Theory: Articulations vs. Circulation

The articulations of the ruins suggest the circulations of the site. These articulations and the designs of the façades, doors, gates, and walls of the temples stand out greatly (all of which is shown on this particular plan diagram). As such, these articulations allow archeologist to have a deeper understanding of the planning and the organization of Uxmal. The articulations, stories and the symbolisms on the temple’s walls also indicate the main inhabitable spaces and paths (where inhabitants could follow, view, and appreciate these designs on a well-define edges of the edifice). Both the defined spaces and paths contribute to the finding of the site’s main circulations.

Artifact: Carved Stone Weapon

“Maya artisans prized flint for their weaponry.” This carved stone weapon “suggests a zoomorph, perhaps a snake in its long, sinuous shape;” and the simplicity of the design is also apparent. This particular artifact shows the effectiveness of the simple design to serve its functions, while the design is also inspired by an animal and may perhaps held a certain symbolism or significance.

-Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya

Theory: Symbolism in Architecture

The city of Uxmal seems to have nothing that was built by chance. All doorways, sculptures, carvings have a symbolism or reason. Even the location and orientation of the buildings were carefully plotted out to have a correlation with the stars and the planets.

The most common figure seen throughout the site is of course that of Chaac, the Mayan god of rain. The repeated presence of this figure shows the importance of rain in this region. The lack of any nearby water supply meant that the only method of retaining water was from rain.

Theory: Symbolisms within the details of the Ruins of Uxmal

Uxmal is one of the many ruins in the Mayan Kingdom, one of many which the details and the concepts of the site also embody and portray their society and culture. The design and development of the site of Uxmal also demonstrates their complex understanding of city planning. Many details, such as stone mask of Chac, the Mayan Rain God, that are sculpted on the wall of the site, are not only for decoration but also meaningful and symbolizes their civilizations. The symbolisms represent directly to their lifestyle and their practice of religion. The process of construction and the integration of these details into the wall of the temple demonstrate their understanding of structure and even suggest their understanding of city planning…