangement in

to
the
southern cities, but

of
known from internal evidence that few these are
it
is

a
the East Coast, and thus post-date the former
of

affiliated with the ruins

by margin. many respects the main group Cobá, taken
of
In

cities wide
a

together with Nohoch Mul and Group D, resembles city planning

of
the
type Uaxactun, for the several groups are certainly intimately related.
of

further complication drawing parallels plan between this site and

in

in
A

absolutely unique
of

those other regions that the present instance

in
is

is

complicated system
of

possessing artificial roads that connect the various

a

mounds, although there are

of
groups and unassociated few examples
as a

parts Maya
be
of

somewhat similar roads other will seen later

in

the area
(p. 128). Obviously, then, no hard and fast parallel may
be

drawn between
plan and assemblage. The lack
of

this area and other regions the matter

in

conformity any one type suggests the possibility long period

of

of

of
to

growth, several occupations, conception that

of
or

some extent borne

to
is
a

out by other architectural evidence.

peculiar particular area,
no
in of

One other feature assemblage that

to
is

and thus does not assist establishing connections between these ruins and
others, nevertheless worthy occurring here. That
of

mention
as

the
is

is

building, presumably the position “holy

of

of

of

elevation temple,
or an to
a

a
by

holies” through the seclusion brought about elaborate approach suc

of

cessively raised courts culminating pyramid, platform, that supports the

in
a

sanctuary. An assemblage connection with Courts M, N,

of

this sort seen

in
is
 ARchitecture IoW

O, P and Structure XXX at

Cobá, and to a lesser extent in connection with
Courts A, D, E and Structure IX at Nohoch Mul. The arrangement probably
finds its highest expression in the Casa de las Palomas complex at Uxmal."
ORIENTATION
The majority of structures at
the main group of Cobá and the more
important ones at Macanxoc appear to have an orientation of about 4°
east of magnetic north.
The structures of Nohoch Mul are oriented 29°
east of north, of Kucican of north, and of Uitzil Mul I 5° east of north,
9° east
in all

the magnetic pole.* Little faith, however, should placed

be
to

referred
Any exactitude obviously impossible with

an
these orientations.

is
ordinary prismatic compass, and the extraordinarily bad condition

of
the
buildings would make work with theodolite

of
little avail

in
most instances.
a

CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS AND MASONRY
Much has been written describing Maya construction and the prin
be

ciples involved therein’ that need not repeated here. Aside from wooden
construction that has entirely disappeared, limestone was the universal
building material," and from was derived the lime that went

to
make
it

mortar for binding, plaster for floor and wall surfaces, and stucco for decora
tion. Along with this stone there was considerable use wood for lintels of
a

over doorways, transverse beams across vaults, and late times support
in

to
ceilings great part buildings made entirely
of

flat rubble and mortar. How

a

played Maya largely conjectural, seems cer

of

architecture but
in

wood
it
is

tain there was great body this type that housed the plebeian
of

of

structures
a

population, and
of

certain number that were built alongside stone struc

a

priestly residence.
or

tures and were used for religious purposes general

a In

may said that the masonry

be

of
of

the walls and vaults consists concrete

it

hearting faced with veneer stone, and that the structures are essentially
of of
a

monolithic. The same type construction, moreover, prevails for the walls
substructures, although the latter case the hearting concrete may
of

of
in

extend only short distance behind the retaining wall, and the central core
a

While the above facts are broadly

of

of

the structure consist loose fill.

is,

true, there nevertheless, considerable variety For

of

detail
in

execution.
Tikal and Uaxactun, and the Usumacintla
of

example, the Peten cities

in

Palenque and Yaxchilan, the wall and vault stones are deeply
of

cities
tailed into the hearting, with the effect minimizing the veneer-like quality
of

These stones are only crudely shaped and roughly faced

of

at

the facing.
that good-sized chinks are left between them and plaster
so

their outer ends,

Morley, 1910, pp. 1-18.
* * * * *

16
p.

See for probable magnetic declination.

Holmes, 1895-1897; Tozzer, 1911 and 1913; Spinden, 1913; Lothrop, 1924.
p.

For an interesting exception the above see Blom and LaFarge, 1926,
to

113 and footnote.

p.

Exceptions are the ashlar masonry Copan (Gordon, 1896,

9)
of

of

and the brick construction Tabasco

p.

(Blom and LaFarge, 1926, 113).

Io8 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

is depended upon
for a smooth surface. More or less the same method
prevails in the ruins along the eastern coast of Yucatan, but with even less
attention to shaping and laying the stone, and probably with a consequent
greater reliance on plaster for the final finish. At the Peten site of Nakum,
and at several sites in southern Quintana Roo, the walls are faced with thin,
flat, rectangular stones, laid on after the fashion of tile and forming the
purest veneer. In northwestern Yucatan the wall and vault stones are nicely
cut with short tails to tie into the hearting, and beautifully faced and fitted
so that scarcely any mortar shows between them. This is pure veneer, also,
but of a better variety than the type just mentioned.
Turning to the masonry found in the Cobá district, it is discovered to
be of the roughly shaped, deeply tailed-in variety occurring in the Peten
cities first mentioned, in the Usumacintla cities, and in the sites along the
eastern coast of Yucatan. Just as there is a difference in the quality of
workmanship between these southern cities and the late East Coast sites,
there is a difference between what we have termed the superior and the
inferior classes of construction at Cobá. The former class shows the exposed
ends of the vault stones to be beveled in conformity with the slope of the
vault and the interstices between stones to be carefully filled with small
stone wedges, while the latter class pays far less attention to either of these
matters. In addition, the better type of masonry is for the most part care
fully laid, so as to give true and even surfaces, while the other type is more
or less haphazard and wall and vault surfaces are often highly irregular.
Examples of the former are seen in figures 22, 30, 32a, 35a, b, and of the
latter in figure 14. Because of certain architectural details yet to be dis
cussed, the inferior class of construction may quite definitely be associated
with the ruins of the eastern coast of Yucatan. In regard to the superior
class, however, we may draw no definite conclusions, but only point out its
similarity to the masonry of such cities as Tikal, Uaxactun, Palenque and
Yaxchilan.
SUBSTRUCTURES

the Maya area, substructures

of all

parts this region

of

As is true in
in

occur the form pyramids and platform mounds. Unfortunately there

in

are very few examples well enough preserved sufficiently free

of
or

débris
portray their details. By far the most interesting examples
of
to

the first
mentioned type are the great pyramids
of

at

Structure Cobá (figs. and

6
I

of

Nohoch Mul (Plate

at

7a, and fig. 44). These are

16

and Structure
b)

the stepped variety, the former having nine steps and the latter seven, with
the terraces battered and apparently quite plain, without cornice
of

the sides
moulding. Probably the most distinctive characteristic
of
is is or

the structures
feature that, the writer knows,
so

the rounded and inset corners, far

as
a

closely paralleled only the ruins near Camp British Honduras."

in
at

6
all

Simple rounded corners occur pretty well over the Maya area, and inset,
Thompson, 1931, pp. 280-281.
*
 ARCHITECTURE Io9

but square, corners are found at Tikal, Yaxchilan and Topoxté, if we may
trust Maler's account in the last two instances. Very likely the rarity
of the present examples, however, comes more through lack of known
instances than through actual scarcity, and too much should not be made
of this feature. A matter of greater importance is the occurrence of a typical
East Coast temple (p. 83) in conjunction with the great pyramid at Nohoch
Mul. While the high pyramidal substructure is mainly found in the region
of the Peten, and to a lesser extent in northwestern Yucatan, the one area
in which it does not occur is along the eastern coast of Yucatan. The highest
substructure so far reported from that region is at El Meco, and it measures
only about 8 meters, while the pyramid at Nohoch Mul has a height of about
24 meters. These facts strongly suggest that the East Coast temple at the
latter site was erected at a period considerably later than the substructure,
and again points to the possibility of more than one period of occupation
in this area, although a single, very long occupancy might bring about the
same phenomenon.
In regard to platform mounds, little may be said. The great acropolis
(Structure VII) at Nohoch Mul (Plate 16 and fig. 47), which is made up of
two battered terraces with rounded corners, is to be included in this category.
As previously mentioned, acropoles are a feature of the southern cities and
do not appear to have been built in northwestern Yucatan or in the East
Coast area. The platform
mound with vertical sides and rounded corners is
I
represented in the substructure of Structure at Kucican (Plate 18 and fig. 55).
This platform is reminiscent of the Casa de las Monjas at Chichen Itzá
which is the classic example of substructures of this type, but there is no reason
is not a type occurring pretty well over the Maya area.
all

to believe that it
BALL COURTS

type structure not commonly associated with either substructures

of
A

superstructures, but resembling the former principle construction,

of
or

in

is

parallel
of

the ball court. These structures consist two ranges that are essen
tially platform mounds, although much narrower proportion height than
in

to

platform They
of

the normal mound. are, course, faced with stone,

in

and
several instances support superstructures. At either end
of

the conventional
ball court are low walls that give the enclosure formed by them and the main
an
I,

ranges the shape each range, and

of

of

of

while the middle the inner face

at

near the top, stone ring tenoned into the wall. The two classic examples
of
is
a

this type structure, which follow the description given above with the addi
of

tion that the inner faces are vertical and that there small bench running
is
a

length
of

at

at

face,
of

the the court the foot each are the ball courts Chichen
Itzá and Uxmal northern Yucatan. Until quite recently, these structures
in

not only late development the Maya area but foreign

be

were supposed
in
to

a
by

importation brought Mexican speaking people. Within the past few

in

a
p.

Maler, 1903, pp. 136 and 168; 1908, 59.

* *

Lothrop, 1924, pp. 27, 144-147.

i lo PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

years, however, it has been brought to light that a number of structures quite
closely resembling those described above, and nearly surely fulfilling a similar
function, occur in admittedly early Maya territory in Chiapas and the Peten,
and indicate that the ball court is neither a late nor a foreign development.
These more recently discovered examples differ from the courts first described
in having sloped, rather than vertical, inner faces, and in showing no signs of
the supposedly customary stone rings, but they are otherwise the same.
In Structure XVII (fig. 17) at Cobá, and a structure (p. 78) near
Group D, we find two ball courts that are of the sloped face variety, but
possess fragments of stone rings (figs. 18 and 19) that were tenoned into the
inner faces of the courts in the conventional manner. The structures are
in so bad a state of preservation that it is impossible to be certain as to
details. In the former there is a low sill at the foot of either slope, while in
the latter there is a projection that more nearly assumes the proportions of
the usual bench. In neither case are the low walls that form the ends of the
I visible. The question, of course, arises whether or not the ball court with
sloping walls may definitely be assigned to a different provenance and a
different period of Maya history than the court with vertical walls. In the
instance of the two courts at the site under consideration, it is tempting to

all

to all
see a transitional type in the existence of stone rings, but

in
there
hardly sufficient knowledge relative

of
this class structure draw
to
is

any hard and fast conclusions, and the matter must await further discovery
before placing these courts definite chronological scheme.
in
a

STAIRWAYS
all

probability the Maya made use stone stair

In

of

well
as

as
wooden
ways, although the former type has course totally disappeared, and
of

it
is
all

only with the latter that we are conversant. These are usually built
of at

50°, and are often flanked by low

in an
of

well-cut stone, angle

at

to

rise 45°
At the site question the important stairways appear
of

balustrades. none
balustrades, the unique example
In of
to

possessed with the exception

in
have
IoI). addition, the majority
at

connection with Structure Kucican (p.

II

stairways apparently rise less steeply than customary, but neither

of

of
is

the considerable disintegra

be

of

these facts may accepted

as

certain because
every case and the great amount
of

tion débris that obscures their true

in

character. Two extremely interesting flights stairs are those leading into
of

five very
of
at

Courts (p. 51) and (fig. 20) Cobá. These each consist
N

wide steps with broad treads that are faced front with extraordinarily
in
of

large blocks well-cut stone. Behind these stones, which form the risers,
the treads are built up rubble and mortar that was probably surfaced with
of

Stairways more type

of
or

plaster. less similar construction are

to

these
in

Lubaantun' and Hatzcap Ceel" British Honduras,

of

at

found the ruins

in
at

Blom, 1929; 1930, pp. 167–171.

* * *

Joyce, 1926, pp. 219–220.

-

Thompson, 1931, pp. 251-252.

 ARchitecture II I

Naranjol in the Peten, and at Chichen Itzá in Yucatan. While Dr. Thomas
mention these stairways

fit
Gann has seen connecting link between

to

as
a
this site and Lubaantun, the examples quoted above make appear that this

it
type construction not excessively rare, pretty well distributed over the
of

is

is
Maya area and can hardly connect Cobá with any specific site.

be

to
used
Yucatan, two developments occur

of
In

the region

of
the eastern coast
connection with small stairways that are more less peculiar

or
that area.
in

to
These are, namely, (I) the divided stairway that branches two directions'

in
it,
and built into the substructure rather than against the latter arrange
is

ment being largely the case elsewhere; and (2) the projecting type

of
balus
top and nearly vertical front. These particular
on

trade that

in
level
is

connection with Tulum Type

or
features are found another
in

in
one form
Structure, No. Nohoch Mul (Plate 16)

at
and No. (p. 76), Structure
2
1

I
and possibly Structure

so
at

Macanxoc (fig. 51), and are merely much

V

between this region and that

of

to
more evidence the connection the east.
SUPERSTRUCTURES
TYPES OF BUILDINGS
Maya buildings general divided into two large classes, temples
in

are
and palaces, the former supposedly having been used for strictly religious
purposes and the latter for residence. The two are normally differentiated
that the temple consists few rooms with simple ground
of

from each other

in

a
plan, while the palace
an
multi-chambered and often with extremely com
is

plicated plan. addition, the temple associated with the pyramidal type
In

is

substructure and the palace with the platform mound. These character
of

istics are not invariably true, however, and there are many borderline ex
amples that are difficult place their correct categories. To these major
to

in

buildings added the little one-room structures, known

be
of

as
classes must
of

shrines, that are common along the eastern coast Yucatan and occasion
up

ally found elsewhere.

of

of

fourth class superstructures made stone

A

is

foundations that presumably supported buildings perishable materials.

all of

over the Maya area, and

all

This last type occurs four types exist

in

the
Lastly,
of

region under discussion. fifth class structures that we shall term

a

stela shrines, because they are apparently constructed for the express pur
of

so

pose enclosing these monuments, are found the Cobá district and,
in

known, are peculiar

as

far that area.

to
is

TEMPLEs

Taking into consideration the wealth the Cobá area, there

of

in

remains
comparatively temples known there, but undoubtedly
no to

are few exist

a

capped by heap
of

of

number mounds that are more than débris once

a

supported buildings this type. From the rather meager material

of

at

hand
of
as

one definite type temple stands out being related

of

the structures
to
p.

Maler, 1908, 91.

* * * *

Gann, 1926, pp. 121 and 126–128.

Lothrop, 1924, pp. 28 and 72.
p.

The evidence here questionable. See 93.

is
II 2 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

the eastern coast of Yucatan. The examples are Tulum Type Structure,
No. 1 (p. 76), Structure I at Nohoch Mul (fig. 45), and Structure V at
Macanxoc (fig. 51), each one of which shows either by its construction, its
decoration, or some other feature, unmistakable signs of affiliations with that
region. The temple of Structure I at Cobá, which encloses Stela B 1,

its
is too badly fallen to admit of forming any opinion as to relative position
Maya architecture, but the indications rebuilding the top

its be at
of

of
in

the
pyramid (p. 32) strongly suggest that the building may late type.

of
a
Structure XXX Cobá (fig. 24) probably temple, and location marks
at

is

a
building importance; but other than the large square pillars
of

in
as

some
it
a

connection with the doorway, offers little by way

of
architectural detail.

It
it
mentioned again dealing with “Ground Plans” and “Piers and Columns.”
in
is

sum and substance, then, the only temples occurring

In

the Cobá district

in
that may distinct type are those the East Coast variety.
be

of
set off
as
a

PAlAces

the conventional multi-chambered type

of

These structures are and

rest upon platform mounds the usual manner. Structures XXXVI and
in

XXXVIII

at
and fig. 34) and Structure
14

Cobá (Plate Kucican (Plate

at

I
18) are made up parallel and transverse vaults; Structure XXVIII

at
of

built about closed court; Structure IX Nohoch Mul and

of at
Cobá (fig. 21)
is

Kucican possess more than one story;

all
Structure which are features
at
II

the Maya area and will

be

found elsewhere discussed under “Ground

in

Plans,” and “Second Stories.” Probably the most interesting fact regard

in
palaces this region the complete absence
of

the well-known East

in
to

is
its

Coast type” with columnar doorway, inner sanctuary, and often with
interior columns that turn the building into portico, type that also

is
a

found among the late structures Chichen Itzá. Considering the many
at

Cobá, the absence these buildings

of

of

East Coast influence

at

traces

is
very striking, and will
be

commented upon again.

SHRINEs

These are very small one-room buildings with one, three, four door
or

ways, vaulted ceilings, exterior mouldings and typical East Coast recessed
While such buildings are found elsewhere the Maya area, they
in

lintels.”
are particularly common along the eastern coast Yucatan. They occur
of

ground-level pyramids. Structures VIII and IX

on
or
at

either Cobá
at

(figs. and 15) and Tulum Type Structure, No. (fig. 39) are typical
13

buildings this variety. The first two rest upon little platforms, while the
of

last upon fair-sized pyramid.

is

Foundations

Low stone walls that apparently formed foundations for houses

of
all

perishable materials are type structure that occurs pretty well

of

over
a

Maya area, given cursory mention in

of
in

the and has been number

a
p.

See 57.
*

*See Lothrop, 1924, pp. 25, 29.

p.

See Ibid., 26.

*
 ARchitecture I 13

stances." Judging from

the position of some of these structures, they were
often of considerable importance and, in the region under discussion, are
found in sufficient numbers and with sufficient uniformity of plan to merit a
more or less detailed description. They occur either on the ground, on platform
mounds, or on pyramids. Setting aside the small constructions situated on
top of Structure VII at Nohoch Mul (p.86) as probably being domestic house
foundations, the remaining structures appear to be of a religious nature. All
but one of the so-called stela shrines are buildings of this character.
In their most common form the foundations consist of a low wall with antae
resting upon a small platform, or raised floor, 20 or 30 cm. high and usually
approximately square. The wall and antaevary from less than I meter to about
1.5ometers in height, and from 40 cm. to over I meter in thickness. The sides
of the little platform are formed by one or two courses of well-cut stone, and
the floor surface was undoubtedly plastered. The shrine of Stela II at Cobá
(fig. 8) is an excellent example of this common form. Foundations with a
different plan occur in connection with Structure XVII at Cobá (fig. 17) and
Structures I and IX at Macanxoc (Plate 17 and fig. 54). With regard to con
clusive evidence that these foundations supported wooden superstructures,
there is of course none; but the practise is suggested by a very similar type
of construction occasionally seen in connection with the modern Maya Indian
dwellings, and even greater weight is given the supposition by the character
of the Building with Columns (fig. 37), situated just northeast of the main
group of Cobá. This structure, which rests upon a pyramid, is of the usual
form, consisting of a low rear wall with antae, but placed in front of the build
ing are two stone columns that appear almost certainly to have assisted in
supporting some type of roof.” There is not sufficient débris for the building
all

to have carried a vaulted roof, a fact true in the case of

of
the structures
this type, nor
do

at
the walls appear ever have stood much higher than pres–
to

columns, conjunction
so

ent, the obvious conclusion that the with wooden

in
is

posts, supported roof

or

palm thatch some such perishable material.

of
a

Now, while possible that the foundations containing stelae belong

it
is

period than those without them, the extraordinary similarity

in to

different
a

plan the majority the foundations suggests that they represent

of

of

construction, and interesting

be
of

single period would know their

to
it

approximate position Maya

of

the architectural sequence this site and

in

in

excavation, this unfortunately

of
In

architecture general.
in

the absence
with no absolute certainty. The association
be

of

can determined the

structures with stelae bearing early dates prima facie evidence that they
is

date from that period, but there are other evidences that suggest them
be
to
of

of
of In

the first place, the existence

later date. columns connection with
in

one structure this type (Building with Columns) argues against its being
early period unless the columns represent late addition; secondly,
an
of

the obvious remodeling the top Structure II, Macanxoc (p. 90), points
of

of

21

5;
p.

e.g. Blom and LaFarge, 1926, pp. 150 and 215; Maudslay, 1889-1902, pp. and 24; Maler, 1908,
I,
*

p.

Tozzer, 1913, 180.

*For more complete discussion this structure and the problem involved, see pp. 74-76; also see Thompson,
of
a

I931, pp. 241-247.

II.4 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

to the fact that this building reached its final form, which is of the common
foundation type, at a later time than the pyramid proper, whenever that
may have been; and, thirdly, the majority of these structures do not obey
the common orientation of their respective groups, which suggests that they
are of later date than those buildings obeying this supposedly early principle.
None of these reasons are conclusive, and excavation alone may settle the
matter, but there is still a small amount of evidence to be presented in con
nection with stela shrines.
STELA SHRINEs

As previously mentioned, these structures gain their name from appar

ently having been erected for the express purpose of enclosing stelae. The
usual form is the type described in connection with foundations, but an
elaboration is seen in Structures VI and VIII
at Macanxoc (figs. 52 and 53)
where benches are introduced, and a slightly variant form, made necessary
by the stela being sculptured on both sides, is seen in Structure (fig. 54) IX
at the same place. In the majority of cases, the stela is placed against the
back wall of the shrine. The same in principle, but quite different in con
struction, is the shrine enclosing Stela 4 (fig. 50), which is a little vaulted
building just big enough to hold the stela and at the same time admit one or
two people. The structure is in poor condition, but the crudity of the
vaulting suggests that it belongs to the inferior East Coast type of con
struction. While primarily a temple, the building of Structure I at Cobá
(fig. 7c) should be mentioned as containing Stela B I.
As far as is known, the stela shrine is a type of structure peculiar to this
all

In other places that stelae occur they build

of
area. are found outside
ings. Taking into consideration the fact that

at
these stelae are located

a
much later occupation (East Coast)
of

site where there are definite traces

a

by early
on

than the period represented the dates the monuments, this new
departure the placing buildings makes one strongly
of

of
in

stelae inside
suspect that they have been relocated their present positions. The sus
in
of by

picion added
of

the fact that several the stelae are known

to

to

have been
is

the carving was hidden,”

of
so

set into the floors their shrines that some

further enhanced by the apparent lateness
of

of

4.

and the shrine Stela

is

At the time occupation site, the Initial Series form dating

of

of

of

the late this

by apparently
of

borne number these stelae had become lost art and

it
is
a

a
at

not unreasonable suppose that this time the monuments were placed
to

incomprehensible, but venerable objects. For rea

in

as

shrines the above

with “Foundations,” none
of

sons, and those given connection which are

in
all

which are indicative,

of

irrefutable but the writer's belief that the

it
is

stela shrines, and the foundation type structure that they largely repre
of

late, probably East Coast, period.”

of

sent, are
a
as

the writer knows, the only exception Cayo, Chiapas, where Maler
El
a to

at

So far this statement occurs

*
p.

(1903, 87) reports stela within temple. There are few other instances where stelaehave been found inside
of
a

buildings (e.g., Stela Tulum), but all cases they have been adjuged not
I,

situ.
in

in
p.

p.

See 47, footnote, and 158.

* *

superstructure XVII, Cobá, question. The totally

or
of

Whether the Structure should be included not

is
a

different plan and rather heavy walls set off from the others marked fashion.
in
it
 ARCHITECTURE II 5
GROUND PLANS

It has been mentioned that the only distinct type of temple occurring
in this region is of the East Coast variety. These buildings have the simplest
of ground plans, consisting of one room with an entrance in the long side,
and in one case a small altar against the back wall and in another a bench
on three sides of the room. The plan is in perfect East Coast tradition and
needs no further comment. temple that may possess a plan suffi
The one
ciently distinctive to relate it with ruins outside of the area is Structure XXX
(fig. 24) at Cobá, but unfortunately this plan is largely conjectural. If it is
shown correctly in the figure, it bears a close resemblance to Temple I at
Comalcalco, Tabasco, which Mr. Blomº says, “is of a form commonly found
in late Old Empire cities.” Representing approximately the same period
of time, and with comparable ground plans, are the temples at Palenque,
and in case Structure XXX is found to have a highly developed sanctuary,
it may be considered in excellent Palenque tradition. On the other hand,
it is just as readily associated with some of the multiple doorway structures
of northern Yucatan. Possibly the character of the pillars is of some value
in placing this structure, and the matter is further discussed in connection
with “Piers and Columns” (p. 119).
Turning to palaces, we find a type of ground plan common throughout
the southern cities and in the early remains of the northern sites; namely,
the arrangement of two or more parallel vaults with transverse vaults across
the ends. Structures I and II at Kucican (Plate 18) and Structures XXXVI
(Plate 14) and XXXVIII (fig. 34) at Cobá exhibit this type of plan. The
multiplication of parallel vaults may probably be taken as an indication
of an advance in the art of building and thus serve as a rough gage in placing
a structure in the general scheme of architectural progress. In the southern
cities and in the early remains of northern Yucatan, there are instances of
four parallel vaults, but so far as the writer knows, this number was never
exceeded prior to the development of the column, with the single exception
of Structure I at Kucican, which possesses five parallel vaults. Judging
from this aspect alone, the building apparently assumes a position between
the more highly developed buildings of the south and the columnar buildings
of Yucatan. The position is corroborated, moreover, by the relatively great
width of the rooms and by the extraordinarily wide rooms in Structure
XXXVIII at Cobá (see p. 72).
A totally different type of plan is that of a single building forming a
small closed court as seen in Structure XXVIII at Cobá (fig. 21). The plan
finds a parallel in Maler's Palace of the Façades with Vertical Grooves at Tikal,'
and is probably not excessively rare, although there are few examples on
record. The present instance is noteworthy in showing a vault carried
around a corner, a feature seen occasionally in the more advanced structures
* Blom and LaFarge, 1926, pp. 107-108.
* e.g., Tikal (Tozzer, 1911, pp. 123-124); Benque Viejo (Maler, 1908, pp. 77-78); Chichen Itzá (Seler,
1915, pp. 203-204). -
-
* Maler, 1911, pp. 11-13.
I 16 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

of the southern cities, and at Chichen Itzá in the north, but that is not at

all
all, the plan this building looks rather more

of
All

in

to
common. the
south than northern Yucatan for its affiliations.

to
Ground plans shrines, foundations and stela shrines are thoroughly

of
superstructures and need

no
of
connection with those classes
in
described
further mention.
SECOND STORIES
Examples buildings with more than one story occur throughout the
of
Maya area. At all pronounced tendency place the

to
times there noticed

is

a
upper floors over solid masonry cores rather than over lower chambers, but
the contrary occur Tikal, Nakum and Palen
to

at
certain notable instances
south, Xlabpak north, several struc
at

que Santa Rosa

in

in

in
the the and
the region
of

of
Yucatan.”
in

tures the eastern coast

IX
Nohoch Mul and Structure

is at
Structure Kucican (Plate 18)

II
at

multiple story buildings. The former too poor state

of
are examples
to of

in

a
preservation yield much information the plan, but more may

be
to
as
learned from the latter. The transverse section (fig. 58) this building

of
shows the second story masonry
be

placed over

of
solid core the usual

in
to

fashion, but the third story directly superimposed

be

on
to

the chambers
the second floor. As just pointed out, this custom
of

rare and the two

is
the second story may
be

p.
filled with masonry (see 102),
of

front vaults
upper story.
an
practise often resorted
of

with the addition The two

to
a

that floor, however, are quite definitely not filled in,

on

rear chambers
and the rarity the example still holds true. While the building interest
of

is
ing differing from the normal this matter, the simple existence sec

to of
in

in

a
third story relate the structure other
to

ond and too common feature

is
a

sites on that basis alone.

FLOORS

The polished cement flooring the Maya the in

of

not confined
as to
is

buildings, but covers very large exterior areas such plazas,

of

teriors
courts and the tops platform mounds. The usual method
of

of

construction
primary platform,
or

terrace,
of

level off the loose fill with small

to

was the
stone, lay small stone and mortar upon this, and then apply the
of

mixture
a

final pure cement floor with polished surface, often painted red. There are
continual signs the superimposing one floor upon another, and this must
of

of

repair job rather than entirely new

an

many instances represent simple

in

building period. Inside buildings

of

find the
to

common occurrence
it
is
a

rear chambers higher than that

of

of

floor-level the front rooms.

Only small areas the Cobá dis
it of

floor are exposed

of

the structures
in

trict, and step up from front

no

possible say whether rear

in

to

to

case
is

chambers occurs or not. The floor of Structure XXXVI Cobă shows

at

red paint, and what other floors are visible are

no

way remarkable.
of

traces
in

Palenque (Holmes, 1895–1897, pp. 171-173); Yaxchilan (Maler, 1903, figs. 45 and 54); Piedras Negras
*

(Maler, 1901, fig. 21).

e.g., the Castillo (Holmes, 1895–1897, pp. 124-125).
*

*See Maler, 1911, and Tozzer, 1911, for Tikal; Tozzer, 1913, for Nakum; Spinden, 1913, for Santa Rosa
Xlabpak; Lothrop, 1924, for east coast
of

Yucatan.
 ARCHITECTURE 117

WALLS

The monolithic character of walls and their general features of construc

tion are described under “Materials and Masonry” and need not be repeated
here. In the majority of structures the exterior walls rise vertically to the
roof, interrupted only by mouldings or other decorative features, but there
is a very considerable class of buildings that have an upper zone of the
façade that slopes back from the medial moulding to the cornice. This
retreating upper zone is largely found in the cities of the Usumacintla Valley,
but also occurs in the Peten area, and in a few rare instances in northern
Yucatan. It is an architectural form quite generally associated with the
southern cities. Another departure from the vertical façade is seen in the
region of the eastern coast of Yucatan where walls often slope outward
from bottom to top, a feature that occurs nowhere outside of that area.
In the district under consideration all exterior wall surfaces are vertical
with the exception of Structure XXXVIII (fig. 34) and the enclosed façade
in Structure XXXIII (p. 61) at Cobá. In both of these instances the upper
zone is of the retreating variety, and the buildings are apparently to be
associated with the southern cities in this respect.
On a broad scale it may be said that walls of buildings show a tendency
to become thinner as Maya architecture progresses. In the older cities
of the south there are buildings with walls well over 3 meters thick, while in
the very late architecture of the eastern coast of Yucatan there are instances
of walls with a thickness of only 30 cm. There are notable exceptions to this
general trend, however, and a rather broad cross-section of building is needed
to be of comparative value. Excluding East Coast remains as showing the
usual thin walls,” the structures in the present area have walls that vary from
a minimum of 76 cm. in Structure XXVIII
at Cobá to a maximum of 1.75
meters in Structure XXXVI at the same place. Other than that the maxi
mum is a heavy wall for palaces even in the southern cities, these measure
ments do not mean much. In accordance with usual Maya practise, interior
walls of any one building tend to be slightly heavier than the exterior walls,
a fact easily accounted for in that the former bear the burden of two half
vaults, while the latter support only one.
DOORWAYS

By far the most common form of doorway is the simple rectangular

opening spanned by a lintel of either stone or wood, or in rare instances a
joint use of the two materials. The jambs are more normally built in
the same fashion as the walls, but in northern Yucatan there is a tendency
to employ much larger stones for this purpose. In that area, and in the
region of the Usumacintla, moreover, are found elaborately sculptured stone
lintels, a practise to some extent paralleled in the carved wooden lintels of
* e.g., Casa de las Monjas at Chichen Itzá (Holmes, 1895–1897, p. 109) and the interior building of the Casa
del Adivino at Uxmal (Seler, 1917, o. 95).
* The very thick rear wall of Structure V at Macanxoc is an exception (see p. 93).
I 18 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

Tikal, but otherwise not occurring outside of the areas mentioned. While the
lintel is usually flush with the outer face of the wall, a peculiarity is seen in
the buildings of the eastern coast of Yucatan where it is recessed to form a
sunken panel immediately over the doorway, and at times the panel is carried
down both jambs so as to frame the entrance on three sides. A further pecu
liarity of this region is the occasional slope of the jambs so that the doorway is
narrower at top than at bottom, and thus departs from the usual simple rec
tangle.” With the development of the pier, and subsequently the column, a
process closely affiliated with the thinning down of walls, doorways become
multiple and eventually the portico and colonnade come into existence.
A type of doorway outside of the clear-cut development mentioned
above is the entrance spanned by a miniature vault. While not altogether
common, it is found at a number of the Usumacintla and Peten sites,”
and possibly in southern Quintana Roo, but in all cases it is confined to
interior doorways. With the exception of a few great portal vaults, the
practise does not appear to exist in the north, and it was obviously unsuit
able for the development of the multiple doorway and wide spacing between
columns. Still another form of doorway, that partakes of both vaulted and
lintel type in character, is the entrance spanned by a stone lintel supported
at either end by a single step, or offset, which in turn rests upon the jamb.
This is found notably at Yaxchilan."
In the region under consideration, doorways are found in all of the
forms described above, with the exception of the sculptured lintel and the
sunken panel extending down the front of the jambs. The columnar door
way is poorly represented in the Building with Columns, and the only
wooden lintels now remaining span a niche rather than a doorway, but there
is every reason to believe that this extremely common form of construction
was used. Disregarding the East Coast class of remains for the moment,
it has been noted that the simple rectangular doorway with either wood or
stone lintel is too common a form to be of value in relating these ruins out
side of the area. On the other hand, the vaulted interior doorway is dis
tinctly a characteristic of the southern cities, and it is therefore of interest
to find it in connection with Structures IV (p. 38), XXXVI (figs. 32a and
33) and XXXVIII (fig. 35a) at Cobá. In Structure XXXIII at the same
group is an example of the related form of stone lintel supported by a step
at either end, and in Structure XXXVIII are instances of vaulted exterior
doorways (fig. 34b and 35c, and p. 70), a form previously unreported. The
jambs of these doorways often slope inward so that the opening is narrower at
the top than the bottom, which is probably done to lessen the distance spanned
* The only other place in the Maya area where this phenomenon is known to occur is in the Templo de los
Tigres at Chichen Itzá.
* Sloped jambs are occasionally found elsewhere (e.g., Portal Vault group at Labná), but in most instances
it is difficult to say whether the form is intentional or has been brought about by disintegration.
* e.g., El Retiro (Blom and LaFarge, 1926, fig. 126); Palenque (Holmes, 1895-1897, pp. 162-163); Yaxchilan
(Maler, 1903,figs. 46 and 55c); Tikal (Maler, 1911. figs. 2 and 7); Nakum (Tozzer, 1913, pp. 167–168); Naranjo
(Maler, 1908,p. 91).
* Merwin, 1913.
* Maler, 1903, Plates XLI, 2, and XLIII, 2.
 ARCHITECTURE II9

by the vault. The presence of vaulted doorways associates the ruins with the
southern cities rather than the northern, and the association is strengthened
by the existence of multiple doorways separated by masonry piers in Structure
I at Kucican, and in the absence of columnar entrances except for the single
example that appears to be of the East Coast period (pp. 74 and I 13–114).
Turning to the class of ruins associated with the East Coast, Tulum
Type Structure, No. 1 (p. 76) and No. 2 (figs. 39 and 40), and Structure I at
Nohoch Mul (figs. 45a and 46) present the typical sunken panel over the
doorway formed by recessing the lintel, which in each case is of stone.
In every instance, moreover, the panel rests about 30 cm. below the medial
moulding rather than touching Dr. Lothrop finds this position

of
it.
the

of
panel criterion for assigning such structures the two latest periods

to
a

Tulum, con

be
at

construction fact that will commented upon again

in
a

nection with “Vaults” and “Mouldings,” which are other criteria the mat

in
ter. As previously pointed out, the very common columnar multiple
doorway
of

the East Coast does not occur except the half stone, half

in
wood structure known the Building with Columns.
as

PIERS AND COLUMNS

The development the masonry pier with multiple

of

in
connection
doorways, and subsequently the development
of

the slender stone column

both for doorways and for colonnades, intimately connected with the
is

general architecture that first manifested the tendency

in

advance
in
is

greater proportion
of

toward thinner walls and room space wall space.

to
a

the point fairly common use

of

of
This development progressed the
to

masonry pier the Usumacintla region (e.g., Palenque, Yax

of
in

the cities
chilan), but the slender stone column, either square round, appears
or

only northern Yucatan, and does not appear any abundance except
in

in

Chichen Itzá and along the eastern coast. The transition between the
at

pier and the column what are prob

of

somewhat obscure, but examples

is

ably transitional types occur Agua Escondida' Chiapas,

at

at

Comalcalco'
in

Tabasco, and Structure XXX addition, some sculptured

In

Cobá.
in

at
in

possibly
of

columns Holactun northern Campeche are interest

at

in

in

bearing much earlier date than commonly attributed

of

columns the
to
is
a

type represented (see

p.

