The Mayan Scaffold or Wall of Skulls (Tzompantli). Tree of Renewal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18441/ind.v42i1.99-116Keywords:
skull scaffolding, tzompantli, trophy heads, predation, Maya culture, Classic periodAbstract
Skull scaffold, skull wall, skull row or tzompantli are some of the names we commonly use to refer to the structure designed to hold skulls together. The Maya skull walls have a long tradition that recognizes regional and temporal particularities. Being trophy heads, the skulls arranged in their scaffolds conferred a particular meaning and purpose. This research aims to understand these structures from an ontological perspective, as metaphors for trees where the heads were the fruit containers of vital elements, trees that enabled the renewal of the lives that were consumed. Throughout this text, I will focus on examples from the Classic Maya period.
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