Acanceh — Stucco Mask Pyramid Central Yucatán
Early Classic (300–600 CE Early Classic stucco masks 6 m high) superimposed on Late Preclassic·Maya Early Classic Petén-style stucco masked ancestor Tikal influence·🇲🇽 Yucatán, municipality Acanceh, 21 km SE Mérida, Acanceh centre (over metro) town, Mexico
About
About Acanceh — Stucco Mask Pyramid Central Yucatán
Acanceh excavated by Pollock 1980s, giant masks uncovered 1900s. Recorded context — Period: Early Classic (300–600 CE Early Classic stucco masks 6 m high) superimposed on Late Preclassic; Culture: Maya Early Classic Petén-style stucco masked ancestor Tikal influence; Field status: excavated; Materials: limestone, stucco mask; Condition: preserved — town-centre.
Why it mattersKey Maya Early Classic Petén-style stucco masked ancestor Tikal influence pyramid with stratified sequence and regional typology.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Observatory
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 400 CE mask pyramid
- Period
- Early Classic (300–600 CE Early Classic stucco masks 6 m high) superimposed on Late Preclassic
- Culture
- Maya Early Classic Petén-style stucco masked ancestor Tikal influence
- Purpose
- Stepped pyramid (32 m × 25 m × 11 m) with 8 giant stucco masks (3 m high jaguar, old god) — Petén stucco style in N Yucatán
- Rediscovered
- Modern excavation 1946
- Excavation
- Excavated
2005 excavation
Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of Acanceh — Stucco Mask Pyramid Central Yucatán
c. 400 CE mask pyramid
Initial construction / first occupation at Acanceh — Stucco Mask Pyramid Central Yucatán
On the ground
Structures & features
20.8130° N · 89.4530° W · 20 m · 3 mapped features
- Acanceh — Stucco Mask Pyramid Central Yucatán — Principal Pyramidpyramidpyramid at Acanceh — Stucco Mask Pyramid Central Yucatán — subsidiary complex20.8136° N · 89.4549° W
- Acanceh — Stucco Mask Pyramid Central Yucatán — Northern Chamberchamberchamber at Acanceh — Stucco Mask Pyramid Central Yucatán — subsidiary complex20.8145° N · 89.4517° W
- Acanceh — Stucco Mask Pyramid Central Yucatán — Causeway Annex 3causewaycauseway at Acanceh — Stucco Mask Pyramid Central Yucatán — hydraulic feature20.8113° N · 89.4547° W
Gallery