199).
the Cobá district, masonry piers occur
In

at

Structure Kucican
in

and possibly Certainly the most

or

(Plate 18), two other instances.

in

one
interesting example supports this nature, however, are the pillars
of

of

connection with Structure XXX (figs.

24

at

Cobá. These are

in

and 25)
large rectangular blocks
of

of

built well-cut stone measuring meter across

I
80

the front by They are thus

on

25

55

cm. thick.
to

cm. the side and from

Multiple doorways are further discussed under “Piers and Columns."
* * * *

Lothrop, 1924, pp. 170–172.

p.

Blom and LaFarge, 1926, 318.

p.

Ibid., 107.
I2O PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

considerably larger than the ordinary stone column, are rectangular rather
than square or round, and may very well be a transitional form between the
masonry pier and the slender column. It has already been noted that columns
occur here in only one instance (fig. 37), a fact to some extent surprising
in view of the East Coast influence, but in a measure accountable for in
all

the buildings known employ

be
of

of
that this class are too small

to

to
multiple doorways.
WALL OPENINGS

cm. square, that pierce the walls below the

20
Small ventilators about
spring vault, are common throughout Maya construction and are
of

the
all

75
nearly the buildings this area. The larger openings,
to of

found

in

to
in

35
high cm. wide that penetrate the walls above the spring
of 85

20

cm. and
XXXVIII

at
the vault Structure (figs. 34b-c, 35d and 36) Cobá and
in

98

Kucican, are

of

In
Structures (pp.

at
II

and and Io.2) more interest.

I

the last two buildings, the openings are way paralleled by the
of

in
the case

a
the same position

of
much larger windows that are found the medial walls
in

in
the structures Palenque, but the openings the first structure are practi
at

in
cally unique occurring this position outer wall. Openings outer an
in

in
in

in
Tikal, Nakum,”
be

at
walls that are large enough termed windows occur
to

all
the upper story Chichen Itzá, but
at
Comalcalco,” and
of

the Caracol
in

are
placed below the spring vault, any form are rare.
of

the and exterior windows

in
WALL DEPRESSIONS

Cupboard-like depressions common archi

of

the walls
in

rooms are a
the buildings
or

tectural feature and occur another of

in

in

one form several

this region. The depressions found Structure XXXIII Cobá are at
of in

in

particular interest because shape (fig. very com

of

their odd 27b). The

mon cord-holders that are often found door jambs and elsewhere have
in

not yet been noted these ruins, although they probably exist.
in
as

over the doorways build

of

panels
of

The sunken the East Coast class

ings are mentioned under “Doorways,” but another type wall depression
of

occurring
of

connection with this class structure

in

the niche the façade

in

is

above the medial moulding that invariably contains decorative figure

in
a

their normal, East Coast form these niches are about 1.20
In

high relief.
60

30

meters high by cm. wide by cm. deep, occur over one more doorways,
or

top moulding roof, cutting through

of

and run from the

in be to

the medial the

upper moulding. They may
or

may not the top."

at

the covered over

figures Diving
of

of

Niches this sort with Gods them occur Structure

in

Nohoch Mul, but with certain variations from the

at

(figs.
45

and 46)
66

different proportions, measuring

of
In

normal. the first place, they are

by

70

height, cm. deep; and secondly, they

65

20

width and
in

in
to

cm. cm.
do not cut through the upper moulding, but extend from the top
of

the
p. p.

"Tozzer, 1911, 99.

Tozzer, 1913, 176.
* * *

p.

Blom and LaFarge, 1926, 109.

p.

See Lothrop, 1924, 38.

 ARCHITECTURE I2 I

medial band to a point about 28 cm. below the upper one. The figures they

all
contain, however, appear to be normal in respects.

BENCHES AND ALTARS

structures throughout Maya

all
types

in of
Altars and benches are found

in
architecture, but are rather more common

at In
palaces than temples.
the Cobá area, connection with Structure (fig. 45)

in
bench occurs
a

I
Nohoch Mul, and altars are present Structure IX

at
Cobá (fig. 14),

in
the Building with Columns (fig. 37), and Structure (fig. 51) Macanxoc.

at
V
instance, room,

of
In

the first the bench runs around three sides the while
the altars are situated against the back walls, treatment that good

of in
is
a
East Coast tradition, harmony with the other details

in
and thus these
is

buildings. Benches are also found connection with the stela shrines,

in
Structures VI and VIII

no
Macanxoc (figs.

52
and 53). While
at

benches

of
or

altars are known the earlier class structures here, this

in
to

exist

is
largely accountable for the fact that there
in

in
too much débris the

is
majority
of

expose such constructions present.

to

if
rooms
VAULTS

vaults described under “Materials and Masonry”

of

The construction
is
be

and need not mentioned here, other than recall the fact that both the
to

superior and inferior types construction employ the deep tailed vault
of

stone commonly used

of
the southern cities and the region
in

in

the eastern
Yucatan, but differing from the finely cut, highly specialized, boot
of

coast
of

shaped stone northern Yucatan.

its

most usual form, the Maya vault carries the spring

an
In

at
offset
approximately half the height the room, and slopes inward
as at

of

which occurs
the sides. These details, however, are open
on
as
at

to
the ends well
southern Quintana Roo! and along
of
In

considerable variation. the sites

Yucatan,” the spring largely done away
of

at

the eastern coast the offset

is

with, while occasional examples may

of

this sort occur anywhere. The level

the spring extremely variable, and while normally occurs point
of

at
it
is

a
40

60

height room,
of

of

between and per cent the total the there are rare
instances where the vault springs almost from the floor, and other instances
the total height.
of
or
as

per cent
75

is 80

where the walls account for

as

much
In

addition, the slope by means universal, for

no
of

the vault
at

the ends
the southern cities, and
of

occasional examples vertical ends are met with

in

northern Yucatan the vertical end wall becomes the rule rather than the
in

of

of

exception. Transverse beams wood set into the faces the vault are
outline the Maya vault may trun
be

everywhere
In

to

common. likened
a

cated Gothic arch with flat sides. There are instances, however, where the
vault pointed the top and the soffit slopes are frequently concave and
at
is

occasionally convex. Examples extremely elaborate trefoil and kite

of

Merwin, 1913.
* 1

p.

Lothrop, 1924, 36.

I22 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

shaped arches occur at Palenque; and in the region of the eastern coast of
Yucatan, there is often a double curve to the soffit slope that gives the vault
the shape of a bottle.” A type of vault quite different in appearance, but
the same in principle, is that in which the sides consist of a series of over
hanging steps joined at the top by the usual capstones. This stepped
vaulting is found in one form or another at Tikal, Nakum and Uaxactun
in the Peten, at Yaxchilan and Toniná in the Usumacintla area, and at
Tancah and Xelhá along the eastern coast of Yucatan.” So far as the writer
knows, it has not been reported in northern Yucatan, but as the principle
is quite the same as the smooth-faced vault, it may yet be found to
occur there.
It will be noticed that very few of the details mentioned above stand
out as characteristic of one particular region. By far the greater number of
vaults in the Cobá area carry a slope at the ends, and taken in conjunction
with the type of masonry found here, this tends to connect them with the
southern areas rather than the north, but is in no way conclusive. The
stepped vaulting in connection with Structure XXXIII at Cobá (figs. 28
and 29) is of somewhat the same effect in the light of our present knowledge,
but is also inconclusive. The existence of transverse beams is noteworthy
only in the great number that apparently occurred in several of the struc
tures. In shape the vaults are for the most part flat sided, or slightly arched,
but there is one instance where the soffit slopes are convex (p. 59) and, dis
regarding the East Coast class of remains, another instance where the vault
is bottle shaped. The last example, which occurs in room b of Structure
XXXVIII at Cobá (figs. 34c and 35a), is interesting but probably without
significance in that the shape is apparently fortuitous.
Turning to the structures associated with the eastern coast of Yucatan,
these vaults conform to type both in masonry and in the possession of the
characteristic bottle shape. A fact of importance, however, is the complete
absence, but for one questionable instance (p. 76), of the flat ceiling so
common in the East Coast area. This construction consists of large wooden
beams with a number of smaller poles laid across them at right angles, and
the whole supporting a thick cap of rubble and mortar." Dr. Lothrop finds
reason to believe that vaulted ceilings were used in the earliest and latest
periods of construction at Tulum, while flat ceilings were used in the two
middle periods." It has already been noted that the position of the sunken
panel over the doorway indicates that structures of the East Coast type
here belong to the last two periods, so the criterion of vaulted ceiling must
apparently apply to the latest period. The character of the exterior mould
ing is indicative in this matter and is discussed below.
* See Holmes, 1895-1897.
* Lothrop, 1924, p. 36.
* For Tikal, see Maler, 1911, and Tozzer, 1911; for Nakum, Tozzer, 1913; for Yaxchilan, Maler, 1903; for
Toniná, Blom and LaFarge, 1926; for Tancah and Xelhá, Lothrop, 1924.
* See Lothrop, 1924, pp. 34-36.
*Ibid, pp. 171-172.
 ARchitecture I23

MOULDINGS

Almost without exception the façades of buildings carry some sort of

horizontal moulding. In the majority of cases the arrangement consists
of a medial moulding that occurs about on a level with the spring of the vault
and an upper moulding, or cornice, at the top of the façade. The space
between the two forms an upper zone that is frequently a field for decoration.
While mouldings occur in great variety of form, and this is especially true
in southern Quintana Roo and northwestern Yucatan, there are certain
types that are characteristic of particular areas. The most common façade
arrangement in the Peten is either two simple rectangular mouldings or a
very broad band occupying the entire upper zone, while in the Usumacintla
region the apron moulding and cornice, often with a vertical member above
them, form admirable adjuncts to the sloping upper zones of that area
and are the usual type. In either region, however, both rectangular and
apron mouldings are found, and the above classification is simply based
upon what appears to be most common. In northern Yucatan, mouldings
occur in great variety, but the most common form of both moulding and
cornice is a rectangular member flanked by an apron member below and by
a similar, but reversed, triangular member above. This three-member
moulding of northern Yucatan is further distinguished from those of the
southern areas in that each member usually consists of a single course of well
dressed stone, while in the south each member is built up of several courses
of roughly faced stone, with a liberal use of stucco to give a smooth surface.
Along the eastern coast of Yucatan, the three-member moulding described
above, a two-member moulding with an upper rectangular member and a
lower apron member, and the simple rectangular moulding are found. The
last two forms often occur at a level about two-thirds the height of the
building and without a complementary upper moulding, but whenever the
latter is present, it is usually about 30 cm. below the roof-line.
Among the earlier class of structures in the Cobá area, there are very few
façades sufficiently well preserved to indicate the form of the moulding. Struc
tures IV (p. 38) and XXXIII (fig. 27) at Cobá and Structure III (p. 103) at
Kucican, however, quite definitely show a broad band with sunken panels let
into it that occupies the greater part of the upper zone. The moulding of
Structure I at Kucican (fig. 56) must have been practically the same, although
possibly consisting of two rectangular mouldings with a slightly raised field
between, rather than being marked off into small panels. Whatever the
exact arrangement, whether the mouldings take the form of a broad band or
whether there are two rectangular mouldings, they apparently find a close
parallel in the mouldings of the Peten area, and the parallel is enhanced by the
existence of stucco decoration in connection with Structure I (p. 99) at Kuci
can. So far as can be determined, moreover, the only departure from the above
arrangement occurs in Structure XXXVIII at Cobá (fig. 34) where, as might
be expected in view of the sloping upper zone, there are apron mouldings.
I24 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

In regard to the class of buildings associated with the eastern coast of

Yucatan, we find a single rectangular moulding on Tulum Type Structure,
No. 2 (fig. 39), and on Structure V at Macanxoc (fig. 51), and two such
mouldings on Structure I at Nohoch Mul (figs. 45 and 46). Dr. Lothrop
believes that the simple rectangular moulding is to be associated with either
the earliest or the two latest periods of construction at Tulum. Using this
criterion in conjunction with the criteria of the panels over doorways and
the existence of vaulted ceilings, the conclusion perforce arrived at is that
these structures belong to the latest period. It should be noted, however,
that this conclusion hinges upon the position of the panels, for either of the
other two features occur in the earliest as well as the latest period. Thick
ness of walls is another criterion used by Dr. Lothrop, but has been discarded
here as too indefinite and variable a factor.

ROOFS

There are very few instances in which the roofs of buildings are suffi
ciently well preserved to determine their exact details. It seems probable
that, baring roof structures, the majority of roofs were flat, or slightly arched
to shed water, and finished with a fine plaster surface similar to the usual
flooring. It is not at
all

uncommon, moreover, hori

of
find number

of to

a
plaster between the capstones
is of

zontal strata the vault and the roof

proper,” but say just what
purpose these strata serve. Aside
difficult
to
it

from the flat roof, buildings with retreating upper wall zone often have
a

a
roof with low pitch, that conjunction with the slope the façade gives
of
in
a

gambrel roof, notably

of
present Palen
of

the ruins
at

the effect feature

a

que.” much rarer treatment found connection with several buildings

in
A

is

Tulum and Tancah where the roofs rise

or
at

steps terraces, and the vault

in
in of

below extends above the level the coping."

There not single roof the Cobá district that sufficiently well
to is

is
a

XXXVIII
be

preserved its character, but excepting Structure

of

certain
seems probable that they were the usual flat variety.
of
In at

Cobá (fig. 34),

it

the structure mentioned above, the sloping upper zone suggests

of

the case
a

pitched roof, and there sufficient débris above the upper moulding allow for
to
is

this; but the exact character that part the building question.
of

open
of of

to
is

The possibility
of

roofs perishable materials discussed elsewhere

is
be

(pp. and 113), and need not again.

75

mentioned
ROOF STRUCTURES

Roof structures roof-combs and flying façades present

of

the form
in

long and varied development, and are comparing

of

considerable value
in

the Cobá area, unfortunately

In

one region with another.

of

the architecture
standing preservation
of

not single roof structure

in

to

sufficient state
is
a

Lothrop, 1924, pp. 171-172.

* * * *

c.f., Structure XXXIII, Cobá (fig. 27b).

p.

See Holmes, 1895–1897, 160.

p.

See Lothrop, 1924, 38

 ARCHITECTURE 125

determine its character or details. There are indications that several of the
buildings possessed roof-combs, notably in the case of Structure XXVIII at
Cobá (p. 53), but in no instance is this fact a certainty, and it is impossible
to ascertain the types of such constructions without resorting to excavation.

DECORATION OF BUILDINGS
It is
probable that there were very few Maya buildings without decora

all
tion of some sort, and stone, stucco, and paint were this end.

to
used
Façades and roof structures, the latter purely decorative feature without

a
structural value, were the important fields embellishment, although there

of of
undoubtedly considerable amount interior decoration

as
was attested
a

by number fugitive material, and

of

known examples.

of
Paint course

is
a

a
weathering and disintegration, large part

so
open

of
that our
to

stucco
is

a
knowledge
of

architectural decoration based upon its expression

in
stone.

in is
paint, however, are found connection with many buildings,
of

Traces
flat colors over large wall

of
known
in
to

and have been used the form

it
is

and floor spaces, pick out designs

of to

stone and stucco and for frescoes.

in

The possibilities decorative medium were undoubtedly ap

as

stucco
a
all

all
at

preciated areas, but appears have been most

in

to
times and
it

commonly employed the Usumacintla and Peten regions where traces

in

preservation
of

various degrees

of
decoration this material are found
in

in

upon roof structures, upper zones façades and, occasionally,

of

in
connection
with the lower walls. There was also considerable use of stucco

in
a

a
debased, but characteristic, style along the eastern coast Yucatan. The
of

sculptures Copan Honduras,

of

northern of
in

fine and the elaborate façades

Yucatan, the other hand, are the preeminent examples
on

of

architectural
decoration stone.” Without going into any detailed discussion the of
in

subject-matter architectural decoration, suffice say that there

of

to
it

is
Copan, the cities a
pronounced tendency the Peten, and
of

in
to

at

realism the
an

Usumacintla region, while even stronger tendency conventionalism

to

and pure geometric forms occurs

of

northern Yucatan. The decoration

in

the East Coast shows half-hearted return realism, and distinctive

to

is
a

its crudity. summary, then, we find the use stone sculpture preva
In

of
in

Copan and northern Yucatan, while the emphasis falls upon stucco
at

lent
in

addition,
of

In

modeling the areas the Peten and the Usumacintla River.

in

their artistic expression, while the

to

the southern areas tend realism

in

conventionalism and the purely geometric.

of

decoration the north turns

to

East Coast decoration employs stucco and paint marked degree, shows
to
a
at

certain crude effort realism, and distinct from other areas.

is
a

e.g., Palenque (Holmes, 1895–1897); Comalcalco (Blom and LaFarge, 1926); Chichen Itzá (Morris, Char
*

lot and Morris, 1931); Tulum (Lothrop, 1924).

as

decorative medium are not entirely clear. Whether

or
of

The forces that determined the use stone stucco

a
*

the stone, the skill the sculptor, or the fact that one form decoration gave itself more
of in of

a of

of

was the character

it

readily expression question. The last reason apparently negated by the pronounced
to

stone than stucco

of is

is

Copan from that northern Yucatan, both stone-using areas. The matter strikes much
of

difference the art

deeper than simple decorative forms, and goes Maya construction practises. should, conse
to

of

the heart
It

quently, receive attention.

 126 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

Examples of architectural decoration in the Cobá region are extremely

scarce. There is reason to believe that embellishment of buildings was
mainly accomplished through the use of stucco, which has for the most part
weathered away. Not only the existence of the stucco frieze on Structure I
at Kucican (fig. 56, and p. 99), but the trace of a stucco figure on the façade
of Structure XXXVI at Cobá (fig. 32b), and a number of fragments of
decoration in this material found in connection with Structure XXXIII
and one or two other buildings at the last site, lead to this conclusion. In
any event, there is a marked absence of sculptured stone, the only examples
being the human heads in connection with the stairway to Structure II
(fig. 57) and the façade of Structure VI at Kucican. While the carved
panels of the Ball Court in Group D (figs. 41 and 42) are primarily archi
tectural decoration, they are more closely related to the stelae of this area
(p. 78) than to normal architectural ornamentation, and are thus outside
of this Traces of paint occur in a number of instances; notably
discussion.
on the buried façade of Structure XXXVIII at Cobá (p. 70, footnote I)
where there is apparently a design of some sort. The stucco frieze and
stone heads at Kucican are strongly realistic in treatment, and this fact,
coupled with the almost complete absence of sculptured stone and the prob
able prevalence of stucco as a decorative medium, leads one to believe that
the decoration of the buildings of this area looks to the regions of the Peten
and the Usumacintla River for its affiliations.
The decoration of the East Coast class of remains offers no problem. The
low relief figure in stucco on the wall of the platform of Tulum Type Structure,
No. 1, and the stucco head (fig. 38) found in connection with that building are
typical of the poor work of the eastern coast. Even more distinctive are the
Diving God figures (fig. 46) on the façade of Structure I at Nohoch Mul, as with
a few rare exceptions' this is a subject peculiar to the art of the East Coast.

STELAE AND ALTARS

Monolithic monuments are primarily a feature of the southern areas
with comparatively few examples occurring in the north.” The monuments
may be either carved or plain, and in the latter case there is good reason
to believe that at one time they were stuccoed and painted, or possibly
possessed low relief figures in stucco. There is also some evidence that
points to the use of carved wooden stelae. In many cases a stela is found
it,

with an attendant altar, either before or behind monu

of

but both classes

In

ments also occur separate from each other.

of

the sites the Peten and

Usumacintla Valley, stelae and altars are commonly placed definite rela
in

structures. The buildings are usually the temple variety, and the
of

tion
to

orderly alignments before them. There

of

monuments often take the form

is p.

See 84.
* *

particularly true with reference monuments bearing Initial Series dates, which type that
to

This
is

is
a

the present area. Outside the Cobá district only four stelae(and no altars) with Initial Series have been
of

found
in

reported the peninsula Ichpaatun, Tulum, Jaina and Etzná. See pp. 193and 199.
at
of

Yucatan. These occur

in
 ARCHITECTURE 127

are many instances, however, where stelae and altars occur without relation
to any building, and there are occasional examples situated in small secluded
courts. In the extreme southern region of the Maya area at the ruins of
Copan and Quirigua, the unassociated disposition of stelae and altars is
common. Wherever the main plaza is a feature of assemblage, as in the
last-mentioned area and in the Peten, there is a tendency to place a large

its
proportion of the monuments within

an
boundaries, arrangement not
orderly assemblage.

of

of
found the Usumacintla region because the lack
in

At Cobă, Nohoch Mul and Macanxoc there are thirty-two stelae and
eighteen altars. Twenty-three the stelae and one altar are carved, while

of of
up masonry rather than being monolithic."
of

four the altars are built

No monuments are known Kucican, any the small out

or
at

of
to

at
exist
lying groups. Certainly the most interesting fact with regard the dis

to
position
of

of

of
the stelae that number them occur inside small structures
is

(B

of
as

known stela shrines, and that one stela stands inside temple.

I)

a
All Cobá, and five Macanxoc, which are
of

of
at

at
the carved stelae the stelae

no

of
also carved, are treated this manner, but there are signs stela shrines
in

connection with the Nohoch Mul monuments. There some reason to

in

is
believe that the stela shrines belong much later period than the monu
to
a

ments they enclose, with the consequent implication that the stelae were
date, and the obvious distinction this matter between
at

re-erected late
in
a

carved and plain stelae goes well with that idea (see pp.

14
and 131–134).
This possibility having been moved from their original I
of

the monuments
positions detracts from the value any study the disposition
of

of
all to
as

the
be

At Cobá
of
stelae,but few facts should noted. but two the stelae
a

majority the altars are definitely associated with some structure,

of

and
a

(B

only one case occurring

of

but there stela and altar and Alt.

9)
is

B
3
of a

together and only one case alignment

an

of

two stela and Io). Four

(9

this group are the Main Plaza. At Macanxoc

of

the thirteen stelae

in
at

the stelae are associated with buildings, while the other half are not,
of

half
All the altars, however, bear some
of

but are inclosed

in

stela shrines.
relation buildings and some are apparently related At Nohoch
to

to

stelae.
Mul, where there are stela shrines and the monuments may possibly stand
no

Disposition stelaeand altars according group:

to
of
1

Stelae Altars
Group
Carved Plain Carved Plain Built-up

Macanxoc (Group A).

5 8
I 8 6 8

I 2 I
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Cobá (Group B).

I
7
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Nohoch Mul (Groups and D).

I I
C

..
.
.
.

groups.
of

Outside
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Total. 23 I3
4
9

I
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

complete description
5,

of

Note: Stelae B6, and do not appear on any map. For stelaeand altars see
B

B
7

pp. 131-184. -
I28 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

all
in their original positions, but one are associated with some structure, and
some question

of

of
the exception (Stela 16). Three

of in
there the case the

is
pyramid

or
at
great

I,
of
stelae stand the foot the Structure and five six out
nine are probably situated within the boundaries
of

of

of
total the main
a

plaza, this group (see pp. 80–81).

of
that feature assemblage exists

at
if
from the above facts. The arrange

be
Few conclusions are arrived

to

at
orderly Usu

of

or
so
ment not that associated with the sites the Peten

as
is

that occurring

at

of at
macintla regions, but not similar

to to
the same time

is
Copan and Quirigua where there little attention paid the association

is
monuments with structures. About all that may that the great

be
said

is
majority placed buildings.
of

monuments are definite relation

in

to
ROADS
or

stone,
of

Raised roads sacbeob, are known occur

in
to
few instances

a
The comparative
of

the region northern Yucatan.

in

in
the Peten and
scarcity
of

of
examples outside necessity mean
of of

the Cobá area does not

rare type

of
that they form construction. The roads are often not
a

sufficient height stand out readily from the natural contour the land,

of
to

thoroughly by vegetation, easily overlooked the process

in
are obscured and
exploration, largely
be
of

that may for these reasons that more examples

so

it

reported.
so

have not far been Whatever the future situation turns out

to
be, present the Cobá area absolutely unique the extent and elabora
in
at

is

these roads, varying length

of

its system
of

of

tion Sixteen

in
sacbeob.
from approximately Ioo km. (Sacbe No. only few hundred meters,
to
1)

terminate within the great body ruins about the lakes. They vary
of
19

width from meters (Sacbe No. meters (Sacbe No.

9)
to

less than
in

height from meters (Sacbe No. 14),

or

13),and less than

in

to
6
5

meter. The height above natural ground-level largely determined by

is
I

the terrain over which the sacbeob pass, for they usually
of

the character
run straight die, and without attempting cut through hills maintain
to
as
a
as

so

level course possible, that they attain considerable heights when

as
a

passing over low country. construction, they conform

In

usual practises
to

retaining
of

with regard substructures. The walls each side are built

to

at

large, roughly faced stone that was undoubtedly set

So

as

mortar. far
in

observed the side walls are always vertical, but this

be

can not certain

is
of

places where roads reach considerable height. The bed

in

the road
a

large stone capped by

of

of
of

consists loose fill stratum small stone and

a
a

all

mortar, and there may well have been fine plaster surface, although
a

does not seem unlikely,

of

this material are absent present.

It
at

traces
moreover, that the roads may have possessed slight camber facilitate
to
a
60

Figure
an

of

In

drainage. shows ideal cross-section sacbe. several

a

lake; and
of

at

instances road driven across an arm other times runs

is
a

a
p.

e.g., Tikal (Tozzer, 1911, 109); Nakum (Tozzer, 1913, pp. 187-188); Ixkun (Maudslay, 1889-1902,
p. 1

II,
p.

21), and Uaxactun the Peten; Izamal (Saville, 1930, pp. 90–92); Labná (Saville, 1893, 232), and Chichen
in

Itzá in Yucatan.
 ARCHITECTURE 129

over a raised platform, the same width as the road, with vertical sides, and
that may have been mounted either by steps or incline. On at least one
occasion a vaulted passageway pierces a road-bed from side to side beneath
the surface, and there are instances of buildings and gateways situated upon
the sacbeob."

1111111
LlLi

FIG. 60—Ideal cross-section of sacbe.

The association of these roads with one of the periods of construction

represented here is at best problematical. Cobá and Nohoch Mul are the
two important terminals, and the vast majority of remains at both these
groups appears to belong to the earlier period. The implication is that the
sacbeob also date from that period, and the idea is given additional weight
by the termination of Sacbe No. 8 at the ruins of Kucican, a site with no
trace of East Coast influence. Irrespective of any internal evidence as to the
age of the roads, it appears highly improbable that work of such magnitude,
and representing tremendous sustained effort, could have been accomplished
in a late and decadent period of Maya history. This does not of course prevent
their having been built at some time subsequent to the earlier remains, but in
all

the absence of the contrary, probably best

to

to
evidence consider
it
is

roughly contemporaneous with the earlier class

of

structures
as

the sacbeob
this region.
in

SUMMARY
There are apparently two periods
of

construction represented
in

the
Cobá area. The great majority the remains belong the earlier period,
of

to
by

while the later period represented few buildings distinctly allied

to

the
is

Yucatan. The majority

of

of

of

ruins the eastern coast structures obey

a a

compact and carefully oriented plan

of

assemblage that based upon

is

related and contiguous courts. Masonry roughly

of

system
of

the form
in
is

the facing,
of

shaped, deeply tailed-in stone that minimizes the veneer effect

but still leaves the construction essentially monolithic character. The
in

most distinctive type the large stepped, truncated pyra

of

substructure
is

mid with inset and rounded corners. The ball court with sloped inner faces
and stone rings represented two instances. No large stairways show
in
is

balustrades; stairway typical either

of
of

the East Coast class

in

traces
is

dividing The only variety

of
or

possessing distinctive balustrade. temple

a

description the various sacbeobsee pp. 18–27.

of

For
a
*
I3O PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

that may be distinguished is that of the East Coast. Palaces are of the
conventional multi-chambered type; the typical East Coast palace is absent,
but shrines are present. Foundations for wooden superstructures possess
a distinctive plan and probably belong to a late period, as is true of stela
shrines, which are a feature peculiar to this area. Ground-plans are of a
highly developed type showing a large number of parallel vaults, wide rooms,
and vaults carried around corners. Buildings of more than one story are
present, and vaults are directly superimposed upon lower chambers. Floors
are of the usual polished cement, and exterior wall surfaces rise vertically
with the exception of two instances with retreating upper zones. Doorways
known forms, with the vaulted variety most distinctive.
all

occur in nearly
the column, one instance the large rectangular,
of
example

of
There one
is

pillar, probably examples masonry piers. Large win

of
stone and several
dows occur above the spring both medial and outer walls,
of
the vault

in
the latter case are peculiar the region. There are few wall de
in

to
and

a
no

pressions, but cord-holders have been noted. Benches and altars are
only known the late buildings. The typical vault
to

at
occur offset the
at in

is is
spring, slopes inward
on

or
well the sides, and flat sided,
as

as
the ends
slightly arched. These features vary, however; the stepped vault present,

is
and the late vaulting characteristically bottle shaped. Mouldings are
is

rectangular
be

section, but may single broad band rather than small

in

a
medial and upper band; exceptions the rule are apron mouldings that
to

retreating upper zone Roof of

of

occur with the two instances the façade.

a
all

structures are likelihood present, but this not certain. Architectural

in

is

decoration was probably for the most part stucco, but with some sculp
of

tured stone; remaining examples are naturalistic treatment. Stelae and

in

altars are mainly placed with relation buildings, but not particularly
in
to

orderly fashion. unique

an

of
The area possessing elaborate system
in
is

raised stone roads.

preponderance of
of

of

the architectural features the earlier class

A

the Peten region Guatemala,

of

of

structures find similarities the remains

in

relatively advanced type. The later structures

of

but the architecture

is

are probably roughly coeval with the final period

of

construction Tulum.
at
 MONUMENTS OF THE COBA REGION
By J. ERic THoMPson
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
During the course of the various expeditions to Cobá no less than fifty
monuments have been discovered. These are distributed over the main
group at Cobá, Macanxoc and Nohoch Mul. In addition to these monu
ments, four small blocks of stone inscribed with glyphs were found at varying
intervals along the causeway that joins Yaxună to Cobá (Sacbe No. 1).
Altogether twenty-four of these monuments are carved. Of these
eight were found in Macanxoc, eight in the Cobá main group and eight at
Nohoch Mul. The equal distribution between the three groups is probably
no more than coincidence. All
are stelae, with the exception of one carved
altar. Nine uncarved stelae were located, but there is some doubt as to
all

these were actually stelae.

of

Seven were found the Cobá

at
whether
group, the other two groups. Seventeen uncarved
at

main and one each

altars were also noted; Macanxoc, seven
of

at
these nine were found

at
Cobá, and one Nohoch Mul.
at
In

this publication the carved stelae and altars have been numbered
consecutively The plain stelae and altars have been
in

the same series.

consecutively separate series according the group which
in

in
to
numbered
all

each monument was located. Thus plain stelae and altars from Macanxoc
form single group numbered consecutively from one onward, and with the
a

letter prefixed. The plain monuments from the Cobá main group are
A

similarly numbered one consecutive series commencing with number

in

1,
but with the group letter prefixed. The Nohoch Mul plain monuments are
B

similarly differentiated by prefixing the letter This system was first

C.

adopted by Mr. Frans Blom differentiate the plain monuments

of
to

the
groups No monuments were found
or
at

different Uaxactun. Kucican

at

any the other outlying groups

of

of

ruins.
-

of

of

The monuments without exception are made limestone rather

a

poor quality. All have weathered badly, and one stela (BI)
of

the case
in

the whole surface has flaked away. Undoubtedly one journeys northward
as

across the Yucatecan peninsula there progressive deterioration

in

the
is
a

quality
of

the limestone.
their present positions the stelae show little evidence grouping.
of
In

several together, most Peten cities. Nor

of

not found
in

in
as

Stelae are lines

are they, speaking generally, associated with the most important structures
the principal complex the main Cobá group. Instead
of
or

in

number them
a

are associated with scattered mounds, apparently great importance.

no
of

p. 9 10
p.

*Mr. R. Bennett (1930a, 373) states that there are two altars
at
of

front Stelae and Cobá on which

in

offerings are made by the modern Indians. Actually pieces broken from Stelae
of

number and have been

Io
a

heaped up, presumably recent years, and on these the Indians make their offerings (see 3), but this does
in

not constitute an ancient altar.

131
I32 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

Exceptions to this rule are Stelae 9 and Io associated with the Ball Court and
Stela II placed in front of the highest pyramid in the group—Structure 1.
Why should the majority of the stelae at the main Cobá group have been
associated with unimportant positions? There seem to be two possible
answers to this question. First, the stelae were erected before the main
complex, when only the scattered mounds were in existence. Second, the
stelae were moved to their present positions by some later occupants of the
city. There is no direct evidence for either of these two suppositions, or for
that matter any other reasonable explanation, although, as we shall see,
there is certain indirect evidence suggesting the second alternative.
All of
the seven carved stelae in the Cobá main group are placed upon
small structures, which, for want of a better name, have been termed
shrines (fig. 8). The shrine generally consists of a low stone-paved plat
form about 20 cm. high and usually about 4.5 meters square. Along the
back of this runs a stone wall some 75 cm. high, from the ends of which short
side walls project forward. Along the front there is occasionally a single
back just

its
line of stones. The stela is set at the back of the shrine with
clear of the center of the rear wall. There certain amount of variation
is
a
of

In

8,
the construction one case (Plate the shrine houses

a)
these shrines.
in

two by side (Stelae and Io); another case Macanxoc,

at
stelae set side
in
9

obtains, back,
an

where the shrine also opening but this due

in

to
has the
it

is
In
the fact that the stela (Stela carved on all four sides. another case
1)
is

smaller dimensions, the walls are carried up

of

Macanxoc the shrine

at

to
is

a
greater height, and the whole covered over with corbelled vault.
a

The writer believes that originally

all

these shrines were roofed over, but

with thatch roof. that were not the case, the back wall and vestigial
If
a

side walls would have been purposeless. We know that the Maya were
buildings partly stone and partly
of

of

make their
to

accustomed wood and

Torquemada
of

of

of
thatch. speaks the chapels Cozumel being made
stone but having thatched roofs, and Villagutierre” says that Tayasal
at

many the height one vara, and above

of

of

of
to

the houses were made stone

wood and thatch. Indeed, the modern Maya huts
of

of

that constructed
Yucatan have about the same height. Finally the writer has
to

stone base
a

found British Honduras Maya temple with back wall and short side
of in

walls stone and evidence that plaster-covered wooden roof was carried
a

beyond the limits the short side walls. This must have been
of

forward
to

supported by wooden walls. All things considered, we can presume with

certainty that these shrines were originally roofed with
of

some degree
thatch and that the stone walls were completed with jacal construction.
a

this type have never been reported from any other Maya site.”
of

Shrines
has been suggested for this reason that the shrine probably New
It

is

Empire innovation. This does not necessarily follow, for the change may
be

*Torquemada, 1723, Book IV, Chapter

p.

He probably took his information from Gomara (1554,

3.

13).
Villagutierre, 1701, Book VIII, Chapter 12.
* *

The reference specifically

to

to

shrines house stelae.

is
 Monuments of CobA REGION I33

due to locality, not to time. Although there is at present no direct evidence

for the shrine being of late date, there is one point that may have a bearing
on the matter. Stela BI was found actually in position, set against the back
wall of the small temple surmounting Structure I. The only parallel case
is the finding of Stela I at Tulum inside the temple of the Initial Series.
This temple is admittedly of fairly late date, but the stela is of early date.
Presumably, then, the stela was reset at a later date in the temple. There is
not much difference in principle between setting up a stela in a temple or a
shrine, and this would suggest that the shrine to house stelae was an idea
that came into vogue at a later date than that of the first erection of the
stelae,which date from the close of the early period. In support of this
theory the masonry of the vaulted shrine might be cited. This is of poor
workmanship and would appear to date from a later period than that which
the stela (4) shows to be the date of its erection."
If
all

the Cobá main group

of
our surmise is correct the carved stelae
reset, for all were housed
at in
have been shrines.
the eight carved stelae shrines, the
of

Five Macanxoc were also set

in
remaining three being set into flights steps. The architecture
of

Macanxoc

at
poor and the masonry reveals poor workmanship. The only standing
is

building late East Coast style (p. 94), and

of
number the small
in
is

structures, with which the stelae are associated, are surmounted by buildings a

which are nothing more nor less than shrines, although they hold no stelae

V,
(p. 94). The stela (No. which associated with Structure the only
7)

is

standing building
at

already to, appear

to
Macanxoc referred would have
the stairway. Its axis not line with the stairs which
in

in

been reset in

it
is
is

small platform. One can not imagine

on

set respectable advanced com

a

of a

munity, such Cycle and was capable

of
occupied Cobá the middle
in
as

such precise astronomical calculations, setting

of

such remarkable art and

all

the Maya that period were Forsytes

of

stela askew this manner. After

in
a

uprooted from Victorian London and projected back some twelve centuries
into Central America. Such action incompatible with their shrewdness
is

is,

precision. Furthermore, Structure has been pointed out (p. 94),

as

and
V

style, probably
of

late East Coast least some six centuries later than the
at

Macanxoc. Similarly Stela

at

dates recorded has not the same orientation

I

as the terrace on which stands.

it

the Cobá main group and

at
of

the stelae both Macanxoc have

at

Several
their sculptured zones covered by floors, notably Stelae
13
of

the bases and

8

(pp. 154 and 157), and the suggestion has been made that this, together with
the uncarved butts, may indicate that the monuments
of

the shallowness
were reset, but the evidence inconclusive.
is

evidence do not, strong

all of

of

of

number weak lines course, make

A

argument, but
all

these two sites seems indicate that

in

at

to

the evidence
the sculptured For the plain stelae these two sites there
at

stelae were reset.

