Mayan Ruins Explored: Dzibilchaltún

Looking at the site from the Temple of the 7 Dolls.

Typical Mayan Palapa.

Dzibilchaltún

17 km (9 mi) north of Mérida, Yucatán

Dzibilchaltún is an important Mayan archeological site comprising of 19 kms. The arqueological zone surrounding it covers 600 hectares. Over 8500 structures were mapped by archeologists in the 1960’s, but very little have been restored or excavated. It is the third most visited ruin and the longest continuously utilized Mayan administrative and ceremonial city in the Yucatán. Evidence shows it was inhabited as early as 500 BC with its maximum population of 40,000 probably during the years 600 – 1000 AD.

An article recently appeared in the Diario del Yucatán (Imagen P.9, 1 Sept 2008) discussing the new information learned from INAH’s ten year continual work on this prehistoric site. Dzibilchaltún is in the middle of a total excavation predominantly on the main pyramid and in the central plaza. Much insightful material has surfaced. A series of flat stones with engravings were found that tell about Mayan mythology. Deciphering the inscriptions on the painted ceramics proved the previously thought strong relationship that was maintained between Dzibilchaltún and Chichén Itzá. Part of an insightful funeral offering (ofrenda mortuoria) was found as well as an elaborate carved text inlaid in deer bone (represented in Stela 19).

From these recent discoveries we now know Dzibilchaltún, which translates into Spanish as “Donde Hay Escrituras Sobre Piedras Planas”(Where There Are Incriptions on Flat Stones), was originally named Chi Y Chaan Ti’Ho. I would like to translate that for you, but it is tricky. It could mean the Small Mouth or Border of Old Merida, but I am looking up each word in my Mayan dictionary and the meanings are unclear. I will work on that!

Most of the current discoveries appear to correspond to contributions made by the leader Kalom’uk’uu Chaan Chaak sometime around the late 800 – 900 AD period.

There are two excellent examples of the sacbe, or white roads. One connects the Temple of the Seven Dolls to the southern end of the Plaza. The Temple of the Seven Dolls is perhaps the most impressive building as it is the only Mayan temple with windows and a tower instead of roof combs. It is so named for the seven small effigies discovered inside the temple.

The Temple of the 7 Dolls

On the days of spring and autumn equinoxes, the brilliant sun rises directly in the door of this temple. According to Lonely Planet Guide, “as it (sun) rises the temple doors glow, then light up as the sun passes behind. To ancient Mayans this light signified the time for planting and harvesting of crops. Although the park is open from 8am to 5pm (or 4:30 depending on which guide you read), on equinox days people flock to experience that exquisite first light of day. My plan is to follow up on this entry with some photos of this upcoming event on September 22nd.

In the center of the main plaza there is an open chapel built in the 16th century, showing Dzibilchaltún was inhabited until at the least the Spanish Conquest. On the opposite end of the sacbe from the Temple of the Seven Dolls is an example of older architecture and an impressive cenote. Named Xlacah, or “Pueblo Viejo” (Old Village), it is believed it earned its name due to Dzibilchaltún’s occupation during the pre-classic period. At least 30,000 artifacts have been extracted from the cenote. It is 44 meters deep in part, although a shallower area is a popular swimming spot for visitors. The cenote is beautifully covered with water lilies yet the water remains crystal clear.

The chapel in the central plaza.

Cenote Xlacah

The Museo del Pueblo Maya on site features excellent artifacts, has exhibits explaining Maya daily life and beliefs from ancient times. Although this site may not be as massive as Chichén Itzá it is a substantial site where one can visualize the changes that took place over the millennium of its occupation.