Visualizing Artifact and Structural Distributions Across Mayapan's Urban Core

Overview

We examine the distribution of architectural and artifactual patterns across the Postclassic city of Mayapan (A.D. 1150-1450), located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. We analyze 356,722 artifacts recovered from middens (refuse deposits) associated with 109 architectural features distributed throughout the city. We integrate previous excavation data collected by the Carnegie Institution of Washington D.C. between 1952 and 1957 with modern ALS (Aerial Laser Scanning) data to analyze the spatial relationship between architecture and artifact profiles. We classify the data into several categories, such as by chronological period and locality of origin, for statistical analysis to explore the relationship of artifacts to structure type and use. Using Leaf and Tree data modeling, we describe differences in artifactual assemblages by structure types throughout the city, with particular attention to variations among public secular and religious structures. Using these assemblages, we also examine variations in wealth patterns throughout the city to characterize differences between domestic and public contexts. For instance, we examine the distribution of tools, craft items, foreign products, and pottery to highlight key craft production and consumption areas and variations in access to interregional trade goods. We also examine similarities between civic, religious, and domestic structures to better understand public life and its relationship with the domestic. We use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to enhance our knowledge of class and wealth divides within the city and Mayapan's interregional connectivity.

Competition history

• AJAS 2025 Category not listed

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