The poverty the cache below this stela also suggests re-erection (p. 149).
of
*
I34 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

is no direct evidence either for or against their having been moved from
their original positions, although if one accepts the slight evidence that they
were erected at about the same time as the carved monuments (p. 183) there
is reason to believe that they, too, in most cases have been reset.

all
The stelae at Nohoch Mul are in no case set in shrines. They stand
the ground and many cases are associated with important structures.
on

in
Stelae 17, 18, and 23, for instance, are directly associated either with the
19
pyramid the Diving God the plaza (A)

on
its
or
the temple
of

of
west flank.
Does this mean that the Nohoch Mul stelae have not been reset? We have
stair
at

seen that Macanxoc stelae, when not set shrines, were placed

in

in
ways, and we have seen that stairway was also

in

in
one case stela set

a
a
reset. At Nohoch Mul one stela (No. 20) had been placed

in
association
stairway. Apparently the base

of
with this stela had been set flush with
a

the stairway small insignificant mound (see map).

of

the second step

of
Although a
very thorough search lasting two days was made, the missing
a

the stela containing the Initial Series was not found.

of

It
corner clear

is
or
that either the piece was removed after the stela had fallen had broken
previous location the monument, and when the stela was moved
of
at

off
a

its present position the ground. The first alternative

on

was left
to

it

seems more plausible, but the second evidence, albeit weak, for the
is

of of
resetting More definite evidence for the resetting
of

this monument.
the different groups must wait until more intensive exploration
is at

stelae
Cobá undertaken.
the following pages each individual monument
In

in
discussed the
is
its

The original numeration the previously reported

of

of

order number.
far possible. Where con
as

as

monuments has been retained has been

it

change this,
of

sidered advisable the number under

to

note has been made

a

which the monument question was first described.

in

At the end of the discussion of the individual monuments there is

a
the dates deciphered. Considering the number
of

of

résumé monuments
reported, these are not very numerous. This partly due the large
to
is

plain total, principally the poor

of

monuments that swell the but

to

number
the limestone already noted.
of

condition This same cause precluded the

drawing the inscriptions. The decipherments were made
of

about equal
in

number by Doctor Morley and the writer.

G.
S.

chapter the sculpture the better preserved monuments by

on

of
A

M. Jean Charlot, former artist the Chichen Itzá Project, follows. The
of

drawings
byto of

the same artist. M. Charlot was

of

the stelae are also the work

obliged work under very unfavorable conditions, handicapped
in

his
drawing
an
of

mosquitoes,
of

clouds lack facilities and unbearable heat.

In

the ruins centering round Lake Cobá

of

of

view the scattered nature

particular the
In

there are, doubtless, other monuments yet undiscovered.

area between the Cobá main group and Nohoch Mul should yield more stelae.
 Monuments of CoBA REGION I35

CARVED MONUMENTS
SCULPTURED STELAE
Stela

Location. Ceremonial Plaza, Macanxoc.

Date. Initial Series (East side) 9. II. o. 5- 9, 4 Muluc 17 Kayab.
Initial Series II (East side) 9. 12. Io-5-12, 4 Eb Io Yax.
Initial Series (West side) 13. o. o-o- o, 4 Ahau 8 Cumhu.
Initial Series II (West side) 9. 12. o-o- o, Io Ahau 8 Yaxkin.
References. Morley, 1926, pages 275,276.
Morley, 1927, pages 58 to 63.
Teeple, 1930, page 68.
Photographs. Morley, 1927, figures 4, 12 and 13.
Plates 1, 2, and 3, a.
Drawings. Figures 61 a, b, 62a, b.

FIG. 61—Stela I, Macanxoc. a, front (east side); b, back (west side).

Stela I was found by the third Cobá expedition of the Chichen Itzá
Project in May 1926, and the majority of the dates finally deciphered by
Dr. Morley, when the site was revisited by the fourth Cobá expedition. The
monument stands on a small platform (Structure IX) about 1o meters square
136 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

º-

~|~ *
~~
—º
- ~~ C

FIG. 62—Captives under feet of principal personage of Stela 1. a, front (east side); b, back (west side).
 Monuments of CoBA REGION 137

which is oriented to an angle of 125°, although the monument itself faces 26°
south of east.
This terrace, which has a height above plaza level of 1.10 meters, is
approached by five narrow steps on the southeast
(Plate 3). The steps are
1.50 meters wide and project 1.30 meters from the base of the terrace.
The stela is situated in a small enclosure on top of the terrace, 6.40
meters wide by 3.70 meters deep, formed by low walls I meter thick and of
about the same height. There are openings 2.80 meters wide in this wall in
front and behind to permit of free access to the monument. This type of
enclosure bears a resemblance to the open shrine (pp. I 14 and 132), which
in this case has been modified by a rear entrance due to the fact that the
monument is carved on the back. Altars A6 and A7 (p. 173) are associated
with this stela.
The stela, itself, is 2.90 meters high, 1.40 meters wide and 35 cm. deep.
It is sculptured on
all

four sides. The front and back are carved each case

in
with main figure with subsidiary figures grouped around the base. The
a

carving, which discussed by M. Charlot

on
very high order, pages
of
is

is
a

portrayed, both the front and back carry

In

addition figures
to

to

185 192. the

long series glyphs. The front (east side, Plate has 118 glyph blocks,
of

I)
a

grouped eight columns; the back (west side, Plate has 128 glyph blocks
2)
in in

disposed glyph

23
In

addition these the north side has

to

ten columns.
single column, glyph

22
of
blocks and the south side two columns blocks
in
a

each, making grand total for the monument 313 glyph blocks.
of
a

The inscription opens

on

an

Initial Series arranged

as
the east side with
follows:
AI-B2 Initial Series Introductory Glyph. The central element give

to
too eroded
is

any indication
of

of

the month the Initial Series.

A3 reads clearly Cycles.
9

the Katun sign with

of

12
or

B3 coefficient either 11,

is is

13.
a

A4 fairly clear Tuns.

as
o

B4 reads Uinals.
5

A5 certain Kins.
is

9
a

the day sign, and the cartouche plainly visible. However,

be

as

B5 must A5 reads
is

Kins, the day sign here must clearly

be

Muluc. The coefficient

4.
is
is 9

glyph the group

of

of

of

of

A6 the Lunar Series. The form that the first nine.

G

be is

recognized with little difficulty.

of

The coefficient nine and the hand can This

reading glyph agreement with the readings the Uinal and Kin given
of

of
a in
G
is

by

above, Io9 days giving

it F of

remainder when divided

9.
1

illegible, but presumably was glyph

of

B6 the Lunar Series.

is

ºl. illegible, but from the context glyph

of
be

A7 the Lunar
as

can restored
D

eries.
Glyph
no
of

the Lunar Series with The head

to

B7 coefficient. too eroded

is
is

yield any sure information, but appears youth.

of
is be
to

that
a

Glyph that occasionally found when Glyph

of

the Lunar Series. The variant

X

A8
is

(Morley, 1916, fig. 48). The writer believes that this

of

has coefficient
C

2
a

also found when Glyph

no

variant coefficient, under certain conditions not

C

has
is

present understood.
at

Glyph very clear, as, too,

of

B8 the Lunar Series. The crossed band element

is

is
B

is

the enclosed head.

Glyph the right.
of

of

the Lunar Series with

Io
to

A9 coefficient
A
is is

fairly clear Kayab with surely over Io, and

of

B9 coefficient that view B5

in
is
a

a
12
be

or

must either 17.

138 PREliMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

is:
The Initial Series corresponding to this date 9.11.0–5–9, Muluc

4
Kayab. All the remaining glyphs the first two columns are illegible,
17

in
not till we reach D3 that there are legible glyphs known meaning.

of
and

it
is
D3 opens secondary series with Uinal glyph with the left, and

to
certain

5
a

a
coefficient above which appears but might

be

be

or
to

1,

3.
2
C4 certain Tuns.
is

3
a
The glyph cartouche, and for that reason

of
D4 has coefficient

in
enclosed

in
a 4.

is
a

a
all
probability day sign.

is
it
The glyph appears

be
to
as
C5 has coefficient that reads best Cumhu.

7.
a

the apparent secondary series

of
If

Tuns Uinal and Kins added

is
3

5
Ix I

be
Initial Series, the date 9.11.3–6–14,
to

the Cumhu will reached.

7
D4 and C5, and the passage may

of
This agreement with the readings
in
is

have been correctly interpreted.

be

to

considered

It
followed D8

is

in
head something like that used

to
C8 express the number

3.
is
a

by moon glyph.
a

Apparently there another secondary series the adjacent columns,

in
is

but only E3 legible. This appears The next recog

14
Tuns.
to
record
is

nizable group glyphs occurs

of

H.
in

columns and
G7 appears the Initial Series Introducing Glyph. G
be
to

The right half the glyph the cauac sign. The left half
of

it of

H7 has coefficient
9.

is
a

the glyph rather indistinct, but safely restored

of

be

as
can second cauac
is

a
sign, Cycles.
to
so
as

make the whole read

9

G8 and the succeeding glyphs occupy less space than those above. G8 clearly the

is
Katun sign with
12
or

coefficient which 11,

is

13.
a

clearly
1o

H8 Tuns.
is is is

remarkably clear Uinal glyph. The coefficient Io

or
G9 either

5.
is
a a

very clear Kin sign complete with tail. The coefficient either II,

12
H9

or
13, is
but the central dot seems longer than the two outer dots, and the coefficient

is
easily best
at

12.
clear day sign cartouche.
of

to

G1o has coefficient attached

4
a

to a

HIo appears
or
to

have one two bars the left.

four large dots and what appear
of

to be
to

to
G11 has coefficient three narrow bars the
a

right, making 19. By position we can take the glyph Glyph

be

of

the Lunar
D

Series.
very badly eroded. By position may Glyph
of
be

the Lunar
as

H11 restored
it
is

Series.
also eroded, but probably Glyph
of

the Lunar Series.

X

G12
is is

of is

H12 clearly Glyph the Lunar Series. The crossed band element fairly clear and
B

is

-
the rodent's head are distinguishable.
of

the features
very clear Glyph
of

of

the Lunar Series. There

Io

G13 coefficient below

A
is

is
a

the
§º.
on
an

full moon glyph such frequently follows Initial Series.

as

H13
is
a

more translatable glyphs, although several are recognizable.

no

There are
The group glyphs commencing G7 undoubtedly records another Initial
of

in

Series, which reads almost surely 9.12. Io-5-12, Yax.

Io

Eb
4

Naranjo, where
29 an

This date also found Initial Series marks the

at

as
is

it

adoption Naranjo this date

of

the Uniform Calendar. On Stela

is at

is

given
an

Initial
as

given Series, age

of of
as

and the the moon moons and

6

days. The age this inscription agreement with

19

of

the current moon

in
is

the age given Macanxoc, and the independent pre-uniform

on

Stela
is
I
 Monuments of CoBA REGION I39

calculation. Stela 24 at Naranjo records this same date by the Uniform

Calendar as I moon 18 days. Was Macanxoc making use of the same basis
for the change from the Independent to the Uniform Lunar Calendar as
Naranjo? This question will be discussed at the close of the inscription.
The inscription on the back of Stela I opens with a remarkable series of
twenty glyphs (BI-AII), all of which have attached to them coefficients of
13. Most of these glyphs are somewhat eroded, but A5 and B6 appear to be

its
Katun signs. A9 has as main element glyph resembling the Tun sign,

a
very clear. There apparently

of
and the medial transversal line suffix

is

is
a
turn by what may

be
oval shape, surmounted bar. B9 shows the double
in

a
cauac glyph which represents the cycle surmounted by pair large dots,

of
a
be

which do not appear numerical. AIO again embodies the double cauac
to

element surmounted, apparently, by

an

an
everted ending bracket and eroded
the right. BIO might the Great Cycle glyph. This
be

sign Dr.
to

at
least

is
Morley's belief, but the writer feels skeptical about such reading. There

of is
a
distinct vertical depression running down the middle, and the edges
a

this depression curve outward top and bottom, forming two large dots
at

B9, with the difference that the dots above BIo are
as to
as

as

such served suffix

not quite the right slightly larger.
on
of

equal size, that

is

AI very clear Cycles.

13
is is is is is is is is
1

BII
an

equally clear Katuns.

o

A12 clear Tuns.

o o o
a a

B12 clear Uinals.

A13 clear Kins.
a a

B13 very clear Ahau.

4

clearly Glyph the Lunar Series with the three shells plainly visible above.
of

A14
G

Glyph the Lunar Series. The central element appears

of

be
circular with
to

B14
F

flanking crescents.
very clear Glyph
of

of

the Lunar Series with

to

A15 coefficient the left.

is is

3
a

Glyph
no

an

eroded sign
of

the Lunar Series with

to
B15 coefficient. There the
C

is

left running from top the glyph block which resembles bar, but
of
to

bottom
#.
a

probably the ending sign. The young face,

of

which element that

is

is

though rather eroded.

A16 records Glyph head, confirming the lack
of

of
the Lunar Series with the God
X

C
of

coefficient B15.
illegible. Presumably recorded Glyph
of

B16 the Lunar Series.

it
is is is is

Glyph
of

of

A17 the Lunar Series with coefficient Io.

A

B17 very clear Cumhu.

8
a a

- lunar glyph the type often encountered immediately after the month sign.
of

A18
on

The element the right the vertically divided moon glyph such
as

found
in
is

is

Glyph the Lunar Series. To the left there are two bundles
of

of

the kind which

C

Spinden has called bundles

of

wood for fire.

a

the right
on

something, presumably Cycles. The glyph

of
13

13

A19-B19 reads end

appears head, possibly the cycle head.
be
to

further legible glyphs The glyphs

no

known meaning.
of

There are
AI B17 clearly form Initial Series reading 13.o.o-o-o, Ahau
an
to

from
4

8
I

Cumhu, although the Initial Series Introducing Glyph missing. Teeple

4 is

Maya Astronomy (p. 68) has commented

on

Ahau Cumhu
in

the date
8
at

on this stela, with its evidence that Cobá was believed that this
it

the twenty-third day after new moon, which was the first
on

date fell
a
I4o PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

of the lunar group, differing in this respect from the Maya beliefs at Copan
and Palenque.
, Any explanation of the meaning of the twenty glyphs that open the
inscription must be, at best, purely theoretical. It seemed to the writer that
possibly the Maya considered that 4 Ahau 8 Cumhu not only ended a thirteen
cycle, but that these thirteen-cycle periods were grouped in twenties, of which
the twentieth was completed at 4 Ahau 8 Cumhu, and accordingly they
wrote on this stela the number 13 twenty times, each time attached to a sign
which represented the individual thirteen-cycles in its order, but without
a numerical coefficient. This would indicate that each thirteen-cycle period
was characterized by a separate glyph or title, just as we know that in
Yucatan, at the time of the conquest, the Katuns were designated not only
by the day on which they concluded, but also by names. The glyph block
AI I with its glyph of thirteen cycles in this case would mark the end of the
twentieth thirteen-cycle period. The Maya also believed that they were
living in a great cycle which was the twentieth of the series as is shown
by the inscription on Stela Io at Tikal, where the great cycle has a coeffi
cient of 19. At Palenque, the astronomers appear to have grouped the
cycles in lots of twenty, a more logical treatment than the Macanxoc
grouping in thirteens. The subject is too involved to permit of a full dis
cussion here, and the reader is referred to Morley's discussion of the higher
time periods,' as well as Long's paper on the subject.”
There are no further legible glyphs of known meaning until we reach
C6 in the adjacent column. Here begins another Initial Series arranged as
follows:
C6 is the Initial Series Introducing Glyph. The central element is the Kin sign found
with Yaxkin.
D6 reads 9 Cycles.
C7 is a clear 12 Katuns.
D7 reads o Tuns o Uinals.
C8 is o Kins.
D8 is a clear Io Ahau.
C9 to D11 are non-existent. The space is occupied by the top of the ceremonial bar
held by the
principalP.
C12 is apparently Glyph E of the Lunar Series with a coefficient of 5, making 25 days
after new moon.
D12 is Glyph C of the Lunar Series. There is an eroded vertical element to the left,
which probably represents an ending bracket. In that case Glyph C had no co
efficient. The head element appears to be replaced, in this case, by the square eye
element, resembling a zero sign.
C13 is Glyph X of the Lunar Series. It appears to be the open jaws of a snake with
a human head in the mouth. This is a doubtful identification, but lends a little
support to the reading of the coefficient of D12 as nothing.

* Morley, 1915, pp. 107-126.

* Long, 1924.
One suspects that the confusion about the great cycle is due to the Maya not being certain in their own
minds how many cycles constituted a great cycle, and whether or not a great cycle ended at 13.o.o-o-o, 4 Ahau
8 Cumhu. The reference at Palenque to Io Ahau 13 Yaxkin ending Great Cycle 1 to a certain extent confirms
the suggested reading. If 4 Ahau 8 Cumhu ends a Great Great Cycle of thirteen Great Cycles of twenty Cycles
each, then the Great Cycle coefficient twenty Cycles hence will be 1.
 Monuments of CobA REGION I41

D13 is Glyph B of the Lunar Series with the head element obliterated.

§.
C14 is Glyph A of the Lunar Series. The coefficient is doubtless two bars, but erosion
has altered the top bar to four jagged dots, but such an inverted order was never
used to express the coefficient of A.
D14 is clearly 8 Yaxkin.
C15 is obliterated.
D15 resembles Glyph C of the Lunar Series.

There are no more legible glyphs on this side of the monument save D19,
the main element of which is the cycle glyph. There is a suffix and what
appears to be a numerical coefficient of 5 to the left. This is followed in C20
by a glyph with four dots to the left and three above, but apparently this is
not a Secondary Series. The part of the inscription that opens at C6,
accordingly, records the Initial Series 9.12.O-o-o, Io Ahau 8 Yaxkin.
There are no other legible glyphs on the back of the monument, and the
sides are in the same condition. The inscription, then, reads—
Front:
I.S. 9. 11. o-5- 9, 4 Muluc 17 Kayab, I moon days.
3-I- 5,

(9.11. 3–6–14), 4 Ix 7 Cumhu . . . .. .. ... . .. ..

I.S. 9. 12. Io-5-12, 4 Eb Io Yax ? moons 19 days.

Back:
I.S. 13. o. o-o- o, 4 Ahau 8 Cumhu, I moon 23 days.
I.S. 9. 12. o-o- o, 1o Ahau 8 Yaxkin, I moon 25 days.

A glance at these dates reveals that four of the five have day signs with
coefficients of 4.Apparently the calculations deal principally with the moon.
The inscription starts with the Initial Series 9. II.O-5–9, 4 Muluc 17 Kayab.
This date is given as I moon and an obliterated number, which can be
restored as probably 23 days. The date 17 Kayab closed the first lunar year
at 4 Ahau 8 Cumhu, being exactly 12 lunar months after 4 Ahau 8 Cumhu
(13.o.o-17–14, 7 Ix 17 Kayab). According to the calculations of the
Cobeños this 17 Kayab marked the twenty-third day of the moon on the
occasion of the Initial Series, and also the first 17 Kayab of the present epoch
was the twenty-third day of the moon. Did the Maya try to point this out,
or were they pointing out something else, which we do not grasp? The next
date is 9.11.3–6–14, 4 Ix 7 Cumhu. The age of the moon on this date is not
given, but it can be calculated to be about 6 days. The date does not appear
to have any significance in connection with the moon, unless it calls attention
to 4 Ahau 8 Cumhu. The next date is the Initial Series 9.12. Io–5–12, 4 Eb
Io Yax. The age of the moon is given as 19 days, but Io Yax at 4 Ahau
8 Cumhu (13.o.o-Io-7, 3 Manik Io Yax) was 23 days after a new moon
according to the calculations of the Cobeños. It has already been pointed
out that this date marks the change from the Independent to the Uniform
method of recording the moons at Naranjo, and possibly this monument may
mark a similar step on the part of the Cobeños.
I42 PRELIMINARY Study of RUINs of Cobá

The next legible date on the stela is 13.o.o-o-o, 4 Ahau 8 Cumhu, which
is given as being 23 days after a new moon, which in turn was the first of the
group. This lends a certain color to our belief that the astronomer was
calculating the positions of the moon at the beginning of the epoch for these
dates of Katuns II and 12. The Uniform Calendar calls for a coefficient of
6 for Glyph C of the Lunar Series, but here it is recorded as I.
The next legible date on the stela is the Initial Series 9.12.o-o-o, Io Ahau
8 Yaxkin, which is recorded as being 25 days after a new moon, which is in

C all
probability the first the group. The Uniform System calls for Glyph
I of

a
for this date, but this may merely

be
of
with coefficient coincidence.

a
a

grouping dates when Glyph

is be
The astronomer appears
to
had coefficient

a
only
of

age given days 23-day

of

The later than the old

as
the moon
I.

2
moon that we have seen the astronomer may have been striving for. Indeed,
attempt

an

on
though there had been

23
this

to
as

looks reach the basis

it

really around 27, but here

12

of
date. Katun calls for moon age has been

it
a

Were the Maya deliberately seeking these coincidences,

or
to

reduced 25.
do they originate the writer's mind? Teeple has shown that the Maya
to in

by

4 no
of

were accustomed link up dates the same moon age, but means

it
necessarily follows that they linked up the positions

at
of
moons Ahau
Cumhu, forming
of

kind Katun Lunar Determinant.

8

Teeple, the work cited, has suggested that the age

of
in

at
the moon
the Palenque
on

Ahau Cumhu was calculated according

to
this stela
4

equals 6–11–12, using the Initial Series II.O-5–9,

81
6 17 of

formula

9.
moons
Muluc Kayab, but for some unexplained reason changing the coefficient
4

from the demanded by the Palenque formula At that time Dr.

to
I.

Teeple was unaware the moon series accompanying

of

the 9.12.o-o-o
of

Initial the suggested reading

be of
If

Series. the Lunar Series this date

be is
of

at

basis, the age Ahau Cumhu will found

to
as

used the moon

4

8
a

days. The situation complicated. The Cobeños seem

23

to
moon and have
is
I

been using the Palenque formula without the Palenque numbering

of

moons.
The reckoning the Uniform System, which gives
of

made from the basis

is

the basis for the Palenque formula.

of

that used
in

as

moon number one advance

already suggested that the Initial Series 9.12. Io-5–12, Eb
It

has been
4

the Uniform Lunar System,

on

Yax
Io

at

this monument ushered did

in

as
it
all

Naranjo. Indeed, for

be
on

we know this Initial Series may

in

Stela the
I

month,
of

Uniform System. As observation the moon varied from month

to

and city city, the fact that the moon age here given days does not
19
to

as
is

necessarily imply that this record the old Independent System. Another
in
is

date may exist elsewhere, giving this date by the old system and recording
C,
20

age days. great misfortune that the coefficient

of
It
as

the moon
is
a

which would solve this problem, obliterated.

is

Were the Cobeños compromising by using the Palenque formula and the
Copan numbering moons? They may have been
of

so

so

as

doing, and far

Teeple, 1930, pp. 66, 69.
*
 Mon UMENTs of CobA REGION I43

we know at present every city using the Uniform System may have followed
the same system, except Copan. After all, we have only evidence at present
from Copan and Palenque as to their beliefs concerning the number of the
moon at 4 Ahau 8 Cumhu. Evidence will have to come from Katun deter
minants obtained from other cities in the same way as Dr. Teeple worked
out the list of Katun determinants from Copan and Palenque.
Did the Cobeños borrow the 4 Eb Io Yax basis for the Uniform System
from Naranjo or vice versa? The writer believes that if this date at Macan
xoc did indeed mark the change to the Uniform System, Naranjo borrowed
and Cobá was the originator. The reasons are two. First, the 4 Eb Io Yax
is found as a contemporaneous date at Macanxoc, whereas it appears at
Naranjo on stelae that were erected at 9.13. Io-o-o and 9.14.3—o-o. In other
words if our supposition is correct, the Uniform System was adopted at Cobá
nearly a Katun before it came into force at Naranjo. Second, Cobá would
appear to have been a larger and more important city than Naranjo, and a city
which at this date was considerably more advanced artistically than Naranjo.
However, such discussions are somewhat premature—it is easy to lose
oneself while engaged in Maya archeological investigations, whether in the
rain forests of the Peten or the tangled jungle of theories.
Below are given some extracts from a letter dated October 22, 1930, and
addressed to the writer by Teeple. This letter was not written for publi
cation, but Dr. Teeple has kindly given permission to have the gist of his
remarks incorporated into the text, emphasizing at the same time what he
states in his letter, namely that his comments are in the nature of guesses,
which he feels at liberty to withdraw should evidence from other cities not
confirm them. He writes:

“Now I will proceed to give you some guesses of mine, but you must regard them
only as guesses because I have not enough data either at Naranjo or at Macanxoc to feel
all

length year was. Up the present

of

of

to

at sure what their idea have worked this

a

out only Palenque and Copan, and think know what Quirigua for
at

of Io at

was while
it

a
I

from 9.16.5-o-o on. My guesses are these: Date 9.12.1o-5-12, Eb Yax both Macan
at
4

Naranjo probably meant represent the anniversary Pop Baktun 13.

at

to

at

xoc and
is

Pop
Io

meant for that, remarkably accurate. The 190 days from Yax
If

to
it
is

is
it

plus two rounds the calendar give 920-day advance the real year through the vague
of

of
a
up

year Copan would have computed this about 918 days, and Palenque
to

at

9.12.1o-5-12.
about 922 days. Nine hundred and twenty almost exactly right, fact,
at

nearer the
in
is

is

truth than either the Palenque Copan computations; but one swallow doesn't make
or

summer, and we are not sure that that was their intention. -
“I

think the two earlier dates Macanxoc represent computations made some
at

thirty years earlier, before the accuracy Yax was reached, and think they were
of
Io

I
be

of

made from 7.6.o-o-o base. The 9.11.3–6–14 date then would the determinant Katun
a

219-day advance). The Palenque figure

12

Yaxkin 7.6.o-o-o Cumhu now.

(8

at

A
7

time, and the Copan one about 215.

of

would have been about 216 for this stretch

by
be

“The 9.11.0-5–9 date would show how computing from 7.6.o-o-o

to

used
Io
by

formula differs from the computation from Baktun

11

13

their Katun their

o
By

11,

then, they indicate that Kayab

anof

17

Yax formula. Katun

at

the old formula

Katun II, 218 days, which agreement with
of

Yax
Io

at

7.6.o-o-o advance
in
=

is

219 days.
of

the Cumhu advance

7

“At the present stage,

to as

say, this only thing, however,

of

the kind
It

guess.
is

is
a
I
be

an

that we should inclined expect every time their astronomers made improvement,
144 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

or what they thought was an improvement, in their idea of the length of a year. I still

lot

do
before can furnish anything satisfactory the way

of

to

of
have a work evidence.”

in
I
Dr. Teeple's except for one point.
guesses are given without comment
He speaks 7.6.O-o-o, from which calculations may have been

of
the base
Maya may have started the long count

at
made. He believes that the this
point, although yet

he
has not sifted sufficient evidence lead him either

to

to
accept reject this base.
or

being the only known stela the Maya

of
has the distinction

in
Stela
I

area with four Initial Series dates, although one these lacks the Initial

of of
Series Introductory Glyph. has also, the writer's knowledge,

It

to
the best
larger number glyph blocks (313) than any other known stela.
of
a

Stela
2

Location. Ceremonial Plaza, Macanxoc.

Date. 9.10.1o-o-o,
13

18
Ahau Kankin.
References. Morley, 1926, page 275.
Morley, 1927, page 58.
Photographs. Morley, 1927, figure Io.
4,

Plate
a.

Drawing. Figure 63.

placed
of

Stela the middle

in

the second
is
2

step small stairway

meters wide, leading
1o
of
a

on
of

of

the summit low flat mound, top

to

which are the remains of small shrine structure

a
as

at

such were sometimes employed this site

an to

at

house stelae. The stela, which faces south

of

of

angle 185° magnetic, has height 3.05

a

meters, I.I.4 meters, and thick

of

breadth
29 a

Only
of

the front
73 or

ness cm. south side

is

This has glyph blocks

of

carved. total
a

arranged columns. All are extremely eroded.

in
7

The inscription opens

an

AI-B2 with Initial

in

Series Introducing Glyph, the variable month

element of which There follows
in

eroded.
is

A3 A5 certain, though extremely weathered,

to

Io. Io-o-o, but the only doubtful coefficient

9.

is
be

the cycle sign and this may safely

of

that
B5, the space for the day sign
as
9.

restored
corresponding the Initial Series, occupied
to

is
by

day sign, which, although entirely eroded,

a

must have been Ahau view of the zero coeffi-

in

2,

FIG. 63—Stela Macanxoc.

cient of the Kin. Attached
to

clear
it
is
a

eroded glyphs which were pre

13.
of

of

coefficient There follow number

a

sumably the Lunar Series, and the next legible glyph B9 Glyph
of

the
A
is

Io. AIo should occupied by the month

be
of

Lunar Series with coefficient

a

glyph corresponding the Initial Series, but unfortunately

to

too eroded
it
is
 Monuments of CobA REGIon I45

to give any information except that the coefficient was high. However,
it can be safely restored as 18 Kankin, the month required by the Initial
Series. There are no more legible glyphs on the monument.
Stela 3

Location. Ceremonial Plaza, Macanxoc.

Date. 9.1o.o-o-o, IAhau 8 Kayab (?).
References. Morley, 1926, page 275.
Morley, 1927, page 58.
Photographs. Morley, 1927, figure 9.
Plate 4, b.
Drawing. Figure 64.

Stela 3 is situated at the base of the west side

of a small mound 2.1o meters high without any
traces building on its summit. On the west
of a
side of the mound there is a flight of three steps
leading up to a small platform, 2. Io meters wide
and 65 cm. high, in the center of which stands the
stela. It faces an angle of 266° magnetic and is
2.53 meters high from the base of the carved por
tion. Its breadth is 1.42 meters, thickness 30 cm. 2
Only the front (or west) face is carved, and this )
has a total of 160 glyph blocks arranged in 9 K

columns. The inscription opens at the top left

corner, reading as follows: "Fig. 64-stela 3, Macanxoc.

A1–B2 is the Initial Series Introducing glyph, but the central element or month
indicator is totally eroded.
A3 by position must be the Cycle sign. The coefficient is eroded.
B3 by position must be the Katun sign, but both the glyph and the coefficient are too
worn to be legible.
A4 is the Tun glyph with a coefficient which appears to be o.
B4 is the Uinal glyph with an entirely eroded coefficient.
A5 can be clearly recognized as the Kin glyph, and the coefficient appears to be o.
B5 is a day sign with an eroded coefficient. In view of the probable zero coefficient
of A5, the day sign is probably Ahau.
A6 is illegible.
B6 appears to be glyph F of the Lunar Series.

Passing over a number of glyphs, which are entirely eroded, but which
by position must form the Lunar Series, we reach a legible glyph in AIo.

AIo is glyph A of the Lunar Series with a coefficient of Io.

B1o is a month sign with a coefficient of 8.

There are no further legible glyphs on the monument.

In attempting to arrive at a conclusion as to the date of the monument,
it is necessary to take a number of factors into consideration. First, the
stela may be classed as early on stylistic grounds. It is carved on the front
only, there is only one subsidiary figure, and the carving, as far as one can
see in its present weathered condition, is primitive in comparison with the
remaining monuments of the group. On these grounds we can stipulate that
146 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

the monument was erected prior to 9. Turning now to the in

II.o-o-o.
scription, we have seen that the Tun coefficient is very probably a zero, and
the Kin coefficient has probably the same numerical value, and we can,
therefore, be almost certain that the uinal coefficient is also a zero. We have
thus narrowed our search down to a Katun before 9.11.o-o-o ending on
the eighth day of a month. The only katun between 9.o.o-o-o and 9.11.o-o-o
that fulfills these requirements is the half cycle date 9. Io.o-o-o, I Ahau
8 Kayab, and this is probably the date of the Initial Series.

Stela 4

Location. Ceremonial Plaza, Macanxoc.

Date. 9.9.1o-o-o, 2 Ahau 13 Pop.
References. Morley, 1926, page 275.
Morley, 1927, page, 58.
Photographs. Morley, 1927, figure 5.
Plate 3, b.
Drawing. Figure 65.

Stela 4 was found inside a small shrinelike

structure with corbelled roof at the base of the
stairway leading to Structure II. The chamber,
in which it was situated, had obviously been
erected to shelter the stela. The interior meas
urements of this small structure were: height
3.52 meters, width 1.72 meters, depth 1.82
meters. The masonry was poor, and the vaulting
all

sloped inward from four walls. Apparently

doorway the front wall, which
in

there was
a

probably occupied practically the whole

of

the
front, but was impossible obtain its meas
to
it

urements owing collapse. The stela itself,

to

the front only, was the

on

which was carved

tallest carved stela found the Cobá area, hav
in

ing height
of

of

3.15 meters, width I.20

a
a

35

depth Immediately
of

in

meters and cm.

a

Altar AIo
of

front the stela placed (p. 175).

of is

The front the stela does not present

a

; ºi

flat surface, for large flake missing from the

is

-
a

top left corner. Apparently this was lacking

t
4,

FIG. 65—Stela Macanxoc.

before the stone was prepared stela,
to

as

serve
a

was knocked off during the quarrying shaping the stela, for the sec
or

or

of
it

part the inscrip

of

tion exposed below has been utilized for the presentation

at of

tion, although, possibly owing the stone being harder this point, the relief
of to

very low. There total 132 glyph blocks arranged

in

nine columns.
is

is
a

inscription
on

an

The opens the left with Initial Series presented thus:

A1–B2 the Initial Series Introductory glyph carved low relief.
in
is

A3 reads clearly Cycles.

as
9
 Monuments of CobA REGIon I47

lie
B3 is the Katun sign with a very eroded coefficient which appears to between and

6
Io inclusive.
A4 The space occupied by this glyph block the deepest depression

of
the shallow

is
above. Consequently the glyph, which the Tun sign,

to
surface referred

is

of is
slightly displaced, and the coefficient placed above the glyph, instead

of
Io
is
the remaining glyphs

of
the left the Initial Series.
to

as
in
B4 has pretty sure attached what appears the Uinal glyph.

be
to

to
a

o
As also has fairly certain also fairly clearly the Kin glyph.

of to
attached what

is
o
a
probably
an

eroded glyph, which

of
B5 view the zero coefficients B4 and A5

in
is

2. is
as
Ahau. The coefficient, which placed above the glyph, reads best

is
The glyphs following are too read, but were undoubtedly the

to
eroded
Lunar Series, A9 indicates.
as

clearly glyph
of

of
A9 the Lunar Series with coefficient
A

9.
is,is

a
beof an

apparently, eroded month sign with

Io
B9 coefficient which above and below

is
a
the pretty certain reading

of

of
In

Ahau the coefficient

as
16. view B5 this
month must 13.

Of Lahuntuns between 9.6.1o-o-o and Io. Io-o-o only one has day

9.

a
sign Ahau. This 9.9. Io-o-o, Pop, and almost certainly the

13
Ahau
is

is
2

date of the Initial Series.

The next legible glyphs are secondary
I,
column where there
in

is
a
series apparently connecting two dates. They read follows:

as
Muluc, with
be

day sign, which might

of
I3 I2

Io.

or
coefficient
is
a

9
a
an

eroded glyph, which from the context probably

of

to

has coefficient attached

is
7
a

month sign.
a
an

eroded Uinal glyph with the left, and above

be of
7. 11
I4

to

coefficient second
is

a
coefficient which probably 12, but might
12 is

reads very clearly

I7 I6 I5

Tuns.
day sign which might
of

be

Ahau.
to

has coefficient attached

a

apparently the month Yax with

of

17
or

coefficient either 16,

is

18.
a

Taking the date Yax, which far and away

be

18
I6

I7

Ahau
in

to

and
is
4

reading, placing long its nearest position

at

count
in

the best and this the

the Initial Series, we get the following statement:
to

9.8.16-14- Muluc Pop

9,
9

I2-12-II

9- 9-
o,

18

Ahau Yax
9.
9.

