[Aztlan] Maya Acoustics

[David Hixson]

My apologies to David and to Wayne for confusing your contributions to Maya acoustic studies.

I have little to add to this conversation, except a suggestion that VR simulations might be highly valuable to this endeavor.  While Wayne suggested that archaeologists add a layer of stucco to certain reconstructed buildings in order to test the acoustical properties, such feats could be simulated and then tested without any physical harm to the buildings.

Greg Sandor and I were both participants in a symposium on VR reconstructions in archaeology.  There was a graduate student in that session who utilized modern fire department software to model burning events in archaeological structures.  I'm sure there are similar modeling software options for architects who build modern theaters or sound studios using digital simulations - complete with variables including how surface treatment would affect sound.  Have you looked into this possibility?

Such a reconstruction of the Great Ball Court using this software, and testing various surface treatments, may go a long way towards proving or disproving your point.

I believe it was Arthur Demarest who once called the Maya political system a "Theater State", and while this term extends well beyond our common use of the term "Theater" it does encompass the need for impressive public displays.  And what better venue for such displays than the Great Ball Court at Chichen?!?!

I wish you the best in your research.

-Dave