Publications
Rituales mayas asociados al paso del hotún en Quiriguá
A directional ritual pattern linked to the Maya calendar was uncovered in Quirigua, Guatemala, through analysis of 17 consecutive hotún (20-day periods) recorded between 731 and 810 AD. The study found that stelae F, D, E, C, A, and the Zoomorfo B align with specific orientations tied to deities G9 (east) and G7 (west), suggesting a structured ritual sequence. This pattern may also connect to lunar deity worship and patron gods of 20-day periods during K'ahk'-Tiliw-Chan-Yopaat's reign (725–785 AD) and his successors, offering new insights into Maya cosmological practices.
“Retorno de la civilización” a Quiriguá: Arqueología maya y los juegos de poder y prestigio en Centroamérica en los siglos XIX y XX
Archaeological explorations at Quirigua, Guatemala, reveal how power dynamics—rooted in 19th and 20th-century nationalism, imperialism, and institutional competition—shaped the interpretation of Maya civilization. Early researchers like John Stephens and Alfred Maudslay, as well as corporate entities such as United Fruit Company, wielded influence that skewed scientific narratives. The study highlights how these geopolitical forces, alongside personal ambitions, influenced archaeological methodologies and findings, underscoring the need to critically assess the sociocultural context of 'objective' scientific truths.
Dance Performances at Quiriguá
Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quiriguá, Guatemala, reveals that dance performances were likely a central ritual activity during the Classic Maya period. Spatial analysis and iconographic studies of Platform 1A-1 suggest it served as a stage for circular counterclockwise dances, symbolizing the renewal of cyclical time periods—a concept shared across Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs' Lordly Dance. These findings highlight the significance of circular space-time in Maya ritual aesthetics and public sculpture programming.
A Glimpse at Guatemala, and Some Notes on the Ancient Monuments of Central America
Alfred Percival Maudslay's seminal work, 'A Glimpse at Guatemala, and Some Notes on the Ancient Monuments of Central America,' pioneered modern Mesoamerican archaeology by introducing systematic scientific exploration and recording techniques for Mayan sites. Published in 1899, this volume documents Maudslay's expeditions to Quiriguá, Tikal, and Copán, providing detailed descriptions and plans that set new standards for archaeological documentation. The appendix includes the first excavation reports of Quiriguá (1883) and Tikal (1883), as well as Copán (1886), originally published in the Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society. Maudslay's meticulous approach laid the foundation for future archaeological studies, significantly advancing the understanding of Mayan civilization.
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