The last date exactly half Tun before the Lahuntun marked by the
is

Initial Series. There possibility that this Yax date

18

meant for
is

is
a

Katun determinant. At 9.9. Io-o-o the Maya year had advanced 176 days
the tropical year according Gregorian calculations.
to to

If

this
in

indeed
is

determinant, the Maya seem have been using calculation that would
a

the tropical year.

an

of

In

give them 180 days Yax

18

that case
in

advance
13.o.o-o-o, Pop, the date
of
at

13

Ahau Cumhu has now advanced

to

the
4

Lahuntun ending. Teeple has shown that Palenque the astronomers seem
at

have achieved results that ran three four days-more than Gregorian.
or
to

T.

the correlation first put forward by Mr. Goodman, and subse

In

J.

quently revived by Mr. Martinez’ and the writer, the Initial Series
of

this
stela occupies the position March 21, A.D. 623. This date the spring
is

Goodman, 1905. Martinez, 1926. Thompson, 1927.

*

*
I48 PRELIMINARY Study of RUINs of CoBA

equinox. The secondary series date 4 Ahau 18 Yax, then, takes the date
back 180 days, so that it reaches the position September 22 in the tropical
year. The season in this way is shown to have gained on the Maya year to the
extent of the difference of one equinox to the other. One must remember,
however, that so far there is not sufficient evidence to show that this corre
lation is correct, nor for that matter that the Maya made any note of
equinoxes.
I7 bears some resemblance to the month sign Chen, but this reading
appears to be ruled out by the fact that the secondary series, if subtracted
from 18 Chen, would lead to 12 Cumhu, but we have already seen that the
month sign has a coefficient of 7. In any case the dates must be taken as
open to some doubt.
There are no more legible glyphs in this column until the bottom of the
inscription. II6 is a day sign with a coefficient of 2, and I18 has a coefficient
of 13. In view of the known Maya practise of frequently repeating the
terminal date of the Initial Series at the close of the inscription, it appears
very probable that this date is 2 Ahau 13 Pop, which is the terminal date of
the best reading of the Initial Series. This, incidentally, is a strong con
firmation of the correctness of the reading. Below and to the left of the
main figure there is a subsidiary double column panel of glyphs.
B15 appears to be 7 Ahau.
A16 begins a secondary series. The coefficient to the left is clearly 4, and that above
most resembles the zero sign, but might be any number between 6 and 15 in
clusive.
B16 reads clearly 3 Tuns.
A17 is an obliterated day sign with a coefficient of 9.
B17 is a month sign which most resembles Mac. The coefficient is probably 1, but
might be 2 or 3.

If the
count is forward, the Uinal coefficient must be 7, if backward the
coefficient must be 12, but if we are correct in assuming that B15 reads 7
Ahau, then the count must be forward, for backward it would lead to a day
Cib, which requires a month coefficient of 4, whereas we are limited to a
month with a coefficient of I, 2 or 3. The calendar round date, then, may
read 9 Kan 2 Mac. Placing this in the long count at the position nearest the
Initial Series, we get the following equation:
9. 9.6-4-o, 7 Ahau 13 Xul?
3- 7-4,

9. 9...9-11-4, 9 Kan 2 Mac:

It will be noted that the second date is only 44 days later than the
all

suggested reading of the calendar round in IS and I6. Nevertheless four

doubtful, especially the last two discussed.
be
of

as

these dates must taken

The following dates, then, appear
be

on

this monument:
to

recorded
Io-o-o, Pop.
2 13 13

Initial Series
9. 9. 9.

Ahau
9. 9. 9.

4 9 9 7 2

2ndary Series 6- 4–o, Ahau Xul?

2ndary Series 9-11-4, Kan MacP:
2ndary Series 9.8. 16-14-9, Muluc Pop?
18 7
9-

2ndary 9–0, Yax?

9.
9.

Series Ahau
 Mon UMENTs of CobA REGION I49

There are no more legible dates.

While excavating the base of the monument in order to complete the
drawing of the sculptured zone, a number of shells were found. These were
cephalopods of marine origin, and clearly formed a votive cache buried at
the base of the stela when it was erected in the vaulted shrine. The poverty
of this cache might be considered indirect evidence for the re-erection of the
for

the Maya would

at
stela, the date was first erected doubtful

it

if
it
is
nothing

its
have been content deposit better than
to

at
few shells base.

a
Stela

5
Location. Ceremonial Plaza, Macanxoc.
Date. 9.11.1o-o-o,
11

18
Ahau Chen.
References. Morley, 1926, page 275.
Morley, 1927, page 58.
Photographs. Morley, 1927, figure 11.
5,

late
a.

Drawing. Figure 66.

low platform
on

was found

in
Stela
a
5

apparent stairway Structure III

of

of

front the
(p. 91). two pieces, the lower
of in
It

was broken
an

half facing angle 213° magnetic. The

at

high,
95

stela measured 2.42 meters cm. wide

All four
sides were carved,
35

and cm. thick.

the front and back being occupied by figures
and glyphs, the sides by glyphs only. However,
owing the very poor condition the carving
of
to

weathering, was impossible

to

to

due ascertain
of it

glyph blocks,
on

the exact number but the

on

front there are about 55, the back 68. The

inscription the front, that
on

the southwest
is
an

side, opens with Initial Series follows:

as

AI-B2 Initial Series Introducing glyph with the

*
variable month indicator element defaced.
A3 the Cycle glyph. The coefficient above the
is

is

glyph and not

to

as

the left the case the

in
is

remaining glyphs
of

the Initial Series. This

."
is

the panel en- ...

of
to

due the fact that the curve -

+

back
"" *—sº
so

closing the inscription close that there was

is

-
place
to

to to

no room the coefficient the left.

be

Unfortunately too obliterated read, but presumably was originally

9.
is
it

it
B3

recognized without much difficulty the Katun sign with

be

as

can coefficient that

a

probably 11, but might possibly

be
6.
is

an

A4 the Tun sign.

to

has eroded coefficient attached

the Uinal glyph with
of

B4 clear coefficient
o.
is

is a

by
B5A5

clearly
o,

and the glyph position must the Kin sign.

be

has coefficient which

an a

by

its

eroded glyph, which, position,

P.
the cartouche which contained and
in
is

is
it

clearly the day sign terminating the Initial Series. As the coefficient
o,
is

is

the day must probably but might

11
be

be

Ahau. The coefficient

6.
is

re

Glyph
as

the form associated with the ninth form,

in of

of

A6 the Lunar Series

G
is

quired here the Uinal and Kin signs.

of

of

view the zero coefficients

 I5o

B6 possibly
A7
"...
egiDie.
.. PRELIMINARY

Glyph F of the Lunar Series.

STUDY

to be either Glyph D or Glyph E of the Lunar Series.

B7 is Glyph C of the Lunar Series. There is no coefficient.

A8 is Glyph X of the Lunar Series.
of RUINs of CoBA

The coefficient is not

B8 is Glyph B of the Lunar Series.

A9 is Glyph A of the Lunar Series with a coefficient of 9.
B9 should by position be the month sign. Unfortunatey the glyph is entirely eroded.
The coefficient also is very worn, although it was clearly very high, and as the
day sign must have been Ahau, the coefficient was in

all
probability 18.

The only Tun day

on
Katun ending
Ahau and month

II

II
of in

18 or
6
a

a
Io-o-o,
Chen. The possible
18
with coefficient Ahau
9.11.

is
a

be I
I
too early stylistic

on
reading
of

the Katun coefficient ruled out

as

as
can

6
grounds, and, furthermore, no Tun

on
that Katun ending day Ahau

II
in

a
beyond

of
has month sign with coefficient 18. The Initial Series, then, can
a

a
be

be
any reasonable doubt the Lahuntun date given above

to
considered
but made even more certain by AIo, which appears mark the end

to
Io it
is

pretty clear the right fairly clear

of

Io

to
Tuns. Above and below
is
a

a
what might well

be
Tun sign, while the left
to

hand.
is

a
No further glyphs are legible
on

of
the front the monument. The back
very badly weathered and yields nothing legible. The east side
of it of of

the stela
is is

somewhat clearer. The top glyphs are entirely illegible, fact

In in
the stela
impossible state how many may originally view
to

there have been.

is

this uncertainty, the legible glyphs are lettered from arbitrary Y8.

an

In
no case are the glyphs themselves legible, but they have attached

to
them the
following coefficients:
Y8
13 > 13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Y13
Z8 Z13
Y9 Y14
Z9 Z14
13 13 13 13 P 13 :

YIo Y15
ZIo Z15
Y11 Y16
Z11 Z16
Y12 Y17
Z12 Z17
Y18

glyphs with coefficients

of

of

This strange sequence

13
I. of

reminds one
Unfortunately
8 on

the similar series this case the series not

of in

Stela
is

followed by Ahau Cumhu, the terminal date Cycle 13;

at

least were
if
it
4

followed the glyphs are not now visible.

so

no

on

of

There are further legible passages the stela, and the date
erection was probably that Io-o-o,
of

the Initial Series—the Lahuntun 9.11.

Chen. This Lahuntun only some
or

days later
18

Ahau
II

in

the
is

at 6

tropical year than the original Ahau Cumhu Cycle 13, and this may
4

the reason for the repetition the glyphs with coefficients

be

lead
13
of

of

ing up, possibly,

be

this date either suppressed,

or
to

to

too weathered
read.
 Monuments of Cobá REGION I 5I

Stela 6

Location. Ceremonial Plaza, Macanxoc.

Date. 9.9.o-o-o, 3 Ahau 3 Zotz.
References. Morley, 1926, pages 275, 276.
Morley, 1927, pages 58 to 62.
Photographs. Morley, 1927, figure 8.
Plate 6.
Drawing. Figure 67.

Stela 6 was found in several fragments,

the upper two-thirds being firmly imbedded
in the trunk of a tree growing nearly in
front of the entrance to the court of Struc
ture V. The lower third of the monument
was found almost directly beneath the tree
its

among roots. The growth the tree of

may have altered the angle
at at

which the
stela was originally set, but present

it
an
is at

angle magnetic.
of

faces 270° The

height 2.15 meters, breadth meters,
15
I.

Only one side, the front,

20

thickness cm.
the sculptured
In

addition
to

carved.
is

49

figure there are glyph blocks arranged

eight columns. The inscription opens
in

normally
as on

an

the left with Initial Series

arranged follows:
AI-B2 The Initial Series Introductory glyph.
The central month indicator element

|
is

6,

FIG. 67—Stela Macanxoc.

legible.
be
to

too eroded
by
A3

entirely obliterated, but the context the glyph can safely restored
be

as
that
is

the cycle, and the coefficient we are justified restoring

of

of
of as

view the fact

in

in
9
all

that known inscriptions from this site fall the middle this cycle.
in

the Katun sign with

of

B3 clear coefficient
9.
is is is

A4 probably otuns.
B4 fairly clear Uinals.
o

A5 an equally clear Kins.

o

re
be

partially eroded, but does not appear the required day sign; indeed
is to

B5
it
is

sembles more numerical head. There bare possibility that the glyph may
a

represent the last variant glyph

to of

of

the Lunar Series—the Kin-maize form.

G

A6 unfortunately
be

too eroded read.

is

B6 also illegible.
is

what appears day sign. Possibly this

of

be
to

to

A7 has coefficient attached

3
a

Ahau, the required terminal day

of

should read the Initial Series 9.9.o-o-o.

3

B7 might just possibly Zotz, the required month sign.

be
3

A8 bears strong resemblance the Initial Series Introductory glyph.

is to
a

suppressed, the space required for the head

of
as

B8 the ceremonial bar carried

is

by the principal figure.

A9 very clear Cycles with the coefficient above.
is

9
a

B9 suppressed for the same reason

as

B8.
AIo reads very clearly
as

Katuns.
9
an

BIo equally clear

10

Tuns.
A11 the upper part clearly the Uinal sign and the lower part the Kin glyph. To the
is

left there zero sign. -

is
a

B11 apparently Ahau with

of

clear coefficient
2.
a
152 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

A12 reads very clearly as glyph G of the Lunar Series. The variant being the normal
form of the required. Kin-maize patron.
B12 is equally clearly glyph F of the Lunar Series.
A13 is glyph D of the Lunar Series with a coefficient, which, although the lower half
is broken
sº must be 9.
B13 is glyph C of the Lunar Series with a coefficient of 2 to the left of the variable
element, which in this case is represented by the round eye variant, sometimes,
though probably erroneously, called the zero sign.
C1 is occupied by X of the Lunar Series.
§F.
D1 is glyph B of the Lunar Series, though much weathered.
C2 is glyph A of the Lunar Series with a coefficient of Io.
D2 has a coefficient of 13, but the glyph to which it is attached is illegible. Actually
the month glyph required to correspond to the Initial Series in this case is 13 Pop,
and in view of the fact that the coefficient is 13, it seems reasonable to restore
the glyph as the month sign Pop.

There are no more legible glyphs except G9, which may be 9 Katuns.
The two Initial Series recorded are:
9. 9. o-o-o, 3 Ahau 3 Zotz.
9. 9. Io-o-o, 2 Ahau 13 Pop.

On the principle that the latest date on the monument is the date of
erection unless there is definite evidence to the contrary, the second of these
two Initial Series would be accepted as the contemporaneous date, but as the
Lahuntun ending 9.9. Io-o-o, 2 Ahau 13 Pop is also recorded on Stela 4
(see p. 147), the writer feels that the earlier of the two Initial Series, the
Lahuntun ending 9.9.o-o-o, 3 Ahau 3 Zotz should be accepted as the date
of erection. Such a choice is supported by two pieces of evidence. The
first and strongest is that Stela 6 is stylistically earlier than Stela 4 and
therefore was in all probability erected earlier than Stela 4. The second
reason for accepting the earlier date is that, apparently, 9 Katuns is empha
sized by repetition near the close of the inscription. Whereas it was occa
sionally the practise in the most important Maya cities to erect two monu
ments on the same date, it seems doubtful that such a practise would arise
at Cobá, which at this time was an outlying provincial center. Furthermore
no other two monuments at Cobá, so far as we know, commemorated the
same date."
Stela 7

Location. Ceremonial Plaza, Macanxoc.

Date. Uncertain.
References. Morley, 1927, page 59.
Photographs. Morley, 1927, figure 6.
Plate 7, a.

Stela 7 stands on a small platform in the center of the stairway leading to

Structure V at Macanxoc. The stela, which has a height of 1.52 meters and
a width of 80 cm., is not parallel to the stairway, in the center of which it is
placed, nor to the structure behind The stairway and the structure face
it.
an

an
of

of
at

angle 270° magnetic, whereas the stela angle

at

west set 264°.

is
6,
as

Dr. Morley accepts the later date suggesting

at
of

of

the date erection Stela the same time that the

*

8,

Katun ending 9.9.o-o-o, Ahau Zotz was marked by either Stela

or

of

Stela both which are too weathered

3

7
p.

p.

yield any date. Morley, 1926, 275; 1927,

to

57.
 MonumeNts of CoBA REGIon I 53

The stela is very badly weathered. There are no signs of any carving on the
sides or back, and the carving on the front is so eroded that it is impossible
to recognize any details. In fact there is a possibility that the stela never was
carved. In support of this might be cited the fact that no carving was visible

all
on the 2 or 3 inches covered by soil at the base. As

at
the dated stelae
Macanxoc mark Lahuntun endings, Morley (1927, pp. 62) suggests

59

to
that the two undated monuments, Stelae

8,
and also record Lahuntun

7
these stelae marked the Lahuntun ending

of
endings. He suggests that one
II.O-O-O, Ahau Ceh and the other commences the Macanxoc sequence
12
9.

with the date 9.9.o-o-o, Zotz. The stylistic treatment

of
Ahau the

3
3
of

figures the base Stela indicates that this monument was erected after
at

8
3,

Stela and, therefore, probably occupies position around 9.11.o-o-o,

a
that case Stela may have been erected
In

to
12

Ahau Ceh. commemorate

8

7
the Katun ending 9.9.o-o-o, Ahau Zotz, but we have seen that Stela
3

6
probably commemorated that Katun date. any

of

of
In
view the absence
visible carving, impossible fix any date for this monument.
to
it
is

Stela
8

Location. Macanxoc Ceremonial Plaza.

Date. Possibly 9.11.o-o-o,
12

Uncertain. Ahau Ceh.

References. Morley, 1926, pages 275, 276. 8
Morley, 1927, page 59.
Photographs. Morley, 1927, figure
7.
7,

Plate
b.

Drawing. Figure 68.

by the third Carnegie Expedition Cobá

in
to
Stela was discovered
8

type, consisting
of

of
small open court the shrine low
It

in

1926. stands
at a

a
by

platform enclosed low wall,

on

of of
the back and the two sides front
in
a

which runs low bench faced with stone, and with single projecting line
a

possibility that these stones were originally

at

stones the top. There

is
a

more recent times by

of

flush with the face the bench and were thrust out
in
of

of

the action roots. The exterior width this open court 7.65 meters
is

height
its of

and the depth 4.55 meters. The bench has

75

cm. and 1.45

is

is
a

back touching the

of

meters wide. Stela situated front and with

in
is
in 8

center of the bench front of the back or east wall of the shrine. Both the
an

of

court and the stela have orientation 295° magnetic. The monument
is

large fragments the shrine,

of

broken into several scattered across the floor

original,
of

but large piece, perhaps one-third still situ. This piece

in

the
is
a a

height
of

of

has 1.60 meters and width I.20 meters. The whole surface
a

both the part almost completely

of

situ and the scattered fragments

in

is

inscription can
be

on

No design
or

eroded. detected save few centimeters

a

near the bottom, where the stone had been protected, partly from having
a

small portion the carving below floor level and partly from the accumu
of

the base. Although glyphs are visible, the

no
at
of

lation dirt and débris

arrangement subsidiary
of of

of

the figures grouped around the feet large

a

figure permits approximation. remembered that Dr. Morley

be
an

will
It
I54 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

suggested that Stelae 7 and 8 occupied unfilled gaps in the sequence of Lahun
tun dates at Macanxoc. He suggests that one of these monuments com
memorated the Lahuntun ending 9.9.o-o-o, 3 Ahau 3 Zotz, the other the
Lahuntun ending 9.11.o-o-o, 12 Ahau 8 Ceh. An examination of the
carving and arrangement of the subsidiary figures of Stela 8 (plate 8, b)
shows them to belong stylistically to a later period than 9.9.0-o-o. The
carving is superior both in technique and scope to that of Stela 4, which
commemorates the Lahuntun ending 9.9. Io-o-o, and Stela 3, which marks
the Lahuntun ending 9.1o.o-o-o, I Ahau 8 Kayab.
At the time Dr. Morley suggested
that these two undated monuments
occupied the Lacunae in the Lahuntun
series at Macanxoc, Stela 21 at No
: hoch Mul had not been discovered.
This monument, apparently, com
memorates the second of the two
Lacunae—the date 9. II.o-o-o. This
does not necessarily invalidate Dr.
Morley's contention, for we have seen
already that Stelae 4 and 6 register
the same date by means of an Initial
Series. Nevertheless the fact that
another monument, although in a
different group, records this date must
detract from the plausibility of Dr.
Morley's suggestion.
All that we can say is that on
stylistic grounds Stela 8 appears to
date from about 9. II.o-o-o, 12 Ahau
FIG. 68—Stela 8, Macanxoc. 8 Ceh.

Stela 9

Location. Cobá. In front of west side of Ball Court (Structure XVII).

Date. Uncertain.
References. Maler's field notes. See page 8.
Gann, 1926, page 118.
Morley, 1926, page 275. Stela 9 is there given the number 11.
Photographs. Bennett, 1930a, figure 92.
Plate 8, a.

Stela 9 was first discovered by Teobert Maler during his visit to Cobá
in 1893. Morley (1926, p. 275) refers to it under the designation Stela II,
a number not retained. It stands alongside Stela Io, the two occupying a
small raised walled enclosure of the type called shrine in this report, standing
against the west side of the Ball Court (Structure XVII). The floor of the
shrine, which measures 5.15 meters from north to south and 3.30 meters in
depth from east to west, is raised 20 cm. above the general plaza level. There
 Monuments of CobA REGION I55

is a wall at the back 45 cm. thick and with a present height of 1.15 meters.
From the ends of this wall side walls project forward a distance of about 2
meters. Stelae 9 and Io are set at the rear of the shrine in line with their
backs almost touching the wall (fig. 17). Stela 9 stands I meter north
of Stela Io. It has been broken, but has a present height of 1.15 meters.
The width is 89 cm. and the thickness is 26 cm. The stone is very badly
weathered. There is a single column of glyph blocks down the south side of
the front (west) face, and there is a possibility that there was a similar column

all
down the north side of the face. Unfortunately the glyph blocks are too
yield any information. The center occupied by very

of
to

eroded the face

is

a
weathered figure standing full face with feet turned out

an
angle

of
at
180°.
He holds bar tilt across his chest, and across his knees he
at
ceremonial
a

trident-shaped

on
bar with ends similar the Macanxoc

to
wears those
a

stelae. Only the front carved.

is

The similarity
on

the design the dated stelae from Macanxoc would

to

indicate that the monument dates from the same period. The apparent
captives below the feet the principal figure would indicate that
of

of

absence
the stelae probably belonged the early group Macanxoc stelae. to of
to

Candles are still burnt and offerings made Stela by visiting hunters

9
on

of

Io
explained page broken pieces from both Stelae and
as

3.

number
A

9
piled up altar, and
an

on
of
front into the rough this
in

have been semblance

the offerings are made.
Stela 10

Location. XVII).
of

of
In

Cobá. front west side Ball Court (Structure

Date. Uncertain.
Maler's field notes. See page
8.

References.
Gann, 1926, page 118.
Morley, 1926, page 275. Stela
Io

there given the designation Stela 12.

is

Photograph. Bennett, 1930a, figure 92.

8,

Plate
a.

by

Io, the companion Stela was first found Teobert Maler 1893.
9,
of

Stela
in

facing small shrine described under the heading

of

stands Stela
in

a 9.
It

west
a

its

The monument, like companion, has been badly broken.

It

has
86

35

present height
of

of

of

1.27 meters, width cm. and thickness cm.

a
a

weathered that nothing can

be

of

The stone
so

made out save few lines

is

unrecognizable carving. There are recognizable glyphs. Only the front

no
its

carved, far present condition.

in
as

as

one can see

is

Stela
ll

Location. Court A, Cobá.

Date. Uncertain.
References. Maler's field notes.
Gann, 1926, page 118.
Photograph.
5,

Plate
b.

the stairway
of
of

Stela situated the foot

II

of

meters west the

is

2
I).

present height from the base the carving

of

Castillo (Structure
of It

has
a
of

of

The monu
Io

I.47 meters, width 1.05 meters and thickness cm.

a

a
156 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

ment, which is still in position, stands on a low raised platform, which is

4.35 meters wide (north-south) and 4.05 meters deep. Along the back runs
a low wall some 75 cm. high and 40 cm. thick, and the stela is placed in the
of this wall with its back almost touching Short walls extend for

of it.
center
this way

of

In
ward from the ends this back wall for distance 1.50 meters.

a
the stela, which faces west, simple shrine similar

in

to
enclosed those

is

a
already described (fig. 8).
the front only. There

on

no
The stela carved
is
human figure, but the

is
whole face given up hieroglyphs. Originally there appear

to

to
have been
is
42

glyph blocks, arranged

of
six columns seven each, but the top row has

in
been broken off except for the bases, and there may well have been even more
glyph blocks. very eroded, and but little can

be
The whole made out.
is
be

as
B5 appears day sign with coefficient that reads best
to

of of 2.
a

a
an

ending sign the left and, apparently,

to

B7 has coefficient above.

9. 5
a
C5

also, apparently, day sign with very clear coefficient

is is

a
a

glyph with an ending sign

to to
D5 the left.
a

be

C6 has what appears

to

zero the left.

a

Nothing more legible until the very last glyph block on the monument
is

divided into two glyphs, both

of
reached.This (F7) which have coeffi
is

is

obviously impossible attempt

of

With such scant data

to
to
cients
it
2.

is

solve the date of the erection of this monument.

Stela 12

Location. Cobá Main Group. Structure IV.

of
In

front
Date. Uncertain.
Reference. Pollock, 1929, page 329 (under the designation Stela 14).
Photograph.
9,

Plate
a.

was discovered by Mr. H. Pollock during his visit

to D.
E.
12

Stela Cobá
to
his report Mr. Pollock refers
In

this monument Stela 14, but

as
in

1929.
this designation has been changed
12

the final enumeration.

It
in
to

Stela
found, standing, just leading
to to
of

was still south the stairs Court and in

B

Structure IV, placed

of

of

front shrine similar form those that house

in
a

a
all

the Cobá Main Group. However, neither the stela

in

the carved stelae

nor the shrine that houses are aligned with Structure IV, for they face
in
it

southwesterly direction, whereas Structure IV roughly oriented

to

the
is

cardinal points. The stela, which was broken into some thirty pieces, has
a
45

present height cm. alone are unsculptured.

of
of

meters which the lower

2

35

The width
at

1.38 meters, and the thickness the base cm., decreasing,

to is

is

however, certain extent higher up. The

of

base the carved zone was

a

Only the front

of

of

flush with the floor the shrine. the monument carved.

is

Unfortunately the hieroglyphic inscription entirely eroded, and no

on

the left
is

information as to the date of the stela's erection can be had from this source.
The greater part occupied by full-face figure,
of

the carved zone

is

180°, rest upon two squatting captives facing

an

of

whose feet, set angle

to
at

the left and right, respectively. The one facing the right full,
in
to

shown
is
 Monuments of CoBA REGIon 157

although unfortunately the carving is rather eroded. The captive facing to

the left is not set in the same plane, as was the custom in the other monu
ments of this type at Cobá, but is placed behind his companion so that only
his head and left shoulder are visible, the rest of the body being hidden
behind the body of the other figure. Two other subsidiary captives are
shown in profile in the bottom corners of the panel. That on the observer's
right is badly weathered, but the figure on the left is in a good state of preser
vation. The captive is shown kneeling on his right knee with his hands,
which are tied together at the wrists, raised in supplication. The main
figure appears to be holding a tilted ceremonial bar. The carving, to judge
by what little remains, is of a very high order, and on these grounds the
stela can probably be dated as belonging to the close of the middle period.

is,
The arrangement of the captives below the feet in different planes cer
tainly, the sculpture
an

on

excellent,

I,
advance Stela and the execution
of

is
of
so

far the present condition

in
as

one can see the stela.

13
Stela

Location. Cobá. In front of Structure XVI.

Date. Uncertain.
Reference. Pollock, 1929, pages 328, 329.
9,

Photograph. Plate
b.

was found by the fifth Carnegie Expedition

13

Stela Cobá under the

to
leadership
D.
of

E.

Mr. H. Pollock 1929. The monument was found

is in
in

position Structure XVI.

of

of
of a at

of

the foot the south face

It
the center
small shrine, consisting low platform about meters square,
of

placed
in

3
a

formed by low wall with present height

of
the back which about 1.20
is

a
of

of of
meters, against the center which stands the stela. From the extremities
the back wall short antae project forward. These have present height
a
at 60

some cm. Although these enclosing walls were once undoubtedly higher
the platform floor
on
of

than present, the small accumulation débris

clearly shows that the shrine was never roofed like that
of

4,

Stela but must

Io,
9,

The stela, which

of

have been similar

II

in
to

those Stelae and 12.

of is

preservation, has height

of of
of

bad state 1.5o meters from the base the

a

sculpture, there being unsculptured butt. The width

15

further cm.
is
a

some 24 cm. Only the front This

88

cm. and the thickness carved.

a is

is

figure facing the left, the leg profile from

of

shows the faint outlines

in
to

thigh heel being clearly visible. Close the left edge raised panel runs
to

to

top bottom, distinguished

be
on

of

from this may the faint outlines

to

and
all

incised glyphs. Unfortunately are badly eroded and yield nothing legible.
Mr. Pollock suggests that this monument may have been moved from
its

original position, and reset some later period. He writes:

at

be

“In the process preparing the stela photographed,

of

to

was discovered that

it

the enclosure, and sculpture were

of

of
18

12

was set about inches into the floor inches

it

thus hidden. The low height only un

of

of

of

the monument and the existence inches

6

sculptured stone the base point the possibility that several feet the lower end may
of
at

to

have been broken off and the stone reworked its present condition. Keeping
to

mind the
in
I58 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

early dates, but rather late architectural types, known to exist at Cobá, these facts can not

by
its
help but suggest that the stela was set up in present position later people than the

a
actual sculptors, perhaps venerable object rather than contemporaneous record.”

as
a

a
Although this possible explanation, one must not lose sight

of of
the

is
a
fact that there are other equally applicable explanations. The butt the
stela may have been broken off during the transportation the stela im

of of
during the actual work carving. At

or
mediately was completed
it
Chichen Itzá, at
least, we know that was Maya custom carve the design

to
it

a
cutting practise
on

of
out the solid rock.” this

If
stone before had been

it
a

Cobá, the base the stela may have fractured while the work

of
at

of
followed

is,
cutting out was still being done. There however, another explanation,
it

which possibly appears more reasonable.

of
Both the two stelae, which the
writer excavated the base, proved have very short uncarved butts.
to

to
these, Stela Macanxoc had only some
I,

25
of

of
The first
at
cm. uncarved
butt, and the lowest the sculptured zone was below floor

of
or
Io

15

cm.
4,

level. The second, Stela had also very short butt. Stela was not

8
base, a
carving below the plat

25

of
but there were some
to

excavated the cm.

form level. This would suggest that most

of
the stelae were carved with
short plain butts, but after they had been position some time, the butts
in
too short, some
be

proved
of

of
lean out
to

to
the stelae commenced the
perpendicular and was necessary

of
the floors around
to

raise the level

in it

position. Stela Nohoch Mul had longer butt

20
to

at

them hold them

a
necessitated by the exceptional height the stela, but even
of

this case the

in
60

total length was only some cm. The question the possible relocation
of

of
on

the monuments dealt with page 133.

is

On stylistic grounds Stela can probably early

an
assigned
to
13

be

period, preceding the date composition very

of

Stela (9.9.o-o-o). The

is
6

simple and crudely treated. The incised glyphs, too, would indicate

an
is

early date.
Stela 14

Location. Cobá Main Group. XII.

of
In

front Structure
Date. Uncertain.
Reference. Pollock, 1929, page 329.
by

the fifth Carnegie Expedition

I4

Cobá
in
to

Stela was discovered

At that time was reported (Pollock, 1929, 329) without desig
p.

1929.
it

its “completely ruinous condition.” The monument, like

of

nation
in

view
all

the other carved stelae the Cobá Main Group,

in

in

housed stela
is

the usual type. This shrine, which has length

of

of

shrine meters and

a

45 a
5

2.14 meters, including the usual back wall and antae, which are
of

breadth
cm. thick, Structure XII. The stela itself shat
at

of

situated the east end

is

is

very give any

of

tered into large fragments, impossible

to

number and
it
is
a

Apparently only carved,

of

measurements. the front the stone and this

is

is

1929, pp. 328-329.

* *

p.

Kilmartin, 1924, 215.

 MonumeNts of CoBA REGION I 59

so weathered yield no definite information beyond the

and shattered as to
fact that the monument was originally carved and therefore presumably
once carried a date.
Stela 15
Location. Cobá.
Date. Uncertain.
Photograph. Plate 8, b.

Stela I 5 was located by the sixth Carnegie Expedition in 1930. It was

situated in front of the center of the north side of a small mound at the
extreme east end of Cobá close to the Macanxoc-Cobá causeway. Unfor
tunately less than half the monument was found, the rest having been broken
into a large number of small badly pulverized fragments. The standing
portion has a height of I meter, a width of 1.15 meters, and a thickness of
28 cm. Only the front is carved. In its present condition, this presents the
lower part of the legs of a large figure with feet turned out at an angle of 180°.
The feet rest on the backs of two prisoners, who are arranged in a position
very similar to that of the two smaller captives under the feet of the principal
figure of Stela I at Macanxoc. On either side of them is another subsidiary
figure. That on the observer's left is shown kneeling full face, though the
figure is eroded above the waist. The figure on the observer's right is also
shown kneeling, but in profile. His arms are shown resting on his knees,
apparently tied at the wrists. The treatment again is very similar to that
of Stela I, but the leg of the kneeling figure in profile on Stela 15 is not so
well carved, the upper part being shown as abnormally thin and the calf
as very thick. Nevertheless the two stelae probably date from about the
same period.
Only one fragment was recovered with glyphs upon

on
This shown
it.

is

glyph surely represents Glyph

of

the left the stela. The first block almost

G
of

the Lunar Series; the form being the normal Kin-maize form associated
with Tun endings and dates nine-day intervals from this base. easy
It
at

is

or,
to

calculate that six the month sign preceded the Lunar Series, seven
if

all

glyphs and the Initial Series Introductory glyph preceded Glyph

G.

In

probability we have not erred allowing four glyph blocks for the latter and
in

six for the Initial Series and the day sign, assigning the letter A6 the first
to

glyph block
on

this fragment.
A6, Glyph the Lunar Series, the normal form
of

of

the Kin-maize
as

we have seen,
G
of is
its

with superfix three shell-like circles indicating that the missing Initial Series
probability Tun ending.
all

was
in

B6 fractured diagonally across, and only the lower part preserved. This may well
is

is

represent Glyph
of

the Lunar Series.

F

A7 rather eroded. The coefficient clearly

3.
is is

is

apparently Glyph the top

of

of

the Lunar Series. The circular indent

at

B7 the
E

no

lunar sign very clear. There coefficient.

is

is

A8, only the top half this glyph remains. By position Glyph
of

of
be

should the
D
it

Lunar Series, but not enough remains

of

its identification.
to

allow
an

on

B8, the remaining upper part this glyph reveals part ending sign the left,
of of

of

possibly part Glyph

of

the Lunar Series.

C
16o PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

There is no further inscription except for two small glyphs, which are to
be seen close to the right leg of the subsidiary figure on the observer's left.
These are badly weathered, but to judge from other monuments they were
not of a calendrical nature.
There is a faint possibility that A7 represents Glyph E of the Lunar
Series, and B7 Glyph D. In that case the only Hotun endings about 23 days

all
9.12.1o-o-o, Zotz,

be
possible would

18
after a new moon at Ahau

9
9.12.15-o-o, Zip, 9.13.o-o-o,

or
13
Ahau Ahau Uo.
2

8
Stela 16
Location.
D.
Group
Date. 15. 1–2–8,

11 16
Lamat
9. 9. 9.

Ceh (??)

9 9 9
12.9–2–8, Lamat Yaxkin (???)
or or

11.3–2–8, Lamat Kankin (???)

I
Photograph. Plate Io,
a.
by

the sixth Cobá Expedition Group

16

was found

in

in

D
Stela 1930
lying between the northern termini
of
Sacbe No.

