COLLECTION NAME:
Maya Art and Architecture
Record
Filename:
uxmal1.jpg
Creator:
Unknown
City or Region:
Yucatan Peninsula
Site:
Uxmal
Country:
Mexico
Subject:
architecture
Subject:
Relief
Description:
Uxmal and other sites located on the Puuc Route are comprised of only one architectural influence that comes directly from the Maya. Puuc architecture is easily identified. The lower sections of the buildings are plain, have rounded corners, and are made of small arches or entrance ways. Upper sections are highly decorated and reflect a distinct layering of stone work. Ornate carvings include serpents, lattice work, and pillars. Puuc construction used a system of cut veneer stones set into a concrete core. This is an improvement over the previous construction method of using stones held together with plaster. This advanced construction method allowed for slightly larger and more stable interior rooms and may account for the excellent condition of many of the thousand-year-old buildings at Uxmal.
