The Soundscape in the Replica of the Cerén Temazcal

A unique acoustic phenomenon within the Joya de Cerén temazcal, a 7th-century Maya sweatbath, reveals that its earthen dome morphology sustains low-frequency sounds (64 Hz) while dampening higher frequencies. This resonance, which amplifies male voices but not those of females or children, suggests the structure was acoustically engineered for specific ritual and social functions, such as divination and curing. The study analyzed sound recordings from a precise replica built in 2012, providing new insights into how ancient Maya communities experienced performance spaces and the role of sound in their lived experiences.

Sheets, P., & Mahoney, R. (2021). THE SOUNDSCAPE IN THE REPLICA OF THE CERÉN TEMAZCAL. Ancient Mesoamerica, 33(1), 36–50. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0956536120000383