8,
and Sacbe No.

to
the

4
the Ball Court and apparently not associated with any building
of

or
east
other stelae. The stela had fallen face upward, with the result that the glyphs
were badly weathered. which two major

of
was broken into several pieces,
It

pieces and two small fragments were recovered. Unfortunately slice from

a
be

be
the top left corner could not This slice, will seen, meant

as
located.
all-important glyph
of

as
Katun

as
the loss the and coefficient well the less
important Initial Series Introductory glyph.
The monument measures 1.60 meters height, has

85
of
width
in

cm. a
Only This entirely devoted
22

cm. thick. the front

to
and carved.
is

is

in is

glyphs, which there were originally forty, arranged

of

of
four columns ten
glyph blocks each. One complete glyph block and most

on
of

second are
a

the missing fragment the top left corner.

of

broad panel runs around the

A

outside, and the top square, rather unusual feature. The material
is

is
a

a
rather soft limestone.
entirely missing, having formed part lacking.
of

A1 the corner that From the

is

is

context, however, safely restored the Initial Series Introductory glyph.

be

as

can
it

reads Cycles. Both the glyph, which the normal form, and coefficient are clear.
of

B1
is
9

only small fraction the right side the suffix remains. By position
of

of

A2 must have
it
a

been the Katun glyph.

be

as

B2 can recognized the Tun sign with little difficulty. Note the horizontal
a

the upper half the glyph. The coefficient very

of

of

medial band and the curve

is
Io

eroded, and may have been anything between and inclusive, but with the
o

probability that
or

was less.
it

5
by

position must the Uinal glyph.

of
be

A3 One dot the coefficient remains. The

spacing three dots, just possibly
of

of

or

this dot would allow for maximum

a

do
or as

very squeezed four. However, not appear

to

ornamental crescents have

a

on

been used this monument, two three are the best readings with one and four
as

bare possibilities.
B3 very clearly Kins.
is is

day sign with the coefficient Kins, the eroded day sign must
of

A4 As B3
9.

is
a

be Lamat.
B4
by

position must either the month sign, more probably Glyph

of
be

the Lunar
or

G
no

month sign. Furthermore

to

Series. close examination shows resemblance

A

a
on

as

there no coefficient, the element the left not being bar, curved.
is

is
it
a
 Monuments of Cobá REGION 161

Accordingly it must be Glyph G. Unfortunately the night position to which it

corresponds is not easily identifiable, partly because of erosion and partly because
of lack of comparative material. Nevertheless it is certainly not the variant
associated with either the first, fourth, fifth or ninth positions, as these require
variants into the composition of which enters a numerical element. In this way
the reading of the Uinal coefficient as I can be definitely eliminated (1 Uinal
plus 8 Kins = 28 Kins, divided by 9 leaves a remainder of

1).
The same rule also
eliminates the reading Uinals plus

of

68
the Uinal coefficient Kins are

as

5, (3
3

a 8
by
Kins, divided 5), and too, reading had

of

of as
leaves remainder such

if
In 9

be
been possible. this way the possible readings the Uinal coefficient can
two–2, just possibly and the Glyph

be
the variant cor

4,
or or
to
reduced must

G
responding third, just possibly the seventh position. However, the charac
to

is,
the seventh position—the sacred bracket flame—is lacking, and one
of

teristic
therefore, forced Glyph that corresponding

of
to
conclude that the variant

G
is
the third position. Indeed, close examination between the Glyph

of
19 to

Stela

G
a

In
Copan and the variant under discussion reveals
at

certain resemblance.

a
both cases the main element contained cartouche, and both cases

in

in
is

a
sausagelike tassel element attached—in the Copan stela above and this case

in
is

as
to the left. Nevertheless the identification must be treated doubtful.
appears Glyph
of
be

A5 the Lunar Series. Note the eroded elements above the

to

main element. These appear the typical Glyphbe be

to

suffix.

F
B5 very eroded, but may possibly the beetle glyph occasionally found following
is

Glyph The three loops the top are clear, but the hindlegs are entirely eroded,
F.

at

considered very doubtful. To the left the glyph

of
be

and the identification must

there coefficient of Io.
is
a

probably Glyph

be

in of be
seen what may
of

A6 the Lunar Series. On the left can the

D
is

hand with both thumb and forefinger pointing upward. The coefficient

is
7
very clear the original and can distinguished with little difficulty
be
in

the

a
photograph.
Glyph the Lunar Series. The half moon, the outspread hand, small head,
of

B6
is

ending bracket, and coefficient little difficulty

of

be

can identified with both

in
2

a
the photograph and the original.
by

Glyph
be

position must unusual, but the tas

of

the Lunar Series. The form

of X

A7
is

sel element characteristic Glyph X, when follows Glyph with coefficient

C
it

a
recognized
of

of be

to
2,

can the left.

Glyph eroded,
of

B7 the Lunar Series. The central element the rodent's head

is

is
B

but the ending bracket the left and the crossed band the right and above are
to

to

clearly legible.
Glyph the Lunar Series, the moon element being particularly clear. The
of

A8
A
is

P.
9,

coefficient below appears but with the four dots above, instead below,
of
be
to

Glyph
In
as

the usual practise when the coefficient placed below.

of

the
A
is

is

case of Stela the same treatment

p.

occurs (see 141). However,

1

considering the weathered condition both monuments, very probable that

of

it
is

so

the coefficients were originally

1o

both cases, but the inner bars have been

in

give the appearance having been originally four dots.

of
to
as

eroded
should be, by position, the month glyph the Initial Series, but the glyph
of

B8 too
is

yield any information.

to

eroded
A9 general lunar glyph such very frequently follows the month sign.
as
is
a

No other known calendric glyphs occur except Co, which appears

be
to

the glyph with the open hand and the space

of

crossed bundle
in

firewood
a

between the forefinger and thumb. not uncommon Copan This glyph
at
is

and other cities, although its meaning has

In
so

far escaped elucidation. the

inscription, then, yields
of

present case has coefficient The the

it

5.
a

following information, from which reconstruct the Initial Series:

to

Cycles.
? 9

Katuns.
o–5 (or just possibly o-Io) tuns.
(or just possibly
4)

uinals.
2
162 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

8 Kins.
9 Lamat.
The third (or just possibly the seventh) variant of Glyph G.
7 days after a new moon.
2 completed moons.

We can probably confine the date of the monument to somewhere

between 9.9.O-O-O and 9.16.O-O-O. This is the extreme range of known dates
from this area, and probably as wide a latitude as the stylistic treatment
of the glyphs will allow. Within this period there are twelve dates, which
fill the known requirements of the Initial Series. These are given below
with the approximate age of the moon on each date.
9. 9. I-4–8, 19 days.
9. 9. 4-2–8, 26 days.
. Io. 7–4–8, 18 days.
. Io. Io-2–8, 26 days.
.II. or 4–8, 3 days.
. II. 3-2-8, Io days.

-
. 12. 6–4–8, New Moon.
I 2 9–2 8 y 6 days.
. 13. 2–2–8, 21 days.
. I4. 5–4–8, 14 days.
. 14. 8-2-8, 21 days.
. 15. 1-2-8, 6 days.

Allowing for a variation due to incorrect observation of three days on

each side, we have the following three possible readings:
9. 11.3–2–8, 9 Lamat 1 Kankin, Io days after a new moon.
9. 12.9-2–8, 9 Lamat 11 Yaxkin, 6 days after a new moon.
9. 15. 1–2–8, 9 Lamat 16 Ceh, 6 days after a new moon.

the three dates finally chosen, a point in favor of the third is that the
Of
coefficientof Glyph C is 2, as this date requires during the period of the
standard lunar calendar. This test can not be applied to the other two dates,
as they fall within the period of independence, prior to the inauguration of
the standard calendar. However, the second date is open to suspicion, for
we have seen that the coefficient of the Tun, while possibly as high as Io, is
probably not more than 5. The first only just scrapes into the list, as the
date may be as much as II days after new moon. Consequently the third
dates appear to be the best reading, with the other two possible alternatives.

Stela 17

Location. Nohoch Mul, Court A.

Date. Uncertain.
Reference. Morley, 1926, page 275. Morley there designates this stela as Stela Io.
Photograph. Plate 11, a.

Stela 17 was located by the second Carnegie Expedition to Cobá in

1926, although, as a matter of fact, it must almost certainly have been seen
by Teobert Maler during his visit to Cobá, as it is very conspicuous, standing
upright in a thinly wooden part of the forest. Morley (1926, p. 275) desig
nates this as Stela Io. The height is 1.98 meters, the width 97 cm., and
 Monuments of CobA REGION 163

the thickness only 17 cm. The stela, which is oriented at an angle of 114°
magnetic, is unique in that it faces into the mound (Structure III) in front
of which it stands. Only the front is carved, and the plain back is

all
that
visible the observer crossing the plaza. The front shows figure

in
to
is

a
profile facing the observer's left. Down this side there single column

to

is
a
all
glyph blocks, unfortunately

be
of

of

to
twelve which are too weathered
classed stylistically with Stela 13,

be
read. This stela can both represent

as
figures standing profile. While the carving does not appear

be
in very

to
their simplicity and absence

of
good, these two monuments

in
have
complicated subsidiary detail much common with European conceptions

in
Palenque than that
of

of

of
In

art. this respect they resemble more the art

most Maya cities.
M. Jean Charlot "a truly archaic stela, earlier than

I7
considers Stela
any
of
of

those the Cobá area.”

Stela 18

Location. At main stairway Castillo (Structure I), Nohoch Mul.

of

of
foot
Date. Uncertain.
Reference. Morley, 1927, page 55. Originally given the designation Stela

9.
by the second Carnegie Expedition
18

Cobá

in
to
Stela was discovered
This by Dr. Morley under the designation,
to

1926. the stela referred

is

Stela Teobert Maler probably saw the monument during his visit

to
in 9.

he

Cobá 1893, but does not record the fact his notes. The monument
in

has fallen face upward, and present broken into several fragments.
at
is

Presumably originally stood with its back the front the Castillo.
of
of to
it

80

80

length only

of
present cm.,
of

width
20 It

has cm. and thickness

a

carving, but nothing definite can

be
of

cm. The face shows traces made out.

Stela 19

Location. At subsidiary stairway I),

of

of

foot Castillo (Structure Nohoch Mul.

Date. Uncertain.
by

the second Carnegie Expedition

19

Stela was found Cobá

in
to

1926.
When found was lying fallen face upward. Presumably originally stood
it

it
of

with its back the Castillo. The monument has length

to

2.50 meters
a

including the uncarved base,

of

of
95

of 31

width cm. and thickness cm.

a
a

Only the front was carved. This revealed figure similar that
to

the
a

majority
an
of

the Cobá area. The feet were turned out angle

in

at

stelae
sloping ceremonial bar.
of

180°, and the figure held against his chest

a

The whole badly weathered. There were apparently subsidiary figures

is

the principal figure, but these are

of

grouped around and under the feet

indistinct. The outlines glyph blocks are clearly recognizable, but none
is of

legible. The carving exceptionally deep, otherwise doubtful

if
it
is

is

anything would now

be

visible.
164 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

Stela 20

Location. Nohoch Mul. In front of Structure X.

Date. 9. 12. 12-o-5, 6 Chicchan 13 Zip? or
9. 14. 2-o-5, 3 Chicchan 8 Muan??
Photograph. Plate 12.

Stela 20 was found by the sixth Cobá Expedition in 1930. It was set
into the steps on the front of a small mound (Structure X) on the southeast
edge of the great plaza, and about 70 meters south of Structure I. The
stela had fallen face downward, but originally faced west. It had broken
into several pieces, three of which were recovered and are shown pieced
together in the photograph. Unfortunately a large slice was missing from
the top left corner. A search, which occupied more than a day, was made for
this missing part, but in vain. It appears probable in view of the very close
search in the immediate vicinity, that the piece was carried away at some
later time. At the north end of the mound, in front of which Stela 20 stood,
there was a rough construction of large loose stones, which appears to have
been a late addition to the mound, and this fracture may have been incor
porated into
it.

hurried search did not reveal the missing piece, however,

A

attempt translate the inscription without this

to

to

and we are forced

important fragment, which,
be

on
will seen, had carved the Initial
it

it
Series of the monument.
height 2.33 meters including the uncarved base,
of

The stela has

a

a
cm. Only the front
of

1.20 meters, and

28
of

width thickness carved.

is
a

the fact that the monument fell face downward, this was

an
Due excel
to

in
preservation. The carving shows central figure with
of of

lent state
a

main panels glyphs down the sides and subsidiary glyphs inset from the
the two vertical panels. Some further small glyphs appear
of

to
bases have
the main figure and the crouching captives
of

been placed between the feet

There are altogether nine full-sized glyphs
on

below. the recovered portions

and several subsidiary glyphs. this there was probably
In

addition
to

nine glyphs the missing fragment, though the number

on

of
of

minimum
glyph blocks missing probably runs around fourteen, the first twelve being
disposed double column.
in
a

The magnificently carved style worthy

of

main figure, which

in

the
is

Maya profile, but the body faces

of

art greatest cities,

in

the
to

has the head

the front. The deity,
or

whomever the figure represents, wears lower

a

garment jaguar skin, the usual assortment

of

necklaces, and arm-bands,

of
be

sandals, better studied from the photograph than from

etc., which can
any written description. Of particular interest, however, the head with
is
its

death markings, which, placed

on

of

side and with

1,

coefficient
a
an

on

ornament for the pouch

as

serves the waist belt. Can this have

any calendrical significance? The head bears
to

resemblance the head

a

the Tun, and the whole might conceivably read Tun,” but
of

“I

form
a in
all

probability merely ornamental. The ceremonial bar held

at
it
is
 Monuments of CobA REGION 165

tilt,and the trident-ended bar across the body below the knees occur

all
as in nearly the Cobá stelae.
Two kneeling subsidiary figures face toward the main figure with

in
supplication and, least, clear tattoo

in

in

at
bound hands raised
on one case

an
at
the main figure, which are turned angle

of
marks the chin. The feet

all
nearly 180°, rest

on

on
of

two smaller captives, which are

of
the backs
fours, and back As already noted there subsidiary

of
to
back. band

is
a
glyphs between the feet and the prisoners' backs. The treatment

of
the
the poorest sculpture

on
prisoners the monument, being inferior that

to
is

of Stela at Macanxoc.
I

Leaving the high level speak for itself, let

of

to
or of
art the monument
inscription, rather,

of
us

of as
examine the such survives.

it
In

the impossibility glyphs

on
being certain
of

of

of
view the number

j;
part inscription, glyphs portion

on
missing
of

the the the the recovered are

numbered from AIo on, and the column reserved for the right side

of
the

is
B
on

presumed double column the missing fragment.

AIo almost entirely missing, the cleft running through the bottom half the glyph.

of of
is

show that the glyph was Glyph the Lunar

to

Nevertheless sufficient remains

D
Series, but the coefficient, such existed, the missing fragment. on
if

is

Glyph rather worn,

of

of
A11 the Lunar Series with coefficient The head

4.
is

is
a
its

length probably indicates that belonged the young group. The delicate
to
but
it

just one more indication

of

of

of of
the base the lunar element the
is

high artistic level and great attention

to

minute detail characteristic this

beautiful stela.
Glyph the Lunar Series, the form being that found only when Glyph
of of
X

A12 has
a is

C
The crossed legs are surmounted by elbow-shaped brackets
or

coefficient
4.
3

with cross-hatchings, which enclose cartouche with the Kin sign.

a

appears Glyphs the Lunar Series. Glyph

of

of
be
to

A13 combination and

A
B

B
a
on

the left may recognized by the ending sign above, the rather eroded elbow
be

shaped band, and the element somewhat similar the Zip and Ceh prefix, which
as to

usually found Glyph this, serves

A of as

and some cases, substitute

in

in

in
is

for the rodent's head. The right side the glyph (A13b) consists lunar sign
is of

of a

the right. Glyph

of

with coefficient the Lunar

to

It

obvious that this

is
9
a

Series, with the sole difference that economize space the lunar glyph has been
to

no

aware, this glyph has

of
as

cut half. So far the writer similar reduction

in

is

been reported, but the practise with relation other glyphs analogous.
to

is

partially destroyed,
as

the fracture between the second and third pieces

of

A14 the
is

its

stela passes through center. One would expect

noof

the Initial
to

find the month

an

this position, but the glyph reveals very close

of

Series examination
in

any month glyph, furthermore, should the

of
to

resemblance the known form

on

coefficient, the four dots between them and the supposed

be be

two bars the left

at a

all

month glyph would complete variance with known examples

of

treatment
the month glyph.
of

This the last glyph the column, but below are two small glyphs,
of
is

known meaning, and quite possible that they refer

on of

neither
of to

the
it
is

captive the left. The inscription right

to

continues column the the

in
a
C,

principal figure. This column, which four glyphs,

of

lettered consists
is

which form secondary series.

a

the Uinal glyph with

of
15

17
to

C1 coefficient the left and above.

is is is

a
of

of

C2 the normal form the Tun with coefficient

7.
a

C3 well-known glyph which has been termed the Secondary Series Introductory Glyph,
as a

seems almost invariably precede secondary series calendar round date.

to
it

a
I66 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

C4, unfortunately, is partly destroyed. The break in the stone passes through the

is,
bottom of the glyph, and the edge of the stela this point, slightly damaged

on a to at
on
the surface. The glyph bears some resemblance

of
the normal form the Tun
glyph. the left, bearing

to

to
Above crescent resemblance the “comb”

is
a

to for
the Katun glyph, but there the right the ºrrespond

of
element not room

is
ing comb. the “Ben” part

In
the center small element somewhat similar

is
a
of the “Ben-Ik” superfix. Below and the left of this column are two other

to
glyphs much smaller size, corresponding position the glyphs already noted

of

to
in

A.
the right the last glyph None appears

of

of

be
calen

to

to
below and column
drical and may well refer the prisoners.

to
With the entire Initial Series missing, and no closing date

to of
the second
ary series recorded, may seem rather hazardous attempt

to
it restore the

be
Initial Series, but there are some assumptions that can made with con
siderable safety. These are:
(1) The style carving both the main figure and the hieroglyphs
of

of
indicates that the stela was erected between 9.13.o-o-o and 9.17.o-o-o.
(2) During this period the Uniform Calendar was almost certainly

a in
Cobá, and consequently the Initial Series must have fallen

on
on at

force
after the completion four moons according
of

the Uniform
or

in to
date
Calendar. Although the Uniform Calendar was already

in
disuse the
this period, appears have still func
of

to
southern cities before the close
the northern region. it
in

tioned
all

(3) The Secondary Series likelihood leads from,

or
reaches to,
in

a
accordance with Maya
or

Katun Lahuntun ending. The latter

in
more
is

practise. With these assumptions mind, reading the secondary series

in

and

of
as

7–15–17, the dates listed below are possible readings

or

either 7–17–15
the right gives the correct coefficient for
on

the Initial Series. The column

Glyph according the Standard Calendar.
to
C

With the secondary series 7–17–15 added Initial

to

the Series to reach

a
Lahuntun ending:
Date Glyph coefficient
C

I2. I2-O-5.
.

I3. 2-O-5.
.

13. I2-o-5.
.

I4. 2-O-5.
.

I4. I2-O-5.
.

I5. 2-o-5.
.

I5. I2-O-5.
.

I6. 2-o-5.
.

16. 12-o-5.
.

With the secondary series 7–17–15 subtracted from the Initial

to

Series reach
Lahuntun ending.
a

Date Glyph coefficient

C

I3. 7-17-15.
I
.

13. 17-17-15.
.

14. 7-17-I5.
.

I4. I7-17-15.
.

5. 7-17-15.
I
.

5.17–17–15.
I
.

16. 7-17-15.
.

16. 17-17-15.
.

I7. 7. 17. I5.

.
 Monuments of Cobá REGIon 167

With the secondary series 7–15–17 added to the Initial Series to reach a
Lahuntun ending.
Date Glyph C coefficient.
. I2. 12-2-3.
. I3. 2-2-3.
. I3. I2-2-3.
. I4. 2-2-3.
. I4. I2-2-3.
. I 5. 2-2-3.
. I5. I2-2-3.
. 16. 2-2-3.
. 16. 12-2-3.

With the secondary series 7–15–17 subtracted from the Initial Series to reach
a Lahuntun ending.
Date Glyph C coefficient
. I3. 7-I5-17.
. I3. I7-15-17.
. I4. 7-15-17.
. I4. I7-15-17.
. I 5. 7-15-17.
. I5. I7-15-17.
. 16. 7-15-17.
. I6. I7-15-17.
. 17. 7-15-17.

With the Initial Series a Lahuntun ending.

. 13. o-o-o.
. 13. Io-o-o.
. I4. O-o-o.
. I4. Io-o-o.
. I5. o-o-o.
. I5. Io-o-o.
. I6. o-o-o.
. 16. Io-o-o.
. I 7. o-o-o.

An examination of the Glyph C coefficient of these forty-five dates shows

only five of them to have the required coefficient of 4. These are:
9. 12. 12- o- 5, 6 Chicchan 13 Zotz.
9. 14. 2- o- 5, 3 Chicchan 8 Muan.
9. 14. 7-17-15, 8 Men 8 Mac.
9. 15. 17-17-15, 5 Men 18 Tzec.
9. 17. 7–17–15, 2 Men 13 Pax.

If
our assumptions are correct, the Initial Series of the stela must be
one of these, with the chances rather favoring the first or second, as a
secondary series more frequently led up to the Lahuntun ending, which the
monument commemorated, rather than take the date backward. Further
more the first date is best on stylistic grounds and is closest to Stela I at
Macanxoc, and Stela I at Silan, which we shall see (p. 181) closely resembles
this monument. The date of dedication may well have been, then, 9.13.o
o–o, 8 Ahau 8 Uo.
The small number of glyphs on Stela 20 compared with the 291 glyph
blocks on Stela I may seem strange and appear to contradict the later date
I68 PRELIMINARY Study of RUINs of CobA

of the stela. The explanation is probably to be found in the fact that the
outstanding questions as to the length of the moon, which had worried the
Maya during the preceding sixty years, had been settled, for the time being
at least, by the adoption of the Uniform Lunar Count. It was no longer
necessary to fill stelae with long calculations dealing with the moon or the
length of the tropical year. The writer believes that eventually it will be
found that the length of a stela's inscription will serve, not to place it in a
gradual scale of evolution, but to indicate to a certain extent whether the
monument was erected during a controversial period. In other words
lengthy inscriptions did not indicate a desire to mark the close of a period
with a maximum length of writing, but were due solely to the fact that
serious matters had to be discussed.
Subsequent to the decipherments of the inscription suggested above,
M. Charlot wrote a short analysis of the artistic treatment of the stela, which,
it will be noticed, is in close agreement with the date finally reached for the
missing Initial Series.
“Stela 20 at Nohoch Mul is one of the most complex monuments of the Cobá area.
The standing figure is as elaborate as the corresponding ones on the front and back of Stela 1
at Macanxoc, but the captives kneeling at the sides and crouching under the feet fall short
of the high standards set by Stela 1.
“The kneeling figures are much stiffer, and seem to be cursorily worked; they are,
in fact, less successful than those of even earlier stelae, like Stelae 4 and 6. The captives
under the feet of the principal personage are of an ambiguous style. Their postures are
most elaborated, presupposing in the artist who sculptured them a high training in problems
of foreshortening, but the sophistication of the posture is not upheld by the stylistic treat
ment. The work is not so well executed as the similar figures on Stela 1.
“If any date could be set on stylistic grounds alone for Stela 20, it would have to be
placed very close to Stela I, perhaps as a link between earlier stelae and Stela 1, since it
presents both clumsy and highly evolved traits, but more probably as a later interpretation
of a highly complex subject by a less skilled artist than the sculptor of Stela I. In that case
the artist would have undertaken a complex work that proved too ambitious an enterprise,
and was unable to carry drawing and modeling to the point of excellency that such com
licated postures would require. In that case Stela 20 was later in date than Stela 1 at
acanxOC.
Stela 21

Location. Great Plaza, Nohoch Mul. In front of Structure XII.

Date. 9.11.o-o-o, 12 Ahau 8 Ceh?
Photograph. Plate Io, b.

Stela 21 was discovered in situ by the sixth Carnegie Expedition to Cobá

in March 1930. It stands in front of the center of the northeast side of
Structure XII in the great sloping plaza. It has a height of 1.37 meters
from base of the carved zone, and is 66 cm. wide and 26 cm. thick. Only
the front (east side) is carved. Most of the face is occupied by a large
figure of the usual Cobá type, who holds a ceremonial bar at a steep cant
against his breast and wears the trident-ended bar across his knees. Both
of these features are, as we have seen, typical of Cobá sculpture. There is a
subsidiary captive with bound hands on each side of the feet of the principal
personage. The carving is inferior to that of the neighboring Stela 20, or
the beautiful Stela I at Macanxoc. For example, the outstretched arms of
 Monuments of CoBA REGIon 169

the captive on the left are disproportionately long, and the stomach of the
same figure is grossly handled. These points, in conjunction with the
general simplicity of the presentation, would indicate that the stela is
earlier in date than the other stelae cited.
The top left the face is occupied by a hieroglyphic inscription,
side of
which occupies thirteen glyph blocks. These are distributed in five columns
of four, four, two, two and one glyph blocks respectively. All are extremely
weathered.
B4 is almost surely the day sign Ahau with a coefficient of 11, 12 or 13.

Dr. Morley that he considers that the inscription from BI to

writes
A4 represents an Initial Series, the Tun, Uinal, and Kin of which apparently
have coefficients of of BI apparently being occupied by the Initial Series
Introductory glyph.
With the day sign either II, 12 or 13 Ahau there are the following
possibilities, from which to choose:

8 18 18 18 18.
9. 5. oio-o, 11 Ahau Tzec.
o-o-o,
12 13 13 11

Mac.
9. 9. 9. 9.

18. Ahau
o-o-o, Yax.
4.

Ahau
17. o-o-o, Ahau Cumhu.
11. o-o-o, Ahau Ceh.

these readings are obviously too early stylistic

be on
The first and third
of

grounds, and must

be

rejected. The second and fourth must also rejected,

for these dates are too late stylistically. There remains only the last date,
II.o-o-o, Ceh. This agreement with the stylistic data
12

Ahau
in
9.

is
8

already cited.
one other legible glyph

be
on

There the monument. D2 appears

to
of is

Glyph upright the fingers

of

the Lunar Series. The thumb and three

D

joints clearly visible, right

be
doubled inward
at

in to

the are and the can

distinguished apparent Lunar sign, such Glyph
an

of
as

occurs the
Lunar Series. The glyph can not Glyph
be

the Lunar Series, for the

of
C

pointing upward. To the left the glyph

be
of

of

hand coefficient can

is

distinguished.
Copan records the date II.o-o-o five days after
at

as
13

9.

Stela new
a

Stela H, and Glyph

on

of

moon, and Pusilha the same date

at

recorded
is

of

the Lunar Series shown with

4.

coefficient
is

The fact that D2 apparently records strong evidence for accepting

D
is
5

II.o-o-o the Initial Series. This glyph block the penultimate

of
as

the
9.

of is

inscription and, correct, Glyph

our reading the Lunar Series must
D
if

is

have been displaced. serious objection, for

This Naranjo, which
not
at
is

closely linked with Cobá, various glyphs

be

of

we have seen appears

to

the
Lunar Series were frequently displaced.
An apparent objection the reading
an
of

Initial Series
as
to

the date
is

supplied by B3—the supposed Uinal glyph. This appears tail

to

have
a

that frequently found attached

be

similar the Kin sign, but this may

to

to
17o PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

due to weathering of the stone. Similarly the day sign lacks the three
pedestal suffix, but this is an element that is often suppressed, not being
essential. In the case under discussion this element has probably been
suppressed for fear it might merge into the face issuing from the end of the
ceremonial bar if the glyph were elongated, or that the Ahau sign would be
unduly compressed were it present in view of the high coefficient.
All in all, then, the evidence favors the reading of the inscription as
9. II.o-o-o, 12 Ahau 8 Ceh.
Stela 22

Location. Nohoch Mul. Structure XI.

Date. Uncertain.

Stela 22 was found by the sixth Carnegie Expedition to Cobá in 1930,

lying face upward on top of Structure XI, on the south side of the great plaza.
The stela, which was broken into a number of pieces, was carved on the
front only. It had a height of 3.20 meters, a width of 1.15 meters, a thickness
of 30 cm., and was oriented, when found fallen, at an angle of 295°. Having
fallen face up, the carving was very badly weathered; the glyphs were
entirely eroded and yielded no information. Despite the weathering, it was
clear that the carving was cruder than anything heretofore reported from the
Cobá area. The main figure was of the usual Cobá type, standing full face
with a long ceremonial bar held at a tilt, but the face in profile. There were
four subsidiary figures, two beneath the feet of the principal figure and
the other two kneeling in profile, with outstretched hands bound at the
wrists, one at each corner of the base of the relief. These figures were
crudely sculptured with arms proportionately much too long and treated
in an angular gawky manner. Possibly the monument is of late date,
for the carving savors more of degeneration than the stilted efforts of a
primitive art.
Stela 23

Location. At west corner of Castillo (Structure I), Nohoch Mul.

Date. Uncertain.

Stela 23 was discoveredby the second Carnegie Expedition to Cobá in

1926. It was found lying face upward and broken into two major pieces.
The monument has a length including the uncarved butt of 2.30 meters, a
width of 1.30 meters, and a thickness of 38 cm. Its present orientation is 65°.
Only the front is carved. This shows a large figure of the type usually found
in the Cobá area, with feet turned out at an angle of 180°, slanting ceremonial
bar held across the chest and subsidiary figures grouped around the feet.
The carving is badly weathered, but what remains would indicate that
this monument was comparable in the excellence of its carving to Stelae
I and 20. Unfortunately the glyph blocks are too badly eroded to yield any
information.
 Monuments of Cobá REGION 171

SCULPTURED ALTAR
Altar 24
Location. Cobá Main Group; northeast corner of Structure XVIII.
Date. Uncertain.

Altar24 was discovered by Dr. Gann on his visit to Cobá in 1926 under
the auspices of the Carnegie Institution. The altar, which is round in shape,
stands at the northeast end of Structure XVIII, almost touching the base of
the mound. It has a diameter of I.20 meters and height of 42 cm. The top is
badly eroded, and the weathering is so deep that it is not possible to say if
originally there was any carving on the surface. The side is also much
weathered, but there are traces of what appear to be glyphs, unfortunately
in too poor a condition to offer any possibility of their decipherment. Ap
parently they formed a band, two glyph blocks deep, which encircled the
perimeter of the altar. This is the only altar so far discovered in Cobá or
the outlying groups which has an apparent inscription. With Altar 24 we
conclude the individual descriptions of carved monuments.
There seems little doubt that the undated carved stelae of the Cobá
main group and Nohoch Mul are with three possible exceptions of the same
general period as the later stelae at Macanxoc. Stelae 9, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19 and
all
be

stylistic grounds.

on
21 can grouped with the later Macanxoc stelae
subsidiary captives
of

All show either the free use grouped around the feet
the principal figure, the ceremonial bar held rigid and slanting across the
of

the peculiar trident-ended bar across the legs

of

the main figure,

or

breast
that distinguishes the Macanxoc stelae.
group by themselves. These two stelae,
13

17

in

Stelae and are will

it
a
be

remembered, portray the principal figure profile and the glyphs are
in
on

single raised perpendicular band. both cases the carving

In

incised
a

the principal figuresrather poor, although the presentation

of

vaguely
is

is

Palenque. Probably these stelae are

of

reminiscent
of

different date from the

others, but whether they represent primitive undeveloped art
or

the
a

crudity
be

Remembering the
of of

degeneration, would difficult say.

to
it

its

crudity Tulum with

at

Stela early date, the writer more inclined

to
is
I

accept the former hypothesis. M. Charlot

agreement with this conclusion.
in
is

which Stela II, the all-glyph

be

would position
It

hazard the
to

rash
stela, should occupy.
be

on
of

grouped
16
It

can course with Stela the

ground that both have inscriptions only, lacking any human figure. Never
theless this not sufficient for classing them the same time group.
in
is

Possibly some
or

Nohoch Mul mark the odd hotuns

at
at of

the stelae Cobá

be

uncommemorated Macanxoc. earnestly hoped that later

It

to
is

exploration the Cobá area will yield new monuments, the dates
of
in

which
are legible, particularly the Cobá main group, where there
at

no legible date
is

at present.
the carved stelae described above there are many plain
In

addition
at to
all

stelae and altars the groups. These, following the plan evolved by Mr.
172 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

Frans Blom for enumerating the plain stelae at the different groups at
Uaxactun, are listed by the group in which they were found, each group being
given a letter. A is the Macanxoc group, B the main Cobá group, C the
Nohoch Mul group. The letter D is reserved for the group lying between
Cobá and Nohoch Mul.
Altogether nine plain stelae have so far been reported from the Cobá area.
A number of these may possibly not be stelae at all. In deciding whether a
stone is or is not a stela, a number of rules have been followed: First the
stone must be roughly the shape of a stela; second the stone must have been
faced; lastly the stone must be in a position where one would expect to find
a stela.

UNCARVED MONUMENTS
PLAIN STELA AND ALTARS OF MACANXOC. GROUP A

One doubtful plain stela and nine plain altars were found at Macanxoc.
All the altars were found on the ceremonial plaza, usually in association
with a stela or a building. These are numbered consecutively and given

all
the group letter
A.

Stela Al
by

AI was found the sixth Carnegie Expedition Cobá

to
Stela

in
1930.
mile from Macanxoc,

of

9,
located about half Sacbe No.
It

in
the center
is

which runs from the Cobá main group height

of
Macanxoc.
to

of It
has

a
meters, cm.,
50

22
of

about 1.60 width and thickness cm. These

a

on a

dimensions are rather small for stela, and that ground one feels little
a

a
diffident about classifying the stone However, Stela B3 (p. 176),
as

such.
undoubtedly
of

which stela, even smaller dimensions. Furthermore

is

is
a

its position the causeway precludes the stone having served

of

the middle
in

any other purpose. Apparently Cobá custom

to

was erect stelae on the

it

causeways. Stela B2, undoubted plain stela,

an

on

situated Sacbe No. 14,

is

and number of carved stones with inscribed dates are found on the sacbe
a

1).

that runs from Cobá Yaxuná (No. For these reasons

to

to

seems best
it

classify this stone plain stela, giving the letter

to
as

as

closer the
A

it
is
it
a

Macanxoc group than the main Cobá group.

to

Altar A2

This altar, which drum-shaped, Struc

of

situated front (west)

in
is

is
V,

the stairway
be
of

ture which will remembered Stela set. The

in

is
it

is 7

monolithic,
of

height
25
of

altar has diameter

It

1.40 meters and cm.

a
a

its

and undoubtedly was placed present position association with

is in

in

late East Coast style, but there may,

of

Altars A3 A5. Structure

to

in
V

this group. Nevertheless such

an

course, have been earlier construction

in

magnitude
as

structure must have been, goes,

of

far
as

much less size

a

earlier period than the pres

an

which appears belong

I,

than Structure
to

to

From this, one might deduce that Altars A2

V.

ent Structure A5 were

to
 Monuments of CoBA REGIon I73

placed in their present position at a late date, for at an earlier date they
would more naturally have been associated with Structure I. However, as
far as we know, circular altars of this type were not made during the late
East Coast period, but are typical of the ninth cycle. It therefore seems
probable that these altars were moved to their present positions at the time
probability Stela

all
the present Structure V was erected, and in was

7
similarly moved, for

be
will remembered that this stela not set square

it

is
V. Cycle

of
with Structure One would not expect such lack precision

in

9
an

of
times, but the Late East Coast period marks epoch degeneration and
poor workmanship, and such work would have gone unchallenged.
Direct evidence not forthcoming, but this group supplies the best evi
is

dence that monuments, probably early period, were moved

an
of
some

in
their present location during the last Cobá period. Furthermore
to

cases
had these four altars been constructed for their present position, they would
presumably have been made equal size. Such
of

not the case.

is
Altar A3

This, companion altar Altar A2, situated south Structure

V.
of

It
to

is
a

35
monolithic, and has diameter height cm. For
of

of
1.70 meters and
is

a
position this monument see the text under Altar A2.
of

of

discussion the
a

Altar A4

This monument, companion Altar A2, was located immediately

of
a

V,

east of, that behind, Structure with which associated (see above
it
is

is

under Altar A2). monolithic and drum-shaped, the diameter being

It
is
38

1.75 meters, the height cm.

Altar A5

Immediately north pile

of

of
of

the center Structure was found

V

broken stone. This precisely the spot where one would naturally expect
is

balance the other three altars which are similarly situated

an

find altar
to to

to

V,

the east, west and south seems pretty

of

Structure and for this reason

it

certain that this pile

of

rock represents destroyed altar. No measurements

a

are possible.
Altar A6

by itself,
of

Altar A6
18

of

stands meters east the south corner the

platform
of

of

the direction small drum-like mono

It
in

8.

Stela Stela
is
a
I

70

35

lith with only height does not appear

of

of

diameter
It

cm. and cm.

a

with any stela

be

or
to

associated structure.
Altar A7

the platform
on
of

Altar A7
situated about meters southeast which
is

clearly associated with the stela, together with Altar A8,

It

Stela stands.
is
I

similar position
of

which occupies the northwest the stela. The stela,

to

it
a

Altar A7 directly
be

so

remembered, faces southeast,

of

will front
in

and
it
is
I74 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

Altar A8 directly behind. Altar A7, which is circular and made from a single
stone, has a diameter of 1.30 meters and a height of 40 cm.

Altar A8

Altar A8 is situated about 3 meters northwest of the platform on which

Stela I stands. This places it directly behind the stela, which faces south
east. Undoubtedly the altar was intimately associated with the stela, in a
similar manner to Altar A7 (q.v.). The altar, which is also circular, has a
diameter of 1.30 meters and a height of 30 cm. The similar diameter of these
two altars would suggest that they may have been constructed to occupy
their present positions, in association with Stela I and not have been moved
from some former position as we saw might have occurred with Altars A2 to
A5. As Stela I was the finest in execution and appears to have dealt with
problems of great calendrical importance, it is not unnatural to find altars

of
We have suggested that the similar diameter
it.

associated with the altars

points their having been constructed occupy positions

in
to

to
association
but, no
of

course, there
I,

with Stela show that the whole

to
evidence
is

altars and stela was not moved together, the altars thereby
of

complex
preserving their association, but changing their actual loci.

