Artifact: Mayan Calendar - facts, thoughts, and theories

          (scale of artifact in relation to observer or "client")

          The Maya calendar is one of the most easily understood versions of Mesoamerican time documentation that has survived the ages. It combines several ideas or systems of time into one artifact. The two main systems used are known as the Tzolk'in and Haab; the Tzolk'n date system revolves around a 260 day cycle, and the Haab consists of a 365 day cycle. The two sync every 52 Haab years, and this period of time is known as the Calendar Round. Mayans used to wait in anxiety to see if the gods would grant them another 52 years of life, so the end of every Calendar Round cycle was stressful in ancient times. The 52 year cycle was later adapted to the Long Count calendar for practicality because previously only one cycle would occur in a lifetime.

          The completion of certain cycles was marked by monuments or dedications, usually in the form of buildings - stelas or twin pyramid complexes. While there are no such specific monuments in Uxmal, the ideas are carried through from the calendar to the ornamentation and style of certain buildings at the site. 

          The relation of this artifact to an occupant or observer is important to consider because of the varying aspects of the artifact itself. The Maya calendar can be found in many different sizes, each relating to a human being at a different scale. The most common size is the one displayed above, where it is shown in an exhibit. The significance of the fact that there are various sizes lies in the possibilities of the calendar's meaning. The calendar is still used to a certain extent today; there is a lot of speculation and fear about the supposed end of the world due to Maya predictions based on the calendar from ancient times. It is amazing to think that an artifact from such a long time ago can be held with such credibility in current times, and it is equally amazing that the Mayans could predict time so many years into the future.

          Time is an integral part of any civilization, and thus this artifact is relevant across the ages. It allows for the creation of a sort of itinerary through time and guides people through their lives. Having a consistent, reliable method of telling time and separating one day from the other is something that will always be historic, contemporary, and futuristic all at once.