Preclassic Placemaking at Yaxnohcah, Mexico: A View From the Grazia and Helena Complexes

Abstract

Archaeological excavations at Yaxnohcah have revealed a long sequence of sedentary occupation, from 1000 b.c. to a.d. 1400, with dynamic periods of growth occurring during the Middle (1000–400 b.c.) and Late Preclassic (400 b.c.–a.d. 200). Two of these complexes, Grazia and Helena, serve as case studies that reveal the transformative processes of this period, illustrating site evolution on a larger scale. The Grazia platform probably began as a residential area in the Middle Preclassic and acquired an increasingly public character throughout subsequent modifications, culminating in the construction of a triadic temple platform and a ballcourt. A long sequence of fire rituals and altars show the importance of the Grazia complex as a center for collective ritual. Helena also features Middle Preclassic domestic constructions, but was transformed into a ballcourt platform during the transition to the Late Preclassic. Both cases show that Yaxnohcah was founded as a widespread, loosely integrated settlement in the Middle Preclassic and evolved into a formally and centralized network of communities with their respective nodal centers in the Late Preclassic period. Placemaking and the rise of monumentality played an important role in this transformation and reflect the particular forms of community integration.

The Development of Landesque Capital in the Maya Lowlands During the Middle Preclassic

“…This may also be the case at Nakbe, El Mirador, and El Tintal. Certainly, a large labor force, and possibly new lithic tool forms, were needed to construct and maintain the reservoir, which would have demanded collective action and cooperation among semi-autonomous communities in the Yaxnohcah area (Reese-Taylor 2017; Vázquez López et al 2022).…”

“…400 b.c. (Vázquez López et al 2022) and constitute one of the earliest examples in both the Central and Southern Lowlands to date. However, at this time, lowland ballcourts appear to have been densely concentrated in northwestern Yucatan.…”

“…suggests that they were more transient than previously expected. Architectural investment in residential structures was minimal, implying that inhabitants may have moved regularly (Inomata et al 2015; Reese-Taylor 2022; Vázquez López et al 2022). Early bedrock-level living surfaces, often with postholes, are found at Blackman Eddy (Brown 2003; Garber et al 2004), Cahal Pech (Powis et al 2009), Ceibal (Inomata et al 2015), Cival (Estrada-Belli 2011), and Yaxnohcah (Reese-Taylor 2017; Reese-Taylor et al 2019, 2020).…”