Las calaveras de concha de Ek’ Balam
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51359/2448-2331.2021.252346Keywords:
Shell , pendants , skulls , symbologyAbstract
This article make known the results of the typological and taxonomic analysis carried out on 13 skull-shaped shell pendants from the royal palace of Ek' Balam, known as the Acropolis. The pieces were part of the mortuary offering of King Ukit Kan Lek Tok', initiator of the ruling dynasty in the kingdom of Talol, during the Late Classic (770 A.C.- Ca. 896 A.C). General data of the archaeological site are presented, a brief description of the context in which the pieces were found, as well as the discovery of the royal tomb and its rich offering. Also, the results of the technical analyses carried out, the biological identification of malacofauna present in Ek' Balam, its origin and the manufacturing techniques used in the elaboration of the pendants. Similar findings reported on other preHispanic sites are mentioned and, in addition, the symbolism of these pieces ― this topic is briefly addressed ― in Mesoamerican territory and especially in the royal palace of Ek' Balam.
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