Narrow Midfield Rock Shelter
Narrow Midfield
Moche (100–800 CE)·Moche·🇬🇹 Petén, Guatemala
About
About Narrow Midfield Rock Shelter
Narrow Midfield Rock Shelter in Petén, Guatemala is a Moche (100–800 CE) rock art attributed to Moche culture. Systematically investigated through photogrammetry and test trenching, it presents a principal enclosure with workshop zone. Construction employs cyclopean blocks and demonstrates craft specialization. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Moche rock-art with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Cause of abandonment and collapse
- 02Social hierarchy and elite control
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre and pilgrimage focus
- 02Trading entrepôt and regional hub
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. 346 CE
- Period
- Moche (100–800 CE)
- Culture
- Moche
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and settlement
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 346 CE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 511 CE
Major enlargement and wall circuit added
c. 715 CE
Peak occupation and regional prominence
1969
Scientific excavation and conservation
On the ground
Structures & features
18.4165° N · 88.5985° W · 2755 m · 3 mapped features
Stela Alignment
cairnOutlier feature with geoglyph
18.4150° N · 88.5987° WReservoir/Cistern
moundAncillary settlement associated with main monument
18.4181° N · 88.6012° WReservoir/Cistern 3
gatewayHydraulic feature — aqueduct
18.4141° N · 88.5956° W