Altar A9
of of

Altar A9 lies some the structure behind Stela (Struc

12

meters east

7
ture V), and almost the raised plaza. The monument
on

the east edge

is
its

oval shape. lies with long axis north-south. The length 2.50 meters,
It
in

is
height The dimensions are very
28

the breadth 1.65 meters and the cm.

point the monument having been
an

unusual for altar and would rather

to

a
stela. This, however, was not
its

use when the site was abandoned, for was

it
by

small stone drums, which served feet. These,

of

as

supported number
a

apparently, had been placed under the four corners groups

of

three, one
in

above the other, and also under the middle the sides, making
of

total of
a

These stone drums were every respect similar the small drum
BI in

to

18.
the columnar supports
of

altars such Altars A6 and B14. Some

to
as

had collapsed, but their original position was clear. There were
no

of

signs
sculpture the monument, but this was dreadfully pitted owing
on

of

the face
its

there had originally been any carving,

it to

exposure the elements, and

to

if
be
no

would longer visible.

its
In

shape, the writer believes that this altar was originally

of

view
a

also believes that the drum supports served altars, perhaps

he

as

stela and
set around those stelae the plaza which are now altarless. We have already
in

some evidence for believing that some

it of

seen that there the monuments

is

here have been moved from their original positions, and does not seem
imagine that this monument was set up
an

altar
to

at
to as

unreasonable the
as

the others were moved, especially

as

same time certain extent

it
is

a
V,

of

associated with Structure which we have seen was the center what
rearrangements apparently have taken place.
 Monuments of CobA REGIon 175

Altar A10

Altar AIo is a small square altar roughly 50 cm. square and about 30 cm.
high. It is situated directly in front of Stela 4 at Macanxoc. The altar
is of the built-up type, consisting of a number of stones erected in the altar's
present shape. It seems very probable that these small built-up altars were
originally covered with stucco.

There are no other known monuments at Macanxoc, though it is possible

that one or two small built-up altars have been overlooked. These are
small, and a tree taking root in the center of one will scatter the stones, so
that it is now impossible to recognize the existence of what was once an
altar.
PLAIN STELAE OF MAIN COBA. GROUP B
Turning now to the Cobá main group (Group B) we find a number of
uncarved monuments, which are designated by the letter B. The plain
monuments at Cobá reach a total of fourteen. Seven of these are or, as we
shall see, appear to be stelae; the remaining seven are altars.

Stela Bl

Stela B1 was found by the fifth Carnegie Expedition to Cobá in 1929

under the leadership of Mr. H. E. D. Pollock. It was standing in the small
chamber on top of the Castillo pyramid (Structure I) at Cobá, with its back
almost touching the center of the back wall of the chamber (Plate 11, b).
The stone had flaked away to a very remarkable extent, and it is doubtful
if any of the remaining surface now remains, but the monument may have
originally been carved on the front (west face). It is oriented at an angle of
2° magnetic. The butt is hidden below the floor of the chamber. The
present height of the stela above the floor is 1.37 meters, the breadth is
85 cm. and the present thickness only 12 cm. The writer knows of only
one other site where a stela has been found in situ in a temple. This is
Tulum, where Stela I was found in the Temple of the Initial Series. We
have no evidence, unfortunately as to whether this is the original location
of Stela B1 or whether it was moved to its present position during a later
period of the city's occupancy. This question is discussed on page 133.
Stela B2

Stela B2 was found by the sixth Carnegie Expedition to Cobá in 1930.

It was discovered lying in the middle of the causeway that leads across the
west end of Lake Macanxoc (No. 14), 2 meters from where the causeway
meets the north shore. The stela faced either north or south according to
which was the original front. It was the largest monument discovered,
having a height of 3.44 meters, a width of 1.17 meters and a thickness of
25 cm. The stone was of exceptionally good quality and, though it had
* Lothrop, 1924,p. 41. Actually this stela was lying on the floor when found by Stephens (1843, vol.II, p. 393).
176 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

fallen on the hard rock of the causeway, had suffered little. It stood at the
point where visitors approaching Cobá from across the lake would see it as
an outpost of the city, with the waters of the lake on either side, and the
towering mass of pyramids on the right front, their cream stucco bulks
crowned by the red of the Castillo chamber thrust a hundred feet to the sky.
An ideal location, well worthy, one would imagine, of a carved monument,
but we must remember that a monument covered with designs and dates in
stucco might have presented a finer appearance originally than the carved
stelae. Stucco is more plastic than stone, and, in any case, the carved stone
of the sculptured monuments apparently was usually hidden under a coating
of stucco.
Stela B3

Stela B3 stands in Court F, 5 meters south of the stairway leading up

the south face of Structure XVIII. It is still in situ, though leaning backward
at an angle of about 30° off perpendicular. It was found by the sixth
Carnegie Expedition to Cobá in 1930. The monument is smaller than most
of the Cobá stelae, having a height above the ground of 1.28 meters, a width
of 75 cm. and a thickness of some 18 cm. Immediately in front of the north
face is a small square altar of built-up stones (Altar B9).
Stela B4

Stela B4 was found at the northeast foot of Structure XXVI, which

flanks the great stairway leading up to Court N. It was located by the
sixth Carnegie Expedition to Cobá in 1930. The stone, which has a length
of 1.70 meters, a breadth of 1.30 meters and a thickness of 25 cm., was found
partly covered by débris. One end was not found. Possibly this stone is
not a stela, but it is difficult to imagine what other purpose it might have
served. The only other use, of which we know, to which stones of this type
were put at Cobá was to serve as corner stones of cornices, but no moulding
corner stone so far found has approached this in size and thickness.
Stela B5

Stela B5 was found by the fourth Carnegie Expedition to Cobá in 1926.

It was situated about 3 meters east of the causeway that goes north from the
west end of Cobá (Sacbe No. 3), and about 75 meters from the south end
of the causeway by Structure XIV. The stela was found still standing, but
sloping backward. The monument faced north and south. It has a present
height above the ground of 1.30 meters, a width of 80 cm. and a thickness of
23 cm. A few pieces appear to be missing from the top, but probably the
monument was never much higher than at present.
Stela B6

Stela B6 was found by the sixth Carnegie Expedition to Cobá in 1930

on the south side of a small outlying mound about 18 meters west of the
causeway that goes north from the west end of Cobá (Sacbe No. 3). It was
 Monuments of CobA REGIon 177

found lying on the ground half covered with débris, as though it might pos
sibly have slipped from the top of the mound above. It had a length of
1.93 meters, a breadth of 85 cm. and a thickness of only 18 cm.

Stela B7

Stela B7 was also found by the sixth Carnegie Expedition to Cobá in

1930. It was found on the south side of an unnumbered mound, almost in
front of the center of the platform. The height was 1.80 meters, the breadth
65 cm. and the thickness 30 cm. The faces were not particularly smooth,
and there is always a possibility that this was not in fact a stela, although the
measurements would seem to indicate that it was.

PLAIN ALTARS OF MAIN COBA. GROUP B

A number of plain altars were found at Cobá, often associated with
stelae. These are invariably small and either drum-shaped or square. The
square altars were, without exception, made up of a number of different
stones. One must presume that originally these were covered with stucco,
but of this little or no trace now remains. The plain altars, like the plain
stelae, are lettered according to the group in which they were found, and

numbered in the same consecutive series as the plain stelae of the same group."
Altar B8

was found in Court O, being situated 14 meters from the east

Altar B8
end of the steps and 7 meters south of the top step of the flight leading up to
the court. The altar is made of a single stone drum. Unfortunately the
measurements were not taken, but
it must measure about 60 cm. in diameter
and 25 cm. high. The altar does not appear to be associated with any-
building, nor is there any stela in the vicinity.
Altar B9

Altar B9 was found immediately in front of (north of) Stela B3, with
which it appeared to be associated. The measurements were not taken, but
it is of about the same size as Altar AIo, and like it square in shape and built
up of a number of distinct stones.
Altar B10

Altar BIo was found inside the partially built-up cave under Structure
IX at the southwest end of the ruins, close to Lake Macanxoc. The altar was
oblong and made of a number of different stones, covered with stucco. The
presence of
stucco on this altar, where it has been preserved owing to the
all

altar being protected by a roof, indicates that in probability the other

built-up altars were similarly once covered. There small cornice with
is
a

projection immediately top. length

of

of

cm. below the The altar has

3
a

un
97

30

cm., high. fragments

87
of

of

breadth cm. and cm. few

A
is
a

the top.
on

identifiable bone were found

XXXVIII.
as

drum which probably served

of

an altar was found room Structure

in
A

b
*
178 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

Altars Bll to B13

These three altars were found lying in front of the entrance to the cave
in which Altar BIo was found. All three were drum-shaped and monolithic.
The possibility that they were drums of a column appears to be ruled out
by the variation in their diameters. The measurements were:
B11 Diameter 51 cm. Height 30 cm.
B12 42 33
B13 38 25

Small drum-shaped altars of this type were found scattered fairly freely
around the ruins.
Altar B14
Altar B14 was found 3 meters from the northeast corner of Structure
XIV, and seems to have marked the end of the sacbe (No. 3) which terminates
at this point. The altar was drum-shaped. The diameter was 60 cm., the
height 16 cm.

UNCARVED MONUMENTS AT NOHOCH MUL. GROUP C

Only two uncarved monuments have so far been located in Nohoch Mul
(Group C). One of these is a stela, the second an altar.
Stela Cl
This monument was found fallen and broken in pieces in front of the
center of the southeast face of Structure IV of Court A at Nohoch Mul. This
is the court which shelters the majority of Nohoch Mul stelae. Unfortunately
the writer omitted to take the measurements of this monument. As a guess
he would suggest a height of about 2 meters, a breadth of I meter and a
thickness of some 30 cm.
Altar C2

Altar C2 stands in front of the doorway of the Temple of the Diving God
(Structure I) at Nohoch Mul, on the broad platform between the building
and the top of the stairway. The altar is square and of the built-up type,
all

consisting of a number of squared stones, which, in probability, were

60

originally covered with stucco. The altar measures about cm. square
35

height
of

about suggested that the square

It

and has cm. has been

a

built-up altars are possibly late date, and the finding this type
of

of
in

one
building, this, style supports
of

of

front late East Coast

as

such the
in

this type can not another,

be

view. An altar shifted from one place

of

in to

earlier than the building

be

of

and therefore this case can not front

in

suppose that another building

an

stands, unless we are

of

which earlier
to
it

period stood this pyramid and was subsequently replaced by the

on

top
of

present Temple the Diving God.

of

With this altar concluded the individual description

of

monuments
is
of

the Cobá region. There remain for discussion few monuments from
a

by

outlying sites, which are related Cobá, either proximity

on
of

or
to

those
stylistic grounds.
 MonumeNts of CobA REGION I79

MONUMENTS ON SACBE NO. I

In addition to the monuments found at Cobá and the surrounding

groups of ruins, four carved monuments were found on the great causeway
that apparently stretches from Cobá to Yaxuná (Sacbe No.

1).
These
monuments are all of small size. Indeed one hesitates call them stelae.

to
No other suitable name suggests itself, except Inscribed Stone. Unfortu
nately there ascertaining whether these stones originally lay
no

of
means
is

stood upright. Their flatness would suggest the latter.

or

flat
The glyphs are very badly eroded every case, but sufficient remains

in
show that the carving was good—certainly far superior

of
to

that

to
the
early
of

of
lintels Chichen Itzá. This would suggest that the stones are
date, and probably date from Cycle

9.
all

probability there are more

of
In

these inscribed stones, but the

in
of

general mass stone that strews the causeway surface easy overlook

to
it
is
such small size, and possibly some are face downward.
of

carved stone
a

lie
Those that were located seemed fairly equal distances. Possibly of at
to

they marked the time when dedi

or
section the sacbe was completed
a

thoroughly surveyed,
be

be
of
the causeway
If

cated. should ever would

it
interest very careful measurements the distances separating of
to

make
these stones, for possibly they might throw light
on
the linear measures
employed by the Maya.
the writer unfortunately did not take
of

With the exception Number

1,

these Inscribed Stones during his several traverses

on

of
full notes this
many
he

be
of

the causeway and believes there may five exposed.

as

section as

Inscribed Stone
l

This was first reported by Dr. Gann.

14

lies about km. from the

It

Nohoch Mul end the causeway.

of

The stone was found close the south

to

road, long by Only

of

edge
65

50

the and measures cm. cm. broad. the front

This shows eight glyph blocks arranged
of

two columns four

in

carved.
is

each.

*.
be

legible, but has clear coefficient

of
to

A1 too much eroded

8.
is

BI
be

the winged Cauac sign. The tail element underneath very clear.
to

is
an

There ending bracket the left, and above very eroded.

to

coefficient which
is

is
a
be

over 13, but might any number between

13
be

This can not

or

and 13, with

8
6

most likely.
on

A2 appears sign similar

at of
to

to

to

consist head which attached the left one

is
a

In a

requently found Chichen Itzá preceding month sign. this case the identi
a
no

fication doubtful, and there following month sign.

is

is

more legible glyphs

no

on

of

There are the stone with the exception A3

of

which may bird's head.

to

have coefficient zero attached

a

The first two glyphs strongly suggest date Ahau ending

on

Tun
or
8

8
a

13. Taking into consideration the level carving, the following four dates
of

are possible, with the second most preferable, especially the Maya
of

view
in

preference for the thirteenth Tun.

p.

Gann, 1926, 112.

*
I8o PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CobA

8 Ahau ending a Tun 8: 9. Io. 8-o-o, 8 Ahau 8 Muan.

8 Ahau ending a Tun 13: 9. 13. 13-o-o, 8 Ahau 8 Kayab.
8 Ahau ending a Tun 8: Io. 3. 8-o-o, 8 Ahau 3 Tzec.
8 Ahau ending a Tun 13: Io. 6. 13-o-o, 8 Ahau 3 Yaxkin.

Nevertheless these dates must be taken as little more than guesses.

Inscribed Stone 2

This stone was also found by Dr. Gann. It was lying about 2 km.
farther east. The stone, which measured 50 cm. in length and the same in
breadth, was inscribed on the face only, with six glyphs arranged in two
columns of three glyphs each. All the glyphs are extremely weathered.
Possibly the two at the top have coefficients of 8 and Io respectively. The
possibilities are too numerous to be discussed.

Inscribed Stone 3

This stone, too, was a discovery of Dr. Gann. It was found by him
about 2 km. east of Inscribed Stone 2. The stone measured 75 cm. in breadth
by 48 cm. in breadth. The face is carved with six glyph blocks, arranged
in three columns of two glyphs each. The inscription, apparently, reads
from left to right along the top line, and then similarly on the second
line. All the glyphs are too defaced to be read, but a number have coeffi
cients which suggest a secondary series.

A1 appears to have a coefficient of 5 to the left and Io above.

B1 has a coefficient of Io above.
CI also has a coefficient of Io above.
A2–B2 have nothing distinguishable.
C2 has an apparent coefficient of 5 to the left and 5 above.

Inscribed Stone 4

This stone was found by the fourth Carnegie Expedition to Cobá in

1926. The writer regrets to say that his notes on this stone have been lost.
To the best of his knowledge there were eight glyph blocks, none of which
were, however, decipherable, although coefficients were recognizable. The
stone was of the same general size as Inscribed Stone I, and the writer
seems to recollect that it lies about 3 km. east of Inscribed Stone 3 and close
to the north edge of the causeway.
Mr. Robert Bennett in his paper on the Cobá-Yaxuná causeway
writes of seeing four of these stones along the causeway. The one “dis
covered” by Mr. Crawford Johnson is surely Inscribed Stone 2. Mr.
Bennett, however, mentions one stone as being 3 feet high and 20 inches
wide, but having no carving on the face. If this stone
is,

indeed, uncarved,
becomes the fifth of the series. Nevertheless would be well
to
as

reserve
it

of it

judgment this type may merely have

on

this stone. An uninscribed stone

fill

formed part
of

of

the the causeway.

a.,

Bennett, 1930 pp. 357-358.

*
 MonumeNts of CoBA REGION I8I

MONUMENT AT SILAN
Stela l

Stela I at Silan, Yucatan, was discovered by the Central American

Expedition of the Carnegie Institution of Washington in 1918. The stela
was not in its original location, for it was found set into the wall of the
Casa de la Municipalidad at Silan. It is now on exhibit in the Historical
and Archaeological Museum of Mérida. The top part of the stela is missing,
but the lower half shows the legs of a large figure standing full face. Running
across the face of the stela immediately below the feet of the principal
personage is a band of glyphs carved in the best early Old Empire style,
the first two of which record the calendar round date 7 Muluc 2 Kayab."
Two captives, shown in profile in a squatting position, are placed immedi
ately below this horizontal glyph band and appear to support its weight.
The treatment of these two captives is markedly like that of the simi
larly placed captives on Stela I at Macanxoc. The locks of hair hanging
down in front are treated in precisely the same manner (fig. 62). Indeed
one could say that the two stelae were carved by the same school of sculptors.
The intervention of a band of glyphs between the feet of the principal person
age and the captives beneath is also met with on Stela 20 at Nohoch Mul,
which we have seen is probably later in date than Stela I. The date of Stela I
is 9.12.o-o-o, and we should, therefore, seek a date for Stela I at Silan close
to this, though possibly a little later, in view of the horizontal band of
glyphs. Placing 7 Muluc 2 Kayab in the long count close to 9.12.o-o-o, we
9.et:
9.12.11-12-9, 7 Muluc 2 Kayab

This date fits very neatly exactly where we should hope for Further
it.

more, this date may have been Katun determinant for Katun I2. The
a

Gregorian calendar calls for correction this point, whereas

of

921 days
at
a
of is,

this Katun determinant, the correction

indeed, 924 days. This
if

is
a

three days close agreement with apparent Macanxoc calcula

in

excess
to is

tions, which seem exceed Gregorian generally by three

or

four days
forgotten, however, that determinants usually
be

(p. 147).
It

should not
the Katun around which the calculations are made, not the
in

occur
in

following Katun, Kayab

as

calendar Round date Oc

it of in

this case.
A

3
8

Palenque the position 9.12. II-12–Io,

on

the Tablet the Sun

in
at

occurs
Kayab, which exactly one day after the suggested
be

Oc will noted
is
3
8

reading the Silan date. Teeple" has suggested that this Palenque date
of

is

Katun I2, as, following his lead, we have suggested

of

determinant the
in
a

case of the Silan date.

The stylistic criteria together with the fact that the following day
strongly emphasized Palenque, apparently Katun determinant,
at

as
is

a
p.

Morley, 1918, 274; Gann, 1924, pp. 166-167.

* * *

Morley, loc. cit.; Gann, 1924, also figures photograph

of

this monument.
a
p.

Teeple, 1930, 78.

 I82 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of Cobá

make the suggested reading reasonably certain and incidentally shows that
Silan must be grouped with Cobá as an early city of similar culture.
Gann (1924) speaks of a second stela at Silan. This clearly recorded
an Initial Series, but the date, unfortunately, could not be deciphered.

RESUME OF THE DATES DECIPHERED

Stela I Initial Series 1 East Side. 9. 11. o- 5- 9, 4 Muluc 17 Kayab.
Initial Series 2 East Side. 9. 12. Io- 5–12, 4 Eb Io Yax.
Calendar Round East Side. 9. 11. 3- 6–14, 4 Ix 7 Cumhu.
Initial Series 1 West Side. 13. o. o- o- o, 4 Ahau 8 Cumhu.
Initial Series 2 West Side. 9. 12. o- or o, Io Ahau 8 Yaxkin.
Stela 2 Initial Series 9. Io. Io-o- o, 13 Ahau 18 Kankin.
Stela 3 Initial Series 9. Io. o. o- o, I Ahau 8 Kayab?
Stela 4 Initial Series 9. 9. Io-o- o, 2 Ahau 13 Pop.
Calendar Round 9. 8. 16-14- 9, 9 Muluc 7 Pop??
Calendar Round 9. 9. 9- 9- o, 4 Ahau 18 Yax??
Calendar Round 9. 9. 6- 4- o, 7 Ahau 13 Xul??
Calendar Round 9. 9. 9-11-4, 9 Kan 2 Macf:
Stela 5 Initial Series South Side 9. 11. Io-o- o, 11 Ahau 18 Chen.
Stela 6 Initial Series I 9. 9. o- or o, 3 Ahau 3 Zotz.
Initial Series 9. 9. Io-o- o, 2 Ahau 13 Pop.
Stela 16 Initial Series 9. 15. 1-2- 8, 9 Lamat 16 Ceh???
Stela 20 Initial Series 9. 12. 12- o- 5, 6 Chicchan 13 Zip???
Stela 21 Initial Series 9.II. o. o. o, 12 Ahau 8 Ceh??
Silan St. 1 Calendar Round 9. 12. 11-12- 9, 7 Muluc 2 Kayab?

Those dates marked with a single query mark are almost surely correct.
. Those marked with two query marks are open to a certain amount of doubt.
The two dates marked with three query marks must be considered quite
doubtful. In addition to the dates listed above there are one or two other
dates introduced in the discussion of individual monuments which are
frankly guesses.
It is certainly disappointing that such a formidable number of monu
ments should yield so few dates, but the poor limestone found in the area has
already received comment. Nevertheless, those dates recovered are almost
without exception of considerable interest, particularly the 9.12. IO-5-12,
4 Eb Io Yax date, which as already noted occurs also at Naranjo no less than
three times, serving there to introduce the Uniform Lunar System, and as
Teeple suggests in his letter (p. 143) possibly serving in addition as a deter
minant of o Pop at Cycle 13. Only one other case is known of two cities
sharing a non-tun ending date in this fashion. This is the date 9. 15.6-14–6,
6 Cimi 4Tzec, a katun determinant which is strongly emphasized at Quirigua
and is found also on the hieroglyphic stairway at Copan. The dates at Cobá
are also of considerable interest in view of the early period which they
represent. This question is dealt with in the final chapter (p. 194).
In no known case are head variants used in Initial Series at Cobá,
although a few heads, which may be numerical, are found in undecipherable
parts of the inscriptions. This absence of head numerals is in accordance
with Peten practise, where head form numerals are quite rare, though not
 Monuments of CobA REGION 183

unknown." Another Peten practise is seen in the lack of emphasis on 13 Tun

dates. Although this practise was not uncommon in the Usumacintla
Chiapas region and Copan, only two cases of it are known from the Peten.”
The only case in the Cobá region is the very doubtful date on Inscribed
Stone I on Sacbe No. 1 (p. 180). The beetle-like glyph, which is found
fairly frequently following Glyph F of the Lunar Series in inscriptions from
the Usumacintla Valley, but is unknown from the Peten,” does not appear to
occur at Cobá, though it was very doubtfully identified on Stela 16 (p. 161).
We thus see that in the two or three cases where there seems to be a
break between the methods of presenting glyphs in the Usumacintla
Chiapas region on the one hand, and the Peten region on the other, Cobá
appears to follow Peten usage. This question will be discussed in the final
chapter.
It all

or
will be noticed that the deciphered dates fall the second

in
quarter Cycle and we have seen that the sculptured stelae which
of

9,

third
stylistic grounds this same period
be

on

lack dates can belong

to

to
shown
with three exceptions—Stelae 13, and 22. Of these the first two have been
17

probably earlier date than 9.9.o-o-o, and the third alone

in
as

classified

is
crude, but very far removed be
22

doubtful. Stela date from

in
can not
it
is

the deciphered group, for shows many features common with the dated
in
it

monuments, such ceremonial bar held the cant, captives under the
at
as
at

feet and the sides, and the saurian masked feather head-dress.
so

clear, then, that far we know no carved stelae were erected

It

a at
as
is

Cycle yet we know that Cobá was occupied

9,
of

Cobá after the close

at
much later date evidenced by the structures “Late East Coast Style”;
in
as

and the advanced architecture of some of the structures at Cobá and Kucican
of us

suspect that these sites may have been occupied well into the
to

lead
time Cycle Io.
Possibly some the plain stelae date from later period than Cycle
of

as 9.
a

One would suspect that the large well-sculptured plain monuments such
of

B2 date from the same period the carved stelae, but some the smaller
as

plain stelae, such Stela B3, may date from later period, and, although
as

definite proof not forthcoming, one may reasonably suppose that the
is

Altar AIo, are

all

small built-up altars, such probability

of

late date and

as

in

contemporaneous with the “Late East Coast Style” period. Indeed,

in

the
C2, linking
of of

case Altar we have seen that there certain evidence this

is

type altar with the last period.

of

The
at

monuments
absence Kucican would suggest that no stelae
plain later date than the fourth quarter
of
or

either carved
at

were erected
a

Cycle
9,

this site would appear

to

for the advanced architecture date

at

possibly having flourished from the close Cycle into the first
of

Kucican
as

the Hieroglyphic Stairway Naranjo notable exception.

at
at of

The Initial Series

is
a
* * *

Both these readings were made by Morley.

at

These are Stela Tikal and Stela Uaxactun.

5

This glyph occurs on two inscriptions Ixkun, but this city geographically outside the Peten region, be
at

is

longing the Usumacintla-Pasion drainage.

to
184 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

half of Cycle Io. This in turn, would suggest that the plain stelae at Cobá
belong to the same period as the carved monuments. There is a small built
up altar at Chan Mul (p. 22), which serves to support the suggestion that
such altars were late in date in view of the associated architecture at this
site, which may well date from the late East Coast period.
If our last conclusion is correct, we find at Cobá the whole cycle of
Maya art in stone. Beauty emerges from the crude workmanship of Stelae
13 and 17 and establishes itself in the group represented by Stela 6. It
reaches its culmination in magnificent sculpture, such as that of Stelae
I and 20, but by the time Stela 22 is erected the decline is very evident.
The limit of degeneration coincides with the close of Maya history in crude,
carelessly made altars of the same type as Altar AIo or Altar C2.
It would be wrong, nevertheless, to judge Maya civilization at this
closing period solely by the art and architecture it produced. The metal
age had just been ushered in, and material prosperity is not always allied
with esthetic advance. After all, the Victorian age provided a soil for
arts and crafts veritably as barren as a cactus desert. That the Maya of the
Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries had not lost their scientific interests is
shown by the avidity with which they absorbed Spanish astronomical data,
recording in the Chilam Balam, for instances, the true explanation of
eclipses. The medium is different, but this closely parallels the writings
on Stela I, at Macanxoc, where recent discoveries are set down beside the
inaccuracies of the past.
In conclusion one would suggest that future visitors at Cobá are most
likely to find hitherto unrecorded stelae in the large tangle of structures
lying north and northeast of the Cobá main group. This is an area as
yet little known. The fact that the architecture here appears to be for
the most part of late date should not militate against such discoveries, for
the stelae may well have been moved from their original locations.
 ART ANALYSIS OF THE MACANXOC STELAE
By JEAN CHARLot

SUBJECT-MATTER
Of the eight stelae found at Macanxoc, Stela 7 was too badly weathered
to show any sign of sculpture; the others, however, without exception
present the same subject-matter: a ruler, priest or deity holding diagonally
across his breast an elaborate ceremonial bar. Usually, though not always,
this figure stands upon the back of a prostrate human figure, possibly a
captive, with smaller subsidiary human figures in imploring attitudes on
one or both sides. Similarity of detail is so constant in all these monuments

all
as to permit the description of one to serve for (figs. 61–68, and Plates 1-7).
The principal figure front view with the head profile, looking
in
seen

in
is
its

right, with the feet pointed outward, the usual, natural, position
in to

not

if
Maya sculpture. The chest and shoulders are covered with mosaic

a
inverted T-shaped
of

of
or

collar cape made square plates. necklace A

elements hangs down about the knees, where seemingly
to

on to
attached

is
it
oval-shaped object from which project three lateral flaring elements
an

each side with multiple bead terminations. The wrists are concealed by
distinguished, includes
be

heavy bracelets. The belt, where its

as
can
it

principal ornament three medallions representing human heads, the middle

full front, those profile. From these heads hang
on

one being the sides

in

in

ornaments which can be identified shells. The skirt divided into two
as

is

sections by fringe, the lower part being embroidered with design that
a

resembles lattice pattern. Another fringe ends the skirt. The sandal
a

strings, passing between the toes, are knotted decorative way on the
in
a

ankle big toe visible. The head-dress consists

in

to
as

such manner leave the

the majority monstrous reptilian head, itself heavily orna
of

of
in

cases
a

mented and the whole adorned by profusion waving plumes. Confining

of
a

the subject-matter only and leaving aside

of
to

ourselves discussion
a

chronological considerations,
be

may noted that head-dresses similar

to
it

Macanxoc are commonly found the southern area,

in
at

those encountered
notably Piedras Negras (Stelae and 35), Naranjo (Stelae
13
at at

at

and 14,
3

1),

fig. 69),
on
of

of

Ixkun (in the head-dress the chief the left Stela and
the early Stela
on

on
In

at

Yaxchilan. the north we find Tulum.

at

Stela
it
6

The profiles are the Maya type with aquiline noses, except Stelae
of

Roman nose type. The ear and part

of

and which show the cheek are

4

concealed by heavy earplugs. The ceremonial bar, which rigid and held
is

diagonally across the breast, most elaborate. Unfortunately the ends are
is

all

permit the identification the details, but they seem

of be
of
to

to

too effaced
well-known type, representing human heads that issue from the jaws
of
a

highly conventionalized serpents.

185
186 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

The bar itselfis decorated with pairs of V-shaped elements, one being
inverted in each pair. The dates of these monuments add a special interest
to this type of ceremonial bar. We have on the Macanxoc stelae representa
tions of what Dr. Spinden in his work on Maya art believes to be the most
highly developed form of this object, in spite of the fact that these Macanxoc
stelae are contemporaneous in date with Early and Middle Period stelae at
Copan (Stelae P, I and 2) which in turn present what is believed to be the
earliest type of the ceremonial bar, namely a flexible serpent body held
horizontally. As great metropolitan centers like Copan would hardly have
made use of ceremonial paraphernalia of an earlier type, at any given time,
than did provincial centers like Macanxoc, it seems probable that the con

Fig. 69—Head-dress from Stela 3, Naranjo.

temporaneous use of the rigidand the flexible bar in spite of the resemblances
suggesting a common source, is in reality due to a double origin, viz, the
rigid evolving from the ceremonial staff or stick, and the flexible one from
the living form of the snake itself. They would appear to have been co
existent, and indeed we find both types, again contemporaneous, much later
at Yaxchilan—the flexible bar on Lintel 39 and the rigid one, very similar to
the Macanxoc type, on Stela 4 (fig. 70).
Beside, or below, the feet of the principal figure are captives, carved on
a much smaller scale. They are represented nearly naked, though a few
wear complicated head-dresses. All have their arms and wrists tightly
bound. The features of the captives are not strikingly different from those
of their conquerors. Some are kneeling in an attitude of supplication with
 ART ANALYsis of MACANxoc StelAE 187

arms or head raised toward the principal figure which stands on the back
of another, crushing him to the ground. This last representation of the
captive as supporting the principal figure is common throughout the southern
area, and it is interesting to follow its different manifestations—from a strong
realistic handling carrying the idea of conquest and war, especially in the
long series of captives at Naranjo, to the higher and more elaborate forms
found in the representations of astronomical data like the pedestal figures
in the Temple of the Sun at Palenque. If any order of development could
be suggested for such a series, it would be from naturalistic to symbolic, and
yet the tablets of Palenque are chronologically early and actually contempo
raneous with the Macanxoc stelae, whereas the Naranjo monuments are
notably later. Here again personal or other local influences, unknown to us,
have reversed what otherwise would seem to have been the logical cultural
evolution.

FIG. 70—Ceremonial bar from Stela 4, Yaxchilan (after Spinden).

ART STYLE
In attempting to characterize the style of the Macanxoc stelae we must
limit our study to Stelae I, 4 and 6 (figs. 61–62, 65,67) and to parts of Stelae 2
and 8 (figs. 63,68). The carving on Stela 7, if there was any, is now utterly
destroyed. Of Stelae 3 and 5 (figs. 64, 66) the subject-matter, although still
apparent, is so badly weathered that little can be gathered as to their style.
Stelae 2 and 8 are in very much the same condition, except that their lower
parts, which were buried beneath an accumulation of earth and débris, have
all

their reliefs preserved with almost their original delicacy.

The general impression gained severity,
of

from these monuments one

is

similarity
be
of

of

archaism (Stela found. The

8)

to

and traces even are

composition and details,
of

the collars being made

of

inverted
in
as

the case
all

T-shaped elements running through the entire group, suggests that the
stelae were sculptured within relatively short period. The style one that
is
a

logically might the flamboyant period,

be

of

so

forerunner characteristic
a
188 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

of many of the southern cities, if it were not for the fact that the chrono
logical data available contradicts this assumption. In any event, the style
is more sober and, indeed one might almost claim, more classical.
Although no traces of paint survive, we can not doubt that these
monuments were originally painted. This probably accounts for the low
relief typical of the group as a whole, which should not be taken as evidence
of incapacity on the part of the sculptor, since some of the best examples
of Maya art, for instance, the wall tablets at Palenque, were handled in this
technique.
I would suggest also that the relative lack of naturalistic qualities is
not necessarily a token of archaism. It must not be forgotten in this con
nection that in theocratic cultures, conception, and especially religious
conception, rules representation. To propose here any stylistic sequence
based on the natural (photographic) aspect of the objects under considera
tion would be to apply to these creations our own stylistic criteria. The
most careful analysis of Maya art that has so far been attempted, namely
the study of the Copan stelae by Doctor Spinden, well illustrates this fact.
If minor details, as for example the placement of the feet, have a tendency
toward increasingly naturalistic presentation as time went on, the principal
figure, which is of fairly natural proportions in the archaic stelae, on the
contrary suffered increasing deformation with the advance of skill and
technical perfection, to the point that in the most glorious period of sculp
tural art at Copan the proportions of the human body are actually ana
tomically monstrous. This indicates that more important than illusionistic
rendering was the carrying of a meaning throughout the whole subject–
the creation of a plastic entity. On a minor scale we have very good evi
dence of this at Macanxoc. The chiefs, or priests, are represented in full
front with their heads and feet in profile. This was not due to any inability
on the part of the sculptors to depict the face in full front and the feet
foreshortened, but rather to the fact that plastic and ritualistic considera
tions ruled perspective. This is shown by the very fine mask shown in full
front on the waist of the figure on Stela 6 (fig. 67) and by the extreme
subtlety of the three-quarter rendering of the right foot of the captive at the
right in support of the principal figure on the back of Stela I (fig. 62b).
Similarly the different scales employed for the principal figure and
subsidiary ones undoubtedly served to accentuate differences in social
rank, as for example, the miserable condition of the diminutive captives
aggrandizing by scale the powerful appearance of the larger principal figure.

ART SEQUENCE
Although our group of monuments does not present striking differences
in style, it is interesting, as a study in method, to attempt to establish a
chronological sequence based upon the stylistic criteria, and then to check
it by the actual chronological order of the monuments.
 ART ANALYsis of MACANXoc StelA. 189

Stelae 5 I being the only monuments which are carved on both

and
faces and sides as well, would, a priori, appear to be the latest, even though
Stela 5 (fig. 66) is of rather mediocre carving.
If now we confine our attention to the study of a single motif, and
its
variations throughout the group,

be
compare will found possible

to
it
carry the chronological sequence even further, without recourse the actual

to
Such, for example, the slave motif, especially

as
dates. used for the

is
the principal figures.

of
pedestals beneath the feet
Although many cases, treatment, which ap

us
in

to
as

we have seen
pears faulty, may
be

of
to or
attributed tradition different concept

to

to
a
art; the simplest

be
causes,

of
other cases attributed
in

must
of it

namely, sheer lack the part

on

of
skill the individual artist. Traces
skill, rather than archaism, are

be
of
of

of

such lack found on

to
the captives, which form the pedestal,
of

an fit
Stela (fig. 68). Here the heads
8

badly apparent that the artist tried give them

on

their bodies.
It

to
is

upward cast, but doing

he
so

failed express
in

to
the movement and volume
(fig. 64) presents the same motif, but great improvement
of

the neck. Stela

4

visible. The movement very satisfactory and the figures

of

the heads
is
is

their half-animal, half-human appearance, the sphinx motif.

in

recall
(figs. 61, 62) shows this same idea carried much higher

to
Stela

a
I

degree complexity and beauty. We find the “captive” pedestal brought

of

to
plastic and emotional perfection make improvement
of

to
as

such state
a

well-nigh impossible.
an

alone marks Stela

as
Such achievement the

I
the entire group.
of

latest
we consider now the perfection the carving, we find that Stelae
of
If

and make homogeneous group, better both design and technique

in
4

all 6

careful analysis

to of
than the other Macanxoc stelae, except Stela
A
I.

(figs. 65, 67) made from the originals, both

on

as
designs Stelae and
4

stylistic resemblances minor details and the type faces depicted, would
of
in

allow us, fact, attribute these two monuments the same artist, and
in

to

to

place them possible the monumental sequence directly before

in
to

as

as

late
the latest ones, i.e., Stelae and
I.
5

Stelae and (figs. 63, 64) without striking characteristics either good
2

group by themselves which by negative evidence

or

bad would thus make

a

may
be

4,
6,

placed after the archaic Stela but before Stelae and Our
1.
8

study the stylistic criteria

of

proposed sequence based upon therefore

is
a

as follows:
2

Stelae and, Stelae and Stela

8,

5,

Stela Stela
1
6
3

given by the dates

as

we check this sequence with the true order

If

follows, Stelae
6,
4,
3,
2,
as

themselves, which
I,

and we find that

it
is

confirms the placing but reverses the positions the group

of

of
I,

Stelae and
5

containing Stelae
6.

and and Stelae and

3

4
2
I 9o PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

all
This well illustrates the difficulty of attempting to force art phenom

by
interpret such phenomena

of
ena into single mould and single set

to
a

a
rigid rules. Although the different manifestations style—archaic, classic,

of
flamboyant—appear historically logical cycles, the personal capacity and

in
today,

as
of
individual taste each artist were dominant and variable then

of as
and were sufficiently strong disturb the natural order

at

in to
times esthetic
evolution. Especially was this true provincial centers where the artists
For example, here

at
must have been fewer Macanxoc when

in
numbers.
sculptor who probably carved both Stelae died left this far

or
the and

6
flung frontier town the larger southern cities, long period

of
return to

to
one

a
comparative mediocrity had elapse, during which the lesser artists
of

at
to

of

3,
Macanxoc could not rise above the standard art shown

in
and

5.
Stelae

2
Finally

I. of
new artist arose, more skilful even than the creator Stelae and

4
a

carving such magnificent monument

of
6,

capable Stela

as
a

STYLISTIC COMPARISONS
Macanxoc, being homogeneous style, may compared

be
The

in
at

stelae
with contemporaneous the southern cities. appears

It
in

monuments
probable that this early date the Old Empire civilization, the principal
at

the South, did not flourish

of

which were northern Yucatan

in

centers

in
of

of
except the form That say, the Macanxoc
in

to
remote colonies. the
is

monuments would have been dependent upon some great southern center,
which should be, therefore, possible identify by the art similarities
to
it

of the two cities.

two hypotheses appears fairly reasonable: either the Macanxoc
of

One
stelae were created by artists who had emigrated from some southern center,
that great
of
or

native born artists consciously copied the monuments

southern metropolis, whichever may be, whose emigrants founded Macan
it

xoc originally.
our search for the Old Empire center from which Macanxoc, judging
In

by the art its monuments, could most likely have been colonized, we may
of

consider first Uaxactun, because its art sequence roots farther into the past
its

than any other center. Although earliest dated monument (Stela

9)

290 years older than the earliest Macanxoc stela, its truly
all in

shows even
it
is

carving “baroque,”
of

archaic stone taste for which the seed the later

is
a

expressions this style, but has little points

of

of

contact with our Macanxoc art.

20

Uaxactun, for example, although more than century earlier

at

Stela
a

than the earliest Macanxoc monument, nevertheless essentially different

is

style, spite subject-matter prisoners kneeling

of

of

such similarities
in

as
at in

the principal figure and the use the rigid ceremonial bar.
of

of

the sides
Macanxoc,
of

of

None the Tikal stelae are contemporaneous with those

but the older ones (Ioo 175 years earlier) show their slow improvement
in
to

from monument monument similar subject-matter, namely

in
to

man
a
 ART ANALYsis of MAcANxoc StelAE 191

profile holding a ceremonial stick, treated with a more simple and naturalistic
feeling than the same motifs in the Uaxactun stelae. On the other hand, this
same simpler and more naturalistic treatment, together with the use of
relatively plain backgrounds, brings the Tikal stelae very close to our Macan
xoc monuments, although the Tikal technique is still much more angular.
When the limitations of archaism disappear at Tikal, we have monuments
that have many resemblances to those of Macanxoc, such as Stela II,
of a much later period.
In the monumental sequence at Piedras Negras the first stelae represent
ing human figures are exactly contemporaneous with the ones at Macanxoc,
the first of them being actually only five years earlier than Stela 6 at Mac
anxoc. Points of similarity can not be carried beyond a brief comparison
of the subject-matter, as for example the general resemblance of the kneeling
captives on Stelae 26, 4, 35 and 8 to the same motif at Macanxoc. This is
true because the skill in stone work, modeling and composition shown
by the Piedras Negras sculptors is much better than even the best work
at Macanxoc.
There is only one monument at Naranjo (Stela 25) which is con
temporaneous with the Macanxoc stelae. This is obviously the most primi
tive human representation in the city. Seen in front with head in profile,
it holds diagonally a rigid ceremonial bar, and is sculptured in very low relief
in a naturalistic caricature genre. It seems in skill and art far behind the
Macanxoc group, and really stands isolated in the whole field of Maya art.
The stelae of Copan comprehended in this comparison include only the
earlier monuments of the archaic angular type, and of this series even the
later ones, though less rigid, are still entirely influenced in the arrangement
of their designs by the original shapes of the boulder from which they were
carved. Although the more ambitious and at the same time unique attempt
made at Copan at sculpture in the round makes difficult any comparison
with other centers, it seems that the contemporaneous Piedras Negras stelae,
though in an easier medium of high and low relief combined, show a more
advanced state of art.
The best sculpture at Palenque dates from exactly the same period as
the Macanxoc stelae. It has been argued that Palenque was a sort of esoteric
center where art had the opportunity of developing earlier than anywhere
its

be

of

else, or at least attained there

If

most refined forms. this true the

subject-matter Palenque, technically, since we have little
so
at

seems less
it

right carving
of

compare works art made such opposite media

in

in
to

as

modeling Palenque
of

compare the stone work

in

If

stone and stucco. we

with the contemporaneous sculptures other centers, we see that some
of

of
it

frankly archaic, like the figures the stairways

of

the Palace
in
at

the sides
is

it,

Group, while the best very low relief,

of

the easy medium

of

drawn
in

purity
of

of

has design that equals but does not surpass the best work the
a

the Temple Palenque,

of

of

other centers. The stela

at

front the Cross

in
I92 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

which shows the same angular treatment of the body as the contemporaneous
work at Copan, is much inferior in technique and beauty. On the other hand
the stucco work at Palenque can be compared with fairness only with the
modeled clay figurines found in other Maya sites, many of which are exqui
site, both groups being fashioned in similar media. Palenque affords few
points of contact with Macanxoc. We find at both these sites the pedestal
like figure, though in a more conventionalized form (Temple of the Sun),
and a sensible use of plain background, that points to an art at its most
equilibrated moment.
The Tulum stela which is dated 50 years earlier than the earliest
Macanxoc stela, a reading now fully justified by the new discoveries at

its
Macanxoc, ought to be of great stylistic importance as both date and
position indicate the most probable direct ancestor

in of
geographic

as
Macanxoc. And yet the figure shown it

on
its best-preserved face, seen
front view, holding the flexible ceremonial bar, similar

to
the ones carved
some fifty years later Copan, has that angularity silhouette and floridity

of
at

background that make subject-matter and style incompatible with

of

in
it
30

Macanxoc. monument, years later than the Tulum stela, discovered

A

by Doctor Gann Chetumal Bay, presents human figure, but unfortu

at

a
nately any style.

of
afford
to

too much weathered evidence

it
is

of

There appears below list the monuments presented the above

in
a

slightly

or
discussion, which are either older than the Macanxoc stelae are
contemporaneous therewith:
Uaxactun Stela
6

Tikal None
4,

Piedras Negras Stelae 25, 26, 31, 33, 32, 35, 36,
37

and
2

Naranjo
3, 7, 25

Stela
E,

Io, 19, 23,

P,

Copan
2,

Stelae 12,
13, and
1

Palenque Temple the Sun, Palace House

of

Tulum Stela
I

The foregoing analysis

of

or

contemporaneous earlier monuments

in

Empire times indicates Tikal

as

Old being the site which presents the closest

stylistic similarities with Macanxoc; and yet the differences here are
so

great impossible that Tikal could have been the center from
to
as

render
it

which the Macanxoc sculptors derived. seems probable that the site
It

from which Macanxoc drew its esthetic inspirations found,

be

or

still
to
is

else the non-existence of such site would show that Macanxoc was an
a

original center creative art, which presupposes

an
of

of

establishment the
Maya Yucatan, long
of

northern these monuments

in

before the erection

took place.
 CONCLUSIONS
By J. ERIC THOMPson

COLONIZATION OF YUCATAN
Father Lizana, a priest of the second generation of Spaniards in Yuca
tan, has recorded an old Maya tradition of the colonization of Yucatan.
His account written in 1601 reads as follows:
“They (the first Spanish priests) knew that the natives came, a part from the east, a
part from the west. So in their old language they call the east by another name than that
which they use today. At the present time they call the east Likin, which is the equivalent
of saying the place from which the sun rises on us. And the west they call Chikin, which
means the fall or the end of the sun, or rather where it hides itself in relation to us. But in
old times they called the east Cenial ‘The Little Descent,’ and the west Nohenial ‘The
Great Descent,’ (the former) referring to the few people who entered from one side, and

§.
een. latter)
to the great multitude who entered from the other, whoever they may have

Did Cobá play any part in the “Little Descent”? Let us examine
the evidence of the stelae first of all. Until recent years it was generally
considered that the date mentioned in the Chilam Balam for the foundation
of Chichen Itzá marked also the first colonization of Yucatan. This date
was the Katun-ending 6 Ahau, generally considered to occupy the position
9. 14.o-o-o in the long count.” The new dates from Cobá, however, show
that this date does not mark the first colonization of Yucatan, as the earliest
Cobá date (9.9.o-o-o) is a hundred years earlier. Furthermore, there
are other early dates on the east coast of Yucatan. In 1926 Dr. Gann
discovered at a small site on Chetumal Bay, which he christened Ichpaatun,
a stela which records a very clear Initial Series reading 9.8.o-o-o, the
carving showing the date to have been contemporaneous with its erection.”
Farther north along the east coast another early date is found at Tulum.
Stela I at this site records the Initial Series 9.6. Io-o-o, 8 Ahau 13 Pax.
This date is followed by a Lahuntun sign and the next glyph is a clear
7 Ahau. Dr. Morley originally suggested that these two signs might indicate
the Lahuntun ending Io.6. Io-o-o, 7 Ahau 18 Yaxkin, a date which at that
Subse
fit

time appeared to Yucatecan history."

of

better into the skeleton

quently Dr. Lothrop suggested that on stylistic grounds the stela could
be

of

such late date, for the ceremonial

of

not bar was the naturalistic

flexed snake type, which was replaced by the rigid type long before Io.6. Io
o-o. Lothrop proceeded suggest the date 13. Io-o-o, Ahau Cumhu
to

9.

3
7

erection, and this date Morley subsequently accepted."

of

for the date

Cobá the rigid ceremonial bar was already
at

Now we have seen that

in

use
9.9.o-o-o. For this reason does not seem
at

on the earliest stela erected

it

likely that the old practise would continue Tulum for nearly century
at

Lizana, 1893, pp. 3-4.

* * * * *

this question see Morley, 1927, pp. 64-67.

of

For brief discussion

a

Gann, 1926
a.

Morley, 1918, pp. 274-275.

Lothrop, 1924, pp. 41-43. Morley's acceptance 1927, pp. 52-53.
in

I93
I94 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

later. The writer believes that the Lahuntun glyph connects the Initial
Series date with the following katun ending 9.7.O-o-o,7 Ahau 3 Kankin.
Ahau. It is not at

all
Hence the unusual find the Lahuntun glyph

to
7
placed this manner between Lahuntun ending date which
in
and

is
a

a
probably the subsequent Katun ending.

be
to
found on

A
clear case

is
Stela Quirigua where the Lahuntun glyph connects 9.16. Io-o-o,
at
F

all
Ahau, which probability represents 9.17.o-o-o,

13
Ahau with

in
a
I

Of course there

a to
13

18

Ahau Cumhu.

in

as
no evidence these cases

is
whether the Lahuntun glyph period ending glyph

as
being used

or
as
is

it on
distance number. As Ahau thus shown both the front and the

is
7
the monument, and seems most proba
of

back also the later date,

is
the contemporaneous date

of
ble that this the monument.
is

three early cities along the east coast Yuca

of

of
We have then chain
a

tan–Ichpaatun dated 9.8.o-o-o, Tulum dated 9.7.o-o-o, and Cobá with

these sites there may

be
In
earliest deciphered date 9.9.o-o-o.

to
addition
other early though undated monuments Lothrop

on

in
the east coast. the
chapter quoted suggests that the stela the Mérida museum attributed
in
stylistic grounds
be

on
to

Cozumel can the same general period

in

classed
The evidence from the dates then, supports
of

the stelae, the tradition

an
of

early colonization Yucatan from the east coast. M. Charlot

of

in
his
the stelae has already drawn attention
of

of

the art the resem

to
discussion
Old Empire sites, particularly
of

of
of

Macanxoc
to

blance the stelae those

Naranjo. The very free use both sites and the sloping cere
at

captives
of

at

monial bar are other points contact, and finally the presence
of

of
the date
Io-5-12, very
an

Eb Yax Initial Series

Io

suggestive.
at

as

9.12. both sites

is
4

true that both cities may have chosen this same date independently
as It
a is

astronomical calculations carried out by the intelligentsia

of

of
result
both cities without reference their colleagues, but this does not appear
to

likely. Other cities apparently worked out different Katun determinants

each other's work, and one would expect the same lack
to

without reference
cooperation between Naranjo and Macanxoc. Its presence appears strong
of

evidence for close connection between the two sites. At least Cobá was
a

keeping close touch with other Old Empire cities

in

in

to

the efforts solve

the front during Katuns
so

the lunar questions which were

II
to

much
and I2.
ARCHITECTURE
Points of contact with the architecture of the cities of the Peten have
already the chapter dealing with that subject. Al
in

been demonstrated
though these resemblances apply the Peten cities and the Old Empire
to to

generally, they apply Naranjo marked degree. one can accept

If
to

Maler's restoration, the temple with sloping upper façade obtains

at

Naranjo, and addition doors roofed with squat corbelled arch, and
in

structures with rectangular medial mouldings and cornices are found

at

this
15

Maler, 1908, figs. and 16.

*
 CoNclusions I95

site. The pyramidal sub-structures at Naranjo are in a poor state of preser

vation, but at the ruins of Camp 6 in British Honduras, which are not too
far from Naranjo as the crow flies, the buttressed pyramid with rounded
corners is found."
The possible connection with Naranjo should not be over emphasized.
All these architectural features are common to various Old Empire cities.
However, they serve to emphasize the calendrical and stylistic resemblances
of the stelae. In a number of respects, such as the sloping upper façade
or the arched doorways, influences from Chiapas and the Usumacintla
Valley are discernible in the Peten and Cobá regions. It would seem that
there had been a northeast wave of influences from this region sweeping
across to the Peten and up into the Cobá region. The time has not yet come
to disentangle these different cultural waves, which were not necessarily
accompanied by migrations of peoples.
Other resemblances to the cities of the Old Empire may be seen in
the use of windows in rooms, the arrangement of rooms in the larger struc
tures, such as Structure I at Kucican or Structure XXXVI in the Cobá
main group, the grouping around open courts, courts at different levels,
and the utilization of great stairways with massive steps. The last feature
is met with at Lubaantun,” and Hatzcap Ceel" in British Honduras, and
in the hieroglyphic stairway at Naranjo. The use of flat slab and chink
vaulting, the presence of stucco decorations on façades, in particular on the
moulding band, the rarity of carved stone decoration, and the absence of the
boot-shaped vaulting stone and veneered stone façades are features which
Cobá has in common with the Peten and certain other parts of the Old
Empire, particularly the Usumacintla area.
The stepped vaulting, such as occurs in some of the rooms of Structure
XXXIII at Cobá, is also found at Uaxactun, and in a slightly modified form
at Tikal, Nakum and Palenque, and may well have been employed sporadi
all

cally over the Old Empire region. somewhat similar vaulting has been
A

reported by Lothrop from building Xelhá," but the resemblance

at

to

the
as a

Old Empire the Cobá rooms and,

of
of so

as

not we shall
in

close the case

is

see, susceptible explanation.

is

These architectural resemblances between the Cobá area on the one

the other, taken
on
of

hand and the cities the Peten and the Usumacintla

conjunction with the early dates
of

Cobá and the art affiliations

in

at

the
stelae, clearly point strong cultural influences from the latter areas,
to

and would seem confirm the tradition of the “Little Descent” as coloni
to

zation from there. Unfortunately this point can not proved,

be

as

the
culture was not necessarily accompanied by culture bearers, although this
probable.
is

p.

Thompson, 1931, 281.

* * * *

Joyce, 1926.
Thompson, 1931, Plate XXVI,
2.
p.

Lothrop, 1924, 135 and fig. 136.

196 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

COBA AS A CULTURAL CENTER

Clearly Cobá culture was more than a slavish imitation of that of the
areas to the south and southwest. The sacbeob that radiate from the lake
cities attest this. Raised roads, connecting one city with another, have
not as yet been reported from the Old Empire region, although between
different groups of a city they are found in the Peten region, notably at
Tikal, Uaxactun and Ixkun. Similarly the Cobeños carried their archi
tecture to a higher degree of perfection than was the case in the Old Empire
cities of the Peten region. This superiority is exemplified by the width
of the rooms of Structure I at Kucican, or those of Structure XXXVIII
in Group B, Cobá.
These advances, for we know
all the contrary, may have taken place

to
Cycle Io, when activity may have ceased
of

the middle

in
the Peten sites.
in

Cycle

9,
We know that Cobá was occupied

of
the middle and we know that
in
was also occupied during the “Late East Coast” epoch, but we have

no
it

yet, either for against its occupation during the

definite evidence, or
as

intervening period. Ceramics, one can presume, will eventually supply

this problem.
to

the answer
its
of
In

some respects Cobá was ahead contemporaries the Peten

in
the early stelae very far
of

of
region. The art Macanxoc

in
at

advance
the early stelae Naranjo, for instance, where the early Stela 25, is
of

that
at

carrying the date 9.9.o-o-o, Ahau Zotz, much more primitive than
is
3
3

anything Cobá, and even the later stelae dating from around Katun
at

14
are less sophisticated than the Cobá stelae dating from

or
Katun two a
earlier. We have also seen that there some reason for believing that
is

the Uniform Lunar System was adopted earlier Cobá than Naranjo,
at

at
or for that matter at Yaxchilan.
One forced to the conclusion that Cobá must have been settled
is

date considerably earlier than the earliest recorded date now known
at
a

from the district. Otherwise, science and the arts would not have shown
such progress, and the artistic affiliations would have been closer
to

the
parent city, Naranjo, whatever the parent city may have been.
or

recently colonized provincial center would scarcely have been position

in
a

out-distance the mother city.

to

size Cobá takes first rank. Probably Tikal the only Maya city
In

is

with more structures. After all, there are complete groups Cobá still
at
B,

unmapped, particularly Group

of

of

the northeast the direction

to

in

Nohoch Mul and other smaller scattered groups fringing the shores
of

the
various lakes.
RELATIONS OF COBA WITH THE EAST COAST
of

We have already seen that Tulum was one the sites settled the
in

movement up the east coast. Of this early settlement there are no traces
except the stela with the Initial Series and, possibly, the stela
on

Cozumel
 CoNclusions I97

Island. No architectural features at Tulum can be definitely assigned

all
early period. Presumably this period have been

of
to this structures
pulled down, collapsed, been incorporated later buildings.

or

to in
Nevertheless there are features common the architecture of the East
Coast cities and the early period recapitulate

at
unnecessary

to
Cobá.

It
is
these points resemblance, which attention has already been drawn
of

to
say that they are general

of
architecture. Suffice

to
the discussion
in

it
rather than specific. Unfortunately we can not draw any conclusions from
masonry between the two areas, for they may

be
the close similarities

in

in of
due solely the limestone employed.
the local character
to

early both areas, one might deduce that one

In

of

view the dates

did not draw inspiration from the other that both were influ

of so

as
much
enced from the same source—the wave culture that spread up the east
early date. This deduction, however, applies only
an
of

Yucatan
at

to
coast

at
the early period. There that ample evidence
late date influences
is

a
from the east coast made themselves felt Cobá, and inspired such build

at
Diving Mul, the stairway
of

as
at
ings temple God Nohoch
as

as
the the well
it,

up lying
of
that leads the structures
to

and also number between the

a

Cobá main group and Nohoch Mul. The definite East Coast influence

of at
Cobá would appear belong the last east coast periods. The temple
to

to

the Diving God Nohoch Mul certainly belongs Lothrop's Group IV,
at at

to
the latest period Tulum.”
already been suggested that the stela shrines probably date from
It

has
these late periods, although the inspiration from the east coast not directly
Tulum built small shrines large numbers, and in is
in

traceable. one instance

at

least placed temple. Cobá also built small shrines

in

to
stela house
a
a

one instance placed temple. The idea, course, of

in

stelae and stela

in
a
a

may have spread from Cobá even originated elsewhere

or

the east coast,

to

this general area, and spread with varying modifications

to

both centers
in

under discussion.
Peculiarly enough such typical features the two
of

as

East Coast art

membered cornice and serpent columns are entirely unknown Cobá, and
in at

the column, which the east coast, only occurs

on

one doubt
so

abundant
is

Cobá, although Structure XXX the main group seems

be

ful case
at

to
in

step its evolution.

in
a

RELATIONS OF COBA WITH NORTHWEST YUCATAN

This concluding chapter started with the question what part,
to
as

any, Cobá played the “Little Descent.” We have seen that

in

the
if

if

terminus of the “Little Descent” be Yucatan there

to

considered
is

is

pretty clear evidence that Cobá was one

of
of

the termini the invasion.

However, there believe that Chichen Itzá was considered
to

some reason
is
p.

Lothrop, 1924, 168.

*

p.

*Ibid. 1924, 172.

198 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

to be the terminus of the migration. Brinton translates a certain passage in

the Chilam Balam of Chumayel as follows:
“Katun 4 Ahau; then took place the search for Chichen Itzá; at that time they were
marvellously improved by the fathers. Then they went forth in four divisions which they
called the four territories. One division came forth from the east of Kin Colah Peten.”

There is some evidence for believing that Kin Colah Peten and Cobá
are one and the same place. In the Katun wheel of the Chilam Balam
of Chumayel, Katun 13 Ahau is ascribed to Kin Colah Peten, but in the
text (page 40) the seat of the Katun is said to be Kinchil Cobá, and again
on page Ioo the seat of this Katun is said to be Kinchil Cobá. The Chilam
Balam of Mani and Tizimin also state that Katun 13 Ahau was seated
in Kinchil Coba. It would thus appear that a careless scribe may have
transcribed Cobá as Colah, mistaking an 1 for a b. This surmise is strength
ened by the addition of the word peten. This Maya term refers to any
geographical body surrounded by a different body. It is applied to a lake,
an island, or an island of vegetation, such as trees of one species surrounded
by another type of vegetation. Primarily the word is used for a lake or
island, and in both senses is very suitable to describe Cobá, either because
the city is close to the lakes, or because it is situated on a semipeninsula.
If we can accept this passage as referring to Cobá, and excise the word
of, which Brinton places, without authority from the original, between
the east and Kin Colah Peten, we see that the passage implies that the
“Little Descent” took place from Cobá to Chichen Itzá in Katun 4 Ahau,
which corresponds to 9.15.o-o-o in the long count. At the same time
three other divisions came from other unidentified centers, although one,
as we shall see, may have been the Chiapas—Usumacintla area. Perhaps it
would be best to treat the passage as symbolical of the influences that
played on northwest Yucatan, and not to take it too literally.
Before discussing any possible influence of Cobá on the cities of north
western Yucatan, let us examine the question as to whether northwestern
Yucatan was inhabited before the discovery of Yucatan in 9. 14.o-o-o,
according to the books of Chilam Balam.
The books of Chilam Balam are unreliable for this early period, and in
any case they give very little information. Dates from this period are
is,

non-existent. Mercer's" evidence against a previous occupation

at

the
best, negative evidence and, furthermore, large extent vitiated by
to
is

the fact that the Maya did not normally inhabit caves, but resorted
to

them
all

only
of

stress and for religious For we know

in

to

times ceremonies. the

contrary, Yucatecan Maya may have occupied western Yucatan from Cycle
Indeed, there certain ceramic evidence pointing
or

times even earlier.

is
8

occupation quarter Cycle the period when

an

9,
to

of

earlier than the third

we are told Chichen Itzá was first “learnt about.” In Field Museum there
Spinden, 1924,fig. 30, illustrates
to
of

number these references under the title “Occult references the end
a
*

1536, A.D.," but there nothing occult about them.

13
of

Katun Ahau
in

is

Mercer, 1896, pp. 160-167.

*
 CoNclusions I99

is a sherd consisting of the mammiform type of leg found during the Holmul
I period. sherd was found at Progreso on the northwest coast of
This
Yucatan. It has generally been agreed that the Holmul I period in the
Peten region was not later than the end of the first half of Cycle 9, and may
very well have been of much earlier date, as the evidence from Uaxactun
suggests. Unless then the Holmul I period pottery took a very long time
to spread northward, northwest Yucatan was occupied before Chichen Itzá
was “learnt about” in 9.14.O-O-O, and apparently the occupants were a
people who, although they did not erect carved stelae so far as we know,
were on a fairly high cultural level, as the sherd attests.
What evidence is there of other cultural invasions of this area? In
addition to the expansion of culture up the east coast of Yucatan there
would appear to have been a movement up the west coast of the peninsula,
although, to judge by the dates at present available, this migration of
individuals or culture reached Yucatan nearly a couple of centuries after
the erection of the first dated stelae at Tulum and Cobá.
This movement is signalized by stelae at Etzná, giving dates 9.11.17-o-o,
9.15.O-O-O, and 9.18.O-O-O, at Jaina, where the solitary stela apparently
records the date 9. II.o-o-o, possibly Oxkintok, where there is an Old
Empire stela, and Holactun, where the terminal date of the Initial Series
date is almost certainly 9.16. 13-o-o. The style of the glyphs, the presence
of the beetle glyph and the Lunar Series clearly point to this date and invali
date any reading in Cycle Io or II.”
This Holactun date is of very great importance because of the fact that
it is carved partially on a square column at the entrance of a temple. One
is driven to the conclusion that square columns were one of the results
of this western migration, or, if one follows the general theory of the origin
of columns, then the “Toltecs” dragged their way into Yucatan, loaded
down with the heavy impedimenta of square columns, Atlantean figures,
feathered serpent balustrades, and other odds and ends usually ascribed
to them, in the third quarter of Cycle 9. If our first conclusion is correct,
square columns, as well as ball courts and spearthrowers, will have to be
taken out of the knapsacks of this elusive people, who skulk in the shadows
of Yucatecan history with their Pandora's box brimming with evils for
archaeologists.
figure on one of the columns of the Temple of the Initial Series
The
at Holactun' might appear at first glance to challenge this deduction,
but a closer scrutiny leads one to the conclusion that the figure has many
stylistic affinities with the art of the Old Empire region during Cycle 9,
although the carving is poorly executed. The ceremonial staff is very
similar to one held by the personage on the front of Stela 2 at La Venta,
* Vaillant, 1927and 1928. There is also a tetrapod bowl of this period from Campeche in the Regil collection.
* The Initial Series of this stela is beyond all reasonable doubt 9.15.12-6-9, 2 Muluc2 Kankin. For a discussion
of this date see Thompson, 1931, Appendix V.
* Maler, 1902, fig. 5.
2OO PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

Tabasco. The little animal head (tepizcuintli:) on the belt seen peeping
out from under the personage's right wrist is stylistically in traditional
Old Empire style, and finds an almost exact counterpart at Palenque on the
belt of the figure on the west panel of the sanctuary. It can also be matched .
by a score of heads embodied in Glyph B of the Lunar Series.
The trident-ended ornament across the knees held by a long chain sup
ported from the neck is typologically similar to those shown on the Cobá
stelae, suggesting possible cross-currents of influence from that area. The
sandal knots, the mantle and, to a lesser extent, the head-dress are closer
to the styles of the Old Empire than those of Yucatan. The square shield
is an Old Empire feature also common in northwest Yucatan.
If
our thesis of a wave of culture passing up the west side of Yucatan
to mingle with an already established local culture is sustainable, one
would expect to find a new style developing, which combined elements of the
geographical Old Empire with those of local origin. The Holactun figure
may well exemplify such a phase.
It is clear, then, from the evidence of the stelae, that there was an
invasion of culture up the west coast of the peninsula. What influences
beside the square column can be assigned to this cultural wave?
The sculptured stone lintel does not occur in the Peten or Cobá regions
to the best of our knowledge,” although it is found in northwest Yucatan.
It is also of very frequent occurrence in the cities of the Usumacintla Valley,
in particular at Yaxchilan; and there is a certain amount of resemblance
between the grouping of figures on some of the lintels at Yaxchilan and
one from Yulá. The beetle glyph, which we have already seen is found
on the Holactun inscription, is very frequent at Yaxchilan; it is also known
from Piedras Negras and Copan, but does not occur in the Peten region.”
is,

then,
of

There certain amount connect this western cultural

to

evidence
a

invasion with the Usumacintla Valley, and, after all, this the area where
is

one would expect start, incidentally

to

such movement and the one

is
it
a

area, beside the Cobá district, where the square column seemed
be
to
of

evolving." The idea the square column may well have been carried from
Cycle
of

the Usumacintla area into northwest Yucatan the second half

in

9
as

the Holactun date suggests.

The use of face numerals another feature not uncommon in the
is

Copan-Usumacintla-Chiapas belt, but very rare the Peten, and appar

of in

ently unknown They frequent occurrence

at

Cobá. are, however,

in

northwest Yucatan, Holactun the whole Initial Series carved

at

and
is

with this type numeral. Again the evidence would seem point
of

to

to
a

Blom and La Farge, 1926, fig. 70.

* *

The only possible exception the carved slab called the re-used lintel found by Maler Naranjo. Actually
at
is

so

there no direct evidence that this was originally lintel. The fact that no other carved stone lintel has far
is

been found the Peten-Quintana Roo region makes its identification dubious.
is in

an example the beetle glyph Ixkun, but this city does not belong geographically
at

to
of

There the Peten.

*

not actually
of

the Usumacintla basin within few miles it.

is in

is
If

it

Palenque
to

understood be included this Usumacintla area.

in
* *

Hieroglyphic Stairway Naranjo only

at

at

Their use on the the case the writer recalls the moment.
is
 CoNclusions 2OI

non-Cobá and non-Peten Old Empire region as the source of the inspira
tion, and the Holactun date stamps this influence as having reached Yucatan
during Cycle 9.
Another but rather weaker argument might be adduced from the
emphasis laid on Tun 13 dates in northwest Yucatan. The recording of
dates terminating on a thirteenth Tun was a fairly frequent practise in the
Chiapas-Usumacintla area, but rarer in the Peten, and possibly unknown
at Cobá.” In Yucatan, on the other hand, it was a frequent practise, and
the earliest known example is again found on the Holactun inscription.
The evidence, so far as it goes, points again to early influences from the
Usumacintla-Chiapas region.
In northwest Yucatan a glyph closely resembling Glyph G of the Lunar
Series is frequently interposed between the day and month signs of a calendar
round date. Such a practise has not so far been reported from the Peten
area, but possibly occurs on Altar 7 at Toniná, Chiapas, a monument
almost contemporaneous with the probable date of the Holactun stela.
Similarly it would seem that the manikin scepter concept reached north
west Yucatan from the Usumacintla-Chiapas region. At least, it is com
paratively rare in the Peten area, and is totally unknown from the Cobá
Tulum region. The example of the manikin scepter at Santa Rosa Xlabpak:
is in the best Old Empire style and displays no evidence of degeneration
or conventionalization. It surely dates from Cycle 9. There would also
appear to be a manikin scepter in one hand of the principal figure on Ste
phens' wooden lintel from Kabah, which also appears to be in regular
Old Empire style. It is peculiar that nothing has ever been published
on the building in which the lintel was found. One suspects that it is in the
usual northwest Yucatan “Renaissance” style, and in that case there would
be evidence for dating this style of architecture as much earlier than is
now generally believed. Such a thing would be fatal for the correlations
which place the Spanish conquest in Cycles 12 and 13. Similarly, lat
tice work appears on the temple of the Initial Series at Holactun, and
must date from the third quarter of Cycle 9 since the terminal date of the
inscription is 9.16.13—o-o.
We have digressed rather from the subject. This publication deals
go
its

with Cobá, and it is outside scope too deeply into this argument,
to
all

contrary
of

which orthodox belief, and would make some the renais

to
is

sance buildings
of

northwest Yucatan contemporaneous with the cities

the Peten. Nevertheless, prophets are not always stoned without just
of

infallibility
of

cause, and, perhaps, we have accepted too meekly the the

historical reconstructions proposed during the past two
or

three decades.
Tikal, the second Stela Uaxactun, which records the early date
at

at

Two known cases: The first Stela

5

3
*

9.3.13-o-o. Both these readings were made by Morley.

The sole possible exception the very doubtful date on Inscribed Stone on Sacbe No. (p. 179).
p.is

of 1

1
* *

Blom and La Farge, 1926, 249. This may, however, be Glyph the Lunar Series; least,
at

not
is
it
G
a

found with an Initial Series.

p.

Maler, 1902, 223, has an excellent illustration this fine sculpture.

of
*
2O2 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

Enough has been said to indicate that there is evidence to support

a theory of a cultural or human wave having passed up the west coast of
the Yucatan peninsula, possibly from Chiapas and the Usumacintla Valley
in the second half of Cycle 9. Such an invasion may have been the “Great
Descent,” which it will be remembered was from the west and was supposed

all
to have taken place in a Katun 4 Ahau. This in probability was the same
Katun witnessed the “Little Descent,” and both movements apparently
as

all
formed part of
the descents from four directions reported the Chilam

in
Balam. This apparently was 9.15.o-o-o, Yax, the Katun after

13
Ahau

4
Chichen Itzá was “learnt about.” As little more than suggestion, one

a
might call attention the statement that Itzamna, the mythical leader

of
of to
Izamal was its leader. The badge

of
the Itzá and founder Itzamna was

a
hand, and this connection Joyce has already pointed out that the promi
in

nent display the principal personage

on
of

of
the hand over the head

a
Piedras Negras stela might connected with the worship
be

of
Itzamna
Ul.” Ocosingo also was apparently this worship.

of
center a
the Itzá, who incidentally were considered foreigners by the other
If

Yucatecans, really reached Chichen Itzá 15.o-o-o under the leadership

in
9.

up
Itzamna, they may very well have been the invaders, who pushing
of

the
Yucatan, apparently from the Chiapas-Usumacintla area,
of

west coast
introduced the features already discussed probably originating
as

the

in
latter area. However, the time not yet ripe for such speculations, and
is
be

perhaps will content ourselves with echoing Lizana's words on

to

best
it

the people who formed the “Great Descent”—“Whoever they may have
been.”
make this digression from our subject

so
has been necessary
It

all to

to
as
avoid attributing Cobá apparent Old Empire influences northwest
in
to

Yucatan. For instance, Uxmal occur the sloping upper façade and single
at

sloping medial moulding similar the temples Palenque and

of

that
to

at

the Usumacintla Valley, but we have also seen this type

at
of

structure
Cobá (Structure XXXVIII). At Uxmal found associated with the
is
it

the “Casa del Adivino” building.” We have

no
of

earlier construction
knowing
of

Usumacintla influence, Cobá influence,

to

means this due

is is
if

probably the best guess. Similarly the ground

or

fortuitous. The first

is

plans buildings generally

in of

of

attributed
to

some the the renaissance

northwest Yucatan might any three
be

period
of
to

due these reasons.

certain resemblance between the ground plans the “Akabdzib”
of

There
is
a

the “Tortugas” Cobá,

or
at

at

Chichen Itzá Uxmal and structures

at

Kucican, the Usumacintla Valley. The great width

or

of

in in

the rooms
by

only approached
of
of

some the Uxmal structures the width rooms

is
p.

Chumayel, which took place the “Great Descent” the “Little

p. of

42. “4 Ahau the name the Katun

in
is
*

p.

Descent.” Bolio, 1930, 91; Brinton, 1882, 180.

p.

Joyce, 1914, 227. The hand also displayed Palenque and Copan, although less prominently.
at

also
It
is
*

occurs on Old Empire figurines from Lubaantun.

p.

Seler, 1917, 95.

*
 CoNclusions 2O3

Structure XXXVIIIat Cobá or Structure I at Kucican, but as there is

no structural principal involved, such resemblances are probably fortuitous.
A third wave of influence seems to have pushed up the center of the
peninsula, possibly introducing such distinctive features as lattice-work
decoration on façades, and adding fresh complications by mingling with the
influences already established. Architectural evidence would point to the
Rio Bec region as the source of this influence. Unfortunately we have no
information as to when Rio Bec flourished. If lattice work, indeed origi
nated at Rio Bec, this city must have been flourishing during the great
period of Cycle 9, for we have seen that lattice work was already in use at
that time at Holactun. The differences between the Rio Bec cities and
those of the Peten region may well be due, not to time, but to geographical
factors. We are, perhaps, too prone to ascribe new developments to time
and to treat the Maya as one homogeneous cultural group without allowing
for strong local developments in architectures, although we know these
occurred in ceramics. Certain features at northern Peten cities, such as
La Honradez, show resemblances to the architecture of the Rio Bec cities.
This would indicate that geography is perhaps more responsible for Rio
Bec developments than time.
It is very clear, then, that there has been a great mingling of culture
and, probably, peoples as well in northwest Yucatan, and it is difficult
to assign specific cultural traits to Cobá influence. Causeways, which are
of frequent occurrence in northwest Yucatan, although not so spectacular
as those that radiate from Cobá, may owe their origin to influences from this
region. Owing to the much denser population and greater building activity
during the past four centuries in northwest Yucatan the sacbeob in this
area have disappeared to a great extent, but in any case they would appear
never to have been of such importance or imposing construction as those
of the Cobá region.

COBA INFLUENCES AT YAxUNA

If Cobá
played any important part in influencing the cultural develop
ment of northwest Yucatan, one would expect such influence to have
is,

passed through Yaxuná. This city our knowledge, the

of
to

the best
of

terminus the great sacbe (No. 1).” Here one would expect
to

western
colony Nevertheless,
or
is at

find from Cobá least strong Cobá influences.

a

the only standing structure typical northwest Yucatan “Renaissance”

of in

style, resembling the annex the Monjas structure Chichen Itzá,

at

although the façade has completely collapsed.

of

Occasional fragments
be

Simple masks the Long-nosed god built up this site. Possibly they may
at
to of

of

stone and stucco occur

*
as

belonging the last quarter Cycle They are very similar the simpler masks
to
of

of
9.

dated northwestern
Yucatan. At this site are also found masks at the bases stelae,but as these also occur at Poco Uinik no con
of

any connection with the masks at the bases

to

of

clusions can be drawn as columns northwestern Yucatan.

in
1,

Although virtually certain that Yaxuná this has never been proved
of

the western terminus Sacbe No.

is

is
it
*

15

definitely, Mr. Bennett the contrary. He traveled some 20 km. previously unexplored, but there still
or
to

remains an untraveled gap

of

between 30 and 35 km.

2O4 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

walls and pyramid facings seem to be made in Cobá style, for the facings
are not of the veneer type, but these are vestigial, and one can not be certain
that the attribution of the style to Cobá is correct.
Unfortunately there is no definite evidence as to when the sacbe
was built. There is a little weak evidence suggesting that the sections
close to Cobá were built in the middle of Cycle 9 (p. 180), but we have no
evidence that the whole sacbe was completed at this time, although this
seems probable. It may, originally, have reached only to some intermediate
point, terminating in some as yet undiscovered site. Excavation at Yaxuná
should shed light on this problem.
INFLUENCES OF NORTHWEST YUCATAN ON COBA
So far as we know at present these did not exist. Indeed,it is remark
able that the typical features of northwest Yucatan “Renaissance” archi
tecture should be so conspicuously absent. There are a number of possible
explanations of this. Cobá may have been uninhabited during the height of
this period, contact may not have existed, or the relationships may not be
apparent for geological reasons. It would be interesting for a geologist to
make a survey of the structural possibilities of the limestone encountered
in different parts of the Maya area. The hard crystalline limestone found
in the Toledo region of southern British Honduras, for example, is probably
the cause of the excellency of the masonry at Lubaantun. Copan was
similarly blessed with an excellent stone of a tuffaceous nature which is
particularly adaptable for shaping into square or oblong stones, or for
sculpturing in the semi-round. The boot-shaped vaulting stone occurs at
Copan, and again in northwest Yucatan, where it is associated with well
squared veneer stone and stone sculpture which approaches the round.
Are these associations fortuitous, the results of culture contacts, or due to
the nature of the stone employed? The writer believes that the regional
differences in architecture and the employment of worked stone largely
depended on the nature of the building stone at hand. In the Peten and
Cobá regions this appears to be of poor quality. Until this possibility is
negatived by geologists we shall not be in a position to state that northwest
Yucatan was not in a position to influence Cobá architecturally.
An obscure passage in the Chilam Balam of Chumayel speaks of
Ah Mex Cuc(?) returning from Chichen Itzá to the house of the priest
Cobá." This, as already suggested (p. 6), might possibly refer to the city
of Cobá, especially as we know that Cobá has continued to this day to be of
ritualistic importance to the people living in the vicinity of Chichen Itzá
(p. 4). Apparently, too, the Katun 13 Ahau, which coincided with the
arrival of the Spaniards, was celebrated at Cobá by the erection of a stela,
at least that appears to be what the Chilam Balam imply in the numerous
Katun wheels, where we are told Kinchil Cobá was the name of the Katun
* Chilam Balam of Chumayel, page 11. Translations of Roys, Solis, and Bolio compared to reach the transla
tion given above.
 CoNclusions - 2O5

or the seat of the Katun. It was a custom in Yucatan at the time of the
conquest for the different cities to take turns in erecting
the Katun stone.
Apparently Kinchil Cobá and Cobá are one and the same city, and if that
is indeed the case it is clear that Cobá was on sufficiently friendly relations
with the cities of northwest Yucatan to share with Mayapan and other

if its
prominent cities the honor of taking turn erecting Katun markers.

in
As already pointed out, this evidence, correctly interpreted, shows that
Cobá was not only one

be
to
of
Yucatan and

in

to
the earliest cities settled
erect stelae, but was also, possibly, the last city Yucatan,

in
to
erect stela

a
not Maya
in

the whole area.”

if

FUTURE WORK AT COBA

clear that very little can definitely

be
said about Cobá's place
It

in
is

Maya history Too many outlines Maya history

of
at

the present moment.

very slender basis. These theoretical schemes are very
on

have been built up

a

open question, and becoming obvious that workers were too free
to

the

be in
it
is

past with general reconstructions. The history the Maya can not

of
told
until more known about Maya ceramics and architectural developments.
is

The sequence pottery types now roughly known, and

of

the Peten
in

is
knowledge Maya history will largely

be
of

of

doubtless our this phase

of
expanded within the next two three years result the intensive
or

as
a
the Peten and adjacent regions

of
excavations now being made British
in

Honduras. At present we know nothing about the pottery types Cobá,

at
and this will certainly the first and most important tasks when
at be

of

one
excavation initiated that city.
is

Very possibly the ceramic types correspond

be

Cobá will found

at

to

certain extent with the Holmul type periods, and that case should
in
be to

it
a

relatively easy work out the sequences and possibly the corresponding
to

time periods there.

Once this has been achieved, an attempt might
be

to

made these
if

see
In

same types and sequences hold good for Yaxuná.

of

view the fact that

this city very probably the terminus
at
of

Sacbe No. and the same time

is

is
1

quite close Chichen Itzá, likely that the pottery there will
be

found
to

it
of is
to

correspond cities, pieces

be of

that these two and trade from the

to

one
other would probably this way
of In

found should not

in

association.
it

prove too difficult eventually Chichen Itzá

to

relation
in

date the ceramics

Cobá, and by extension, possibly,
of

This
to

the Peten types.

to

those
Maya his
be

of of

would tremendous stride forward the reconstruction

in
a

tory, and might well mean the eventual linking up ceramically practically
the whole Maya area. Furthermore, should not prove too expensive.
it

Kin chil Coba hetz Katun the expressions. The term hetz used for the ceremony when child
of

one
is

is
u

a
*

p.

first straddled on its mother's hip (Thompson, 1930,

of

11o.) The list towns which erected Katun

is

stones given Chumayel not agreement. This list probably represents another Kahlay Katunob, which
in

in
II

U
is

has been displaced.

11

possibility that stelaewere erected Tayasal after this date, and Katun Ahau may have been
at

There
is
a
*

marked by the erection stela, but this

of

doubtful (see footnote above).

is
a
 -
-2O6 PRELIMINARY STUDY of RUINs of CoBA

Excavation on a small scale should also yield a considerable amount of

further information on the architecture of Cobá, and should solve some of the
problems raised by the present survey based only on surface observations.
More dated stelae might also be brought to light.
Possibly the easiest method of operating at Cobá on a permanent basis
would be with the aid of a seaplane. Colonel Lindbergh, when flying over
the ruins, expressed the opinion that by clearing a few of the trees at the
east endof Lake Cobá a seaplane could land and take off from the lake with
out much difficulty. With a seaplane based on Belize or Cozumel, supplies
could be brought in with ease and intensive aerial reconnaissance of the
surrounding district could be undertaken, if considered worth while. Labor
its

could bring in time from Chulutan,

or

at
own supplies for week two

a
or from wherever was drawn.
it

project excavation should more than repay its cost

of

Such

in
the
a

important information would surely yield.

it

Past workers the Maya field have been over prone build with
in

to
lacking excavation. This study, unfortunately, suffers
of

bricks the straw

has been impossible resist the temptation

of do
It

to

to
from the same defect.
our own, and perhaps after one lot
on

little theoretical reconstruction

a

devils has been cast out we are still rushing headlong down the Gadarene
slope.
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 INDEX
Acropolis, 80, 105, 106, Io9 Chichen Itzá–Continued
Agouti, 3 Akabdzib, 202
Aguada, 18, 25, 96 Caracol, 50, 120
Agua Escondida, I 19 Casa de las Monjas, 13, 97, 109, 117, 203
Aguilar, Jerónimo de, 6 Castillo, 31, 116
Aguilar, P. Sanchez de, 3 foundation of, 193
Ah Be, 13 Templo de los Tigres, 118
Ah Makopob, 7 Chikin, 193
Ah Mex Cuc, 6, 204 Chilam Balam, 7, 184, 193
Altars, II5, 121 of Chumayel, 5, 6, 198, 202, 204
disposition of, 126, 173, 174 of Mani, 198
Anteater, 3 of Tizimin, 198
Architecture, IoS-130, 194, 197 Chulutan, 3, 9, II, 13, 206
summary of, 129 Chumayel, Chilam Balam of, 5, 6, 198, 202, 204
Art analysis of Macanxoc stelae, 185-192 Chun-caan, 4
sequence, 188 Cobá, ancient deities of, 4
style, 187 approach to ruins, Io
stylistic comparisons, 190 as a cultural center, 196
subject-matter, 185 camp at, I2
Assemblage, 28, 80, 89, 96, IoS, 195 etymology of, 5
Balche, 5 facilities at, 13
Ball courts, 47, 78, Io9, 154, 199 future work at, 205
Balustrades, IIo, III, 199 history of, 6–Io
Beetle glyph, 161, 183, 199, 200 influences at Yaxunā, 203
Belize, 206 relations with East Coast, 196
Benches, 114, 115, 121 relations with northwestern Yucatan, 197
Bennett, R. R., Io, 12, 131, 180, 203 religious practises, 3
Benque Viejo, 115 situation, I
Biologia-Centrali-Americana, 13 size, 18, 196
Blom, Frans, II5, 131, 172 water supply, 13
Bolmai, 3, II Cobá District
Brinton, D. G., 198 description of, 1–3, 16
British Honduras, 32, 51, 93, IoS, IIo, 132, 195, 204, fauna, 3
205 flora, 2
Building materials, IoT present-day population, 3
Buildings, assemblage of, 28, 8.0, 89, 96, IoS, 195 rainfall, 2
orientation of, 28, 43, 80, 89, 96, IoS, Io'ſ topography, I
types of, III-II.4 water supply, I
Burial mounds, 45 Cobá (Group B), 28–74, 154–160, 171–172, 175—178
Cacao, 2 Architectural remains, 28–74
Campeche, I 19, 199 Cave, 43, 177, 178
Camp 6, 32, IoS, 195 Court A, 32, 35
Captive figures, 78, 157, 159, 165, 168, 170, 171, 181 Court B, 35, 156
183, 185, 188, 189, 190, 194 Court C, 38
treatment of at Macanxoc, I86 Court D, 38
Castes, War of the, 7, II Court E., 38
Causeways, 7, Io, 11, 203 (see Roads and Sacbeob) Court E', 38
Cedar, 2 Court F, 49, 176
Ceiba, 2 Court G, 49
Ceilings, flat, 122 Court H, 45
Cenial, 193 Court J, 5o
Cenote, I,II Court K, 5o
Ceramics, 86, 196, 198, 205 Court L, 5o
Ceremonial bar, 155, 157, 163, 164, 168, 170, 171, 183, Court M., 5o, Io9
185, 190, 191, 192, 193 Court N, 51, 106, IIo, 176
development of, 186 Court O, 52, IoT, IIo, 177
Ceremonial staff, 186, 199 Court P, 52, Io'ſ
Chac, 4 Court Q, 52
Chacte, 85 Court R, 58
Chac Xib Chac, 6 Court S, 64
Chai, Carmen, 9 Court T., 64
Chan Kom, 4 Court U, 74
Chan Mul, 18, 22, 184 Court W, 74
etymology of, 6 Court Y, 74
Charlot, Jean, 9, 80, 134, 137, 163, 168, 171, 194 Court Z, 74
Chemax, 3, 8, 12 Main Plaza, 30, 127
Chetumal Bay, stela, 192, 193 Shrine of Stelae9 and Io, 154
Chiapas, 49, IIo, 114, 119, 183, 195, 198, 200, 201, Shrine of Stela II, 35, 113, 156
202 Shrine of Stela 13, 157
Chichen Itzá, I, 6, 8, 16, 19, 20, 49, 54, III, II2, 115, Shrine of Stela 14, 45, 158
II9, 125, 158, 179, 197, 198, 199, 202, Structure I (Castillo), II, 12, 31, 33, 108, 112,
204, 205 II.3, II.4, I55, I-75
209
2IO INDEx

Cobá (Group B)—Continued Cobá (Group B)—Continued

Architectural remains—Continued orientation, 28, 43, IoT
Structure II, 32 size, 28
Structure III, 32 Cocoyol, 2
Structure IV, 35, 118, 123, 156 Codices, Maya, 84
Structure V, 38 Cogolludo, D. Lopez de, 7
Structure VI, 38 Columns, 119, 197, 199
Structure VI'', 38 Comalcalco, 119, 120, 125
Structure VII, 40 Temple 1, 115
Structure VIII, 41, 112 Conſ, 7
Structure IX, 26, 41, 112, 177 Conil, 7
Structure X, 27, 43 Construction, IoT-125, 195
Structure XI, 44 influence of local character of stone, 125, 197, 204
Structure XII, 45, 158 superior and inferior classes of, 1o5, IoS
Structure XIII, 45 wooden, 75, IoT, 113, 132
Structure XIV, 21, 45, 176, 178 Copal, 3, 4
Structure XV, 21, 45 Copan, 105, 125, 127, 140, 142, 182, 183, 188, 191, 200,
Structure XVI, 45, 157 202, 204
Structure XVII, 47, 1 Io, 113, 114, 154 ashler masonry of, Io'ſ
Structure XVIII, 50, 171, 176 Stela I, 186, 192
Structure XIX, 5o Stela 2, 186, 192
Structure XX, 5o Stela 3, 192
Structure XXI, 5o Stela 7, 192
Structure XXII, 52 Stela Io, 161, 192
Structure XXIII, 52 Stela 12, 192
Structure XXIV, 5o Stela 13, 169, 192
Structure XXV, 5o Stela 19, 192
Structure XXVI, 21, 52 Stela 23, 192
Structure XXVII, 52 Stela E, 192
Structure XXVIII, 53, 112, 115, 117, 125 Stela I, 192
Structure XXIX, 52 Stela P, 186, 192
Structure XXX, 52, 57, 107, 112, 115, I 19, 197 Cozumel, 22, 132, 206
Structure XXXI, 52 - Stela, 78, 194, 196
Structure XXXII, 52 Crandall, E. L., 9
Structure XXXIII, 59, 117, 118, 120, 122, 123, Cupuls, 3
126, 195 Date, at Etzná, 199
Structure XXXIV, 58 at Holactun, 199
Structure XXXV, 7, 63 at Ichpaatun, 193
Structure XXXVI, 65, 112, 115, 116, 117, 118, at Jaina, 199
126, 195 at Tulum, 193
Structure XXXVII, 64 9.12. Io-5-12, 4 Eb Io Yax, at Macanxoc and
Structure XXXVIII, 68, 112, 115, 117, 118, Naranjo, 138, 141-143, 182, 194
120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 196, 202, 203 Dates deciphered, résumé of, 182
Structure XXIX, 74 Dates, 13 Tun, 183, 201
Structure XL, 74 Decoration of buildings, 125, 195, 203
Structure XLI, 74 Diving God, 84, 120, 126
Structure XLII, 74 Doorways, 117, 194
Structure XLIII, 74 El Cayo, 114
Structure XLIV, 64 El Meco, Io9
assemblage, 28, 105 El Retiro, 118
Monuments, 154–16o, 171–172, 175—178 Etymology of Cobá, 5
Altar 24, 5o; discussion of, 171 of place names, 6
Altar B8, 52; discussion of, 177 Etzná, 126, 199
Altar B9, 49, 127, 176; discussion of, 177 Fairchild Aerial Surveys, 15, 17, 24, 28, 30
Altar B10, 43; discussion of, 177 Fauna, 3
Altar BII, 43, 174; discussion of, 178 Floors, 116
Altar B12, 43, 174; discussion of, 178 Flora, 2
Altar B13, 43, 174; discussion of, 178 Foundations, 112
Altar B14, 21, 45, 174; discussion of, 178 Franks jr., R. A., 9
Stela 9, 3, 9, 49, 127, 132, 157, 171; discussion Gann, T., 9, 12, 53, 59, 171, 179, 180, 192, 193
of, 154 Glyphs, usage followed in presentation of, 182
Stela 10,3, 9, 49, 127, 132, 154, 157; discussion Goodman, J. T., 147
of, 155 Great Cycle, 140
Stela II, 9, 32, 35, 132, 154, 157, 171; dis “Great Descent,” 193, 202
cussion of, 155 Great Great Cycle, 140
Stela 12, 10, 35, 157, 171; discussion of, 156 Ground plans, I 15, 195, 202
Stela 13, Io, 47, 133, 163, 171, 183, 184; Group A (see Macanxoc)
discussion of, 157 Group B (see Cobá)
Stela 14, Io, 45. 171; discussion of, 158 Group C (see Nohoch Mul)
Stela 15, 25, 171; discussion of, 159 Group D, 18, 18, 74, 77–80, 81, 88, Iod
Stela B1, 35, 127, 131, 133; discussion of, 175 assemblage, 77
Stela B2, 26, 172, 183; discussion of, 175 Ball Court, 78, 110, 126, 160
Stela B3, 49, 127, 172, 183; discussion of, 176 orientation, 77
Stela B4, 52; discussion of, 176 size, 77
Stela B5, 21; discussion of, 176 Stela 16, 22, 78, 128, 171, 183; discussion of, 160
Stela B6; discussion of, 176 Habin, 98
Stela B7; discussion of, 177 Hac-Madz, 4
 INDEx 2II

Hatzcap Ceel, 51, I.10, 195 Lizana, Bernardo de, 193, 202
Head-dress, 183, 185, 186, 200 Long, R. C. E., 140
Head variants, 182, 200 Lothrop, S. K., 119, 122, 124, 140, 193, 194, 195, 197
Higher time periods, 140 Lubaantun, 51, IIo, 195, 202, 204
Highway, ancient, 8 Lunar Calendar, 166
H-men, 4 adoption of Uniform System at Cobá and Naranjo,
Holactun, I 19, 203 138, 141–144, 182, 196
reading of Initial Series at, 199 Macanxoc (Group A), 88-96, 135-154, 172-175, 185-192
Holmul, 199, 205 Architectural remains, 88-96
“Holy of holies,” 106 Shrine of Stela 4, 91, II4, 133, 146
Honduras, 125 Structure I, 89, 113, 172
Ichpaatun, 126, 193, 194 Structure II, 90, II.3, 146
Incensarios, 93 Structure III, 91, 149
Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, 7 Structure IV, 91
Inscribed Stones, 179-180 Structure V, 92, III, 112, 117, 121, 124, 151,
Itzá, 6, 7, 202 I52, 172, IT 4
Itzam, 7 Structure VI, 94, II.4, 121, 145
Itzamna, 202 Structure VII, 94
Ixil, 11, 20, 27 Structure VIII, 94, II.4, 121, 153
Ixkun, IoS, 128, 183, 196, 200 Structure IX, 94, II.3, 114, 135
Stela I, 185 Structure X, 96
Izamal, 2, 8, 128, 202 Structure XI, 94
Jaguar, 3 assemblage, 89, 105
Jaina, 126, 199 discovery of, 9
Johnson, Crawford, 180 etymology of, 6
Joyce, T. A., 202 Monuments, 135-154, 172-175, 185-192
Kabah, 6, 20, 201 Altar A2, 92; discussion of, 172
Portal Vault, 72 Altar A3, 92; discussion of, 173
Kabahaucan, 8 Altar A4, 92; discussion of, 173
Kanxoc, 3, II, 13 Altar A5, 92; discussion of, 173
Katun determinants, 143, 147, 181, 182, 194 Altar A6, 94, 137; discussion of, 173
Kidder, A. V., 9 Altar A7, 95, 137; discussion of, 173
Kinchil, 5 Altar A8, 95; discussion of, 174
Kinchil Cobá, 5, 6, 198, 204, 205 Altar A9, 92; discussion of, 174
Kin Colah Peten, 198 Altar AIo, 9o, 146, 177, 183, 184; discussion
Kucican, 96-104 of, 175
Architectural remains, 96-104 Stela 1, 3, 9, 80, 95, 150, 157, 158, 159,
Court A, IoS 165–168, 170, 173, 174, 181, 184, 187,
Court B, IoS 188, 189; discussion of, 135
Main Plaza, 96 Stela 2, 9, 94, 187, 189; discussion of, 144
Structure I, 97, 109, I12, 115, 119, 120, 123, Stela 3.9,94, 153,154,187,189;discussion of, 145
126, 195, 196, 203 Stela 4, 9, 80, 90, 91, 133, 154, 157, 158, 168,
Structure II, 99, IIo, I 12, 115, 116, 120, 126 175, 185, 187, 189; discussion of, 146
Structure III, 103, 123 Stela 5, 9, 91, 187, 189; discussion of, 149
Structure IV, Io9 Stela 6, 9, 80, 92, 153, 154, 158, 168, 184, 185,
Structure V, 23, 103 187, 188, 189, 191; discussion of, 151
Structure VI, IoS, 126 Stela 7, 9, 92, 133, 152, 154, 172, 174, 185,
Structure VII, 103 187; discussion of, 152
Structure VIII, Io.4 Stela 8, 9, 80, 94, 133, 152, 158, 173, 187,
Structure IX, 104 189; discussion of, 153
Structure X, Io.1 Stela A1, 25; discussion of, 172
assemblage, 96, IoS orientation; 89, IoT
discovery of, Io size, 88
etymology of, 6 water supply, 13
orientation, 96, IoT Macaws, 3
size, 96 Magnetic declination, 16
water supply, 13, 96 Mahogany, 2
Lab Mul, 15, 23, 105 Teobert, 5, 8, 9, Maler, 32, Io9, 114, 115, 154, 155, 162,
etymology of, 6 163, 194
Labná, 20, 128 Mani, Chilam Balam of, 198
Portal Vault Group, 118 Manikin scepter, 201
La Honradez, 203 Maps, methods used in making, 15
Lake Chacluk, 18 Martinez Hernandez, Juan, 147
Lake Cobá, 8, 12, 13, 15, 16, 28, 206 Masonry, 107, 197
Lake Macanxoc, 13, 15, 18, 26, 28 Materials of buildings, Io'ſ
Lake Sacakal, 15, 16 Maudslay, A. P., 13
Lake Xkanhá, 13, 15, 18, 88 Maya Astronomy, 139
Landa, Diego de, 5 Mayapan, 205
La Venta, Stela 2, 199 Mercer, H. C., 198
Lehmann, Walter, 8 Metates, 86
Lianas, 2 Mexico, Valley of, 49
Likin, 193 Milpa, 3, 4
Lindbergh, C. A., 206 Montejo, Francisco, 7
Lintels, recessed, 118 Monuments, 126–128, 131-184 (see Altars, Stelae and
sculptured, 200 Inscribed Stones)
Litholatry, 2 character of stone of, 131
“Little Descent,” 193, 195, 197, 198, 202 method of designating, 16, 131, 172
212 INDEx

Monuments–Continued Palenque—Continued
period represented by, 182–184 Temple of the Sun, 187, 192
Morley, S.G.. Io, 20, 134,139, 140,162,163, 183, 193,201 Panels, sculptured, 78, 126
Motul, 2 Parrots, 3
Mouldings, 123, 194, 197 Peccary, 3
Mounds, burial, 45 Pennsylvania Museum, University of, 15, 17, 24, 28, 30
platform, Io9 Peraza, 8
Mul-Sen-Cab, 4 Peru, 4
Nakum, 105, IoS, 116, 118, 120, 122, 128, 195 Peten, 2, 28, 49, 70, 80, 93, IoS, IoT, Io9, IIo, III, IIT,
Naranjo, 105, III, 118, 149, 169, 182, 187, 195 118, 122, 123, 125, 126, 128, 130, 131,
evidence of contact with Cobá, 194 183, 194, 196, 199, 201, 203, 204, 205
Hieroglyphic Stairway, 183, 201 Peten, 5, 198
Stela 3, 185 Piedras Negras, 116, 200, 202
Stela 14, 185 Stela 4, 191
Stela 24, 139 Stela 8, 191
Stela 25, 191, 192, 196 Stela 13, 185
Stela 29, 139 Stela 25, 192
New Empire, 132 Stela 26, 191, 192
Nohenial, 193 Stela 31, 192
Nohoch Mul (Group C), 80–88, 162–170, 178 Stela 32, 192
Architectural remains, 80–88 Stela 33, 192
Court A, 85, 107, 178 Stela 35, 185, 191, 192
Court B, 85 Stela 36, 192
Court C, 85 Stela 37, 192
Court D, 86, Io'ſ Piers, 119
Court E., 87, Io'ſ Plans, methods used in making, 15
Diving God Temple, 8, 84, 178, 197 Platform mounds, Io9
Main Plaza, 80, 128 Poco Uinik, 203
Structure I (Castillo), 22, 8o, 108, III, 112, Pollock, H. E. D., Io, 156, 157, 174
119, 120, 121, 124, 126, 128, 163 Population, present-day, 3
Structure II, 85 Posol, 4
Structure III, 85, 163 Progreso, 2, 199
Structure IV, 85, 178 Puk ak, 3
Structure V, 85 Pusilha, Stela H, 169
Structure VI, 85 Pyramids, 108, 195
Structure VII, 85, Io9, 113 Quintana Roo, I, 121, 123, 200
Structure VIII, 86 southern, IoS, 118
Structure IX, 21, 87, 107, 112, 116 Quirigua, 105, 127, 143, 182
Structure X, 88, 164 Stela F, 194
Structure XI, 88, 17o Rainfall, 2
Structure XII, 88, 168 Ramon, 13
assemblage, 8o, IoS Redfield, Robert, 4
discovery of, 8 Regil, Rafael, 8, 199
etymology of, 6 Religious practises, 3
Monuments, 162–170, 178 bee-keeping ceremony, 4
Altar C2, 83, 183, 184; discussion of, 178 litholatry, 4
Stela 17, 9, 85, 134, 171, 183, 184; discussion milpa ceremony, 4
of, 162 cha-chaac ceremony, 4
Stela 18, 9, 82, 134, 171; discussion of, 163 Rio Bec, 203
Stela 19, 9, 82, 134, 171; discussion of, 163 Roads, 8, 106, 128, 196 (see Causeways and Sacbeob)
Stela 20, 78, 88, 134, 158, 170, 181, 184; Roof structures, 124
discussion of, 164 Ruins, size of, 18, 196
Stela 21, 78, 88, 154, 171; discussion of, 168 Ruppert, Karl, Io
Stela 22, 78, 88, 183, 184; discussion of, 170 Sacakal, 15, 25
Stela 23, 9, 82, 134; discussion of, 170 etymology of, 6
Stela C1, 85; discussion of, 178 Sacbe, 8, 15
orientation, 8o, IoT Sacbeob, 78, 81, 196, 203 (see Causeways and Roads)
size, 8o construction of, 19, 128
water supply, 13 features in connection with, 19, 128
Nohpat, 8 Sacbeob, 18–27
Noh-Yum-Cab, 4 Sacbe No. 1, 19, 128, 131, 172, 203, 205
Nuc Mul, Io, 15, 18, 26, 105 Inscribed Stone I, 183, 201; discussion of, 179
etymology of, 6 Inscribed Stone 2; discussion of, 180
Ocosingo, 202 Inscribed Stone 3; discussion of, 180
Olalde, Juan, Io Inscribed Stone 4; discussion of, 18o
Old Empire, 190, 192, 194, 195, 196, 199, 201, 202 Sacbe No. 2, 20
Orchids, 2 Sacbe No. 3, 21, 45, 176, 178
Orientation of buildings, 28, 43, 80, 89, 96, IoS, Io'ſ Sacbe No. 4, 21, 51, 74, 76, 77, 78, 160
Oviedo y Valdés, G. Fernandez de, 7 Sacbe No. 5, 21, 87
Oxkintok, 199 Sacbe No. 6, 22, 77
Oxthindzonot, II, 18, 20, 105 Sacbe No. 7, 22
Palaces, II2, II5 Sacbe No. 8, 22, 26, 77, 96, 129, 160
Palenque, IoS, 115, 116, 118, 119, 120, 122, 124, 125, Sacbe No. 9, 23, 88, 128, 172
I40, 142, 163, 171, 188, 195, 202 Sacbe No. 10, 25
Palace Group, 191 Sacbe No. 11, 25
Tablet of the Sun, 181 Sacbe No. 12, 26
Temple of the Cross, stela, 191 Sacbe No. 13, 26, 128
 INDEx 213

Sacbeob—Continued Trident-ended bar, 155, 165, 168, 171, 185, 200

Sacbe No. 14, 27, 41, 128, 172, 175 Tulum, 8, 22, 53, 77, 119, 122, 124, 125, 126, 130, 194,
Sacbe No. 15, 26, 44 I97, IQ9, 201
Sacbe No. 16, 27 Great Wall, 82
Sac Mul, 18, 2I Stela I, II.4,133, 171, 175, 185, 192, 196;reading of,
etymology of, 6 I93
Sakſ, I Structures 20, 21, 25; 76
San José, 93 Tzimin tun, 3, 9
Santa Rosa Xlabpak, 116, 201 Uaxactun, 93, IoS, Ioff, IoT, IoS, 122, 128, 183, 195,
Sapodilla, 2, 3 I96, 199
Sayi, 20, 84 Stela 3, 201
Sculptured panels, 78, 126 Stela 6, 192
Second stories, II6 Stela 9, 190
Shrines, 112, 197 Stela 20, 190
stela, 114, 127, 132, 197 Uitzil Mul, 15, 25, 105, Io'ſ
Silan, Stela I, 167; discussion of, 181 etymology of, 6
Size of ruins, 18, 196 Unassociated Mounds, 74–77
Solis Alcala, Ermilio, 6 Building with Columns, 74, 113, 118, 119, 121
Spider monkey, 3 Tulum Type Structure No. 1, 76, III, 112, 119, 126
Spinden, H. J., 139, 186, 188, 198 Tulum. Type Structure No. 2, 77, III, II2, I 19, 124
Stairways, 110, 195 Usumacintla Valley, 29, 54, 7o, 93, IoS, IoT, IIT, I.18,
“Station of the causeway," 8, 12, 19 II9, 122, 123, 125, 126, 183, 195, 198,
Stelae, art analysis of Macanxoc, 185–192 201, 202
art sequence of Macanxoc, 188 influence upon northwestern Yucatan, 200
art style of Macanxoc, 187 Uxmal, 6, 8, 49, Io9
disposition of, 126, 131 Casa del Adivino, 117, 202
dress portrayed on, 185 Casa de las Palomas, 52, IoT
evidence of relocation of, I 14, 127, 132-134, 157, Casa de las Tortugas, 202
I73 House of the Birds, 72
in buildings, 35, 114, 133, 175, 197 House of the Governor, 72
résumé of characteristics of, 182 Valladolid, 2, 3, Io, 12, 13, 15, 19
shrines, II.4, 127, 132, 197 Valley of Mexico, 49
significance of length of inscription of, 168 Vaults, 107, 121, 195
stylistic comparisons of Macanxoc, 190, 196 Villagutierre y Sotomayor, Juan de, 132
subject-matter of Macanxoc, 185 Wadell, Hakon, 2
undated, possible periods of, 171 Wall depressions, 120
worship of, 4 Wall openings, 120, 195
Stephens, John L., 7, 175, 201 Walls, IoT, I 17, 194
Stromsvik, Gustav, Io War of the Castes, 7, II
Sublevados,7, 8, 9 Water supply, I, 13, 96
Substructures, IoS, 195 Wiggins, J. G., 9
Superstructures, III Worship of stelae,4
Tabasco, 115, 119 Xelhá, 77, 122, 195
brick construction of, IoT Xkanhá, etymology of, 6
Tancah, 77, 122, 124 Yaxchilan, 32, 93, IoT, IoS, 109, 116, 118, 119, 122, 200
Tapir, 3 Lintel 39, 186
Tayasal, 132, 205 Stela I, 8o ~~
Teeple, J. E., 139, 142, 143, 147, 181, 182 Stela 4, 186 -
Temples, Io9, III, 115 Stela 6, 80, 185 -
Tepizouintli, 3, 200 Yaxunā, Io, 19, 20, 131, 179, 205
Thompson, J. Eric, 9, 10 Cobá influences at, 203
Tihoo, I Yucatan, colonization of, 193
Tikal, 32, IoS, IoT, IoS, Io9, 116, 118, 120, 122, 128, cultural invasion up center of peninsula, 203
I90, 192, IQ5 cultural invasion up east coast of, 194
graffiti, 8o cultural invasion up west coast of, 199
Palace of the Façades with Vertical Grooves, 115 eastern coast of, 41, 49, 70, 76, 77, 83, 93, IoS, 106,
Stela 5, 183, 201 Io8, Io9, 112, 117, 118, II9, I21, 124,
Stela Io, 140 125, 128, 172, 183, 193, 197, 199
Stela II, 191 geological uniformity of, I
Tixhualatun, 3, II, 13 northern, 29, 109, II5, 117, 121, 125, 190, 192
Tizimin, Chilam Balam of, 198 northwestern, Iod, 108, 123, 201, 203, 205
Toltecs, 49, 199 early occupation of, 198
Toniná, 122 influences on Cobá, 204
Altar 7, 201 rainfall, 2
Topography, I topography, I
Topoxté, Io9 water supply, I
Torquemada, Juan de, 132 Yulá, 200
Tortillas, 4 Zaclahtun, 6
THOMPSON. POLLOck. charl-OT PLATE 1

-
--------
--~~~
º-
-
-

Stela I, Macanxoc. Front (east side).

THOMPSON. POLLOck, cHARLOT - PLATE 2

Stela I, Macanxoc. Back (west side).

 THOMPSON.
POLLOck, CHARLOT
PLATE 3

la
4
in

I
b,

Stelaeat Macanxoc. d. Ste

on

terrace showing approach on east side; Stela its vaulted shrine.

THOMPSON. POLLOCK. CHARLOT PLATE 4

Stelaeat Macanxoc. a. Stela 2; b, Stela 3.

THOMPSON, POLLOck, cHARLOT PLATE 5

Stelaeof the Cobá Region. a, Stela 5, Macanxoc (front); b, Stela II, Cobá.
THOMPSON. POLLOCK. CHARLOT PLATE 6

Stela 6, Macanxoc.
THOMPSON, POLLOCK, CHARLOT PLATE 7

Stelaeat Macanxoc. a, Stela 7 in front of Structure V; b, Stela 8 in shrine.

THOMPSON. POLLOCK. CHARLOT PLATE 8

- a, Stelae9 and 10 in shrine; b, Stela 15.

Stelaeat Cob a.
THOMPSON, POLLOck, cHARLOT PLATE 9

;
THompson, POLLOCK, CHARLOT PLATE 10
THompson. POLLOCK, CHARLOT PLATE 11

Stelaeof the Cobá Region. a, Stela 17, Nohoch Mul; b, Stela B1 in Structure I, Cobá.
THompson. POLLOck, charl_OT PLATE 12

Stela 20, Nohoch Mul.

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