[Aztlan] Xochicalco Calendar Corellation

[David Hixson]

Dear Listeros,

I had earlier posted the following link to an image depicting two dates tied together by a hand holding a rope.  The correct reading of these dates (according to my reading from Smith and Hirth, see reference below), is "9 House" and "11 Monkey" followed to the right by a year glyph "6 Reed" (the year glyph is barely visible in the second link below)

http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~dhixson/xochicalco/quetzal7.html
http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~dhixson/xochicalco/quetzal3.html

The reason why this is particularly interesting is that the numerical element of "9 House" was written in a bar-and-dot notation (a trait shared by Zapotec and Maya scribes) while the numerical element for "11 Monkey" was written using the Central Mexican system of only dots.  The linking of these two by a "lasso" has therefore led to some discussion of the attempt to correlate (or at least merge notational systems) between two calendars or two orthographies.  I would love to hear if any fellow listeros have further thoughts on this.

In case anyone is curious, the corresponding talud on the other side of the staircase includes three additional dates - "9 Flint" "10 Flint" and "2 Movement" beneath the plumed tail of the serpent.  The glyph block for "10 Flint" also appears to have a rope extending from it, although this rope is truncated when it reaches the architectural block above.

http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~dhixson/xochicalco/quetzal4.html

Furthermore, the images that decorate the tablero portion of the Feathered Serpent Pyramid are generally interpreted to represent conquest or tribute.  The human figure remains generally the same in each panel, wearing the "goggle eyes" and a "trapeze and triangle" headdress (often associated with the victors of a battle, such as at Cacaxtla, or the North Building of the Nunnery Quadrangle at Uxmal).  However, the toponyms in the upper corner of each panel change, followed below by the opened jaws chomping upon a disk (interpreted as a verbal statement of consuming or conquering).  These panels are in many ways analogous to the much earlier Formative Perioda conquest monuments on Building J at Monte Alban, each indicating a location that was conquered or is required to give tribute.

http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~dhixson/xochicalco/quetzal9.html
http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~dhixson/xochicalco/quetzal10.html
http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~dhixson/montealban/buildingjdetail.html
http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~dhixson/montealban/buildingjdetail2.html

The figures located on the side and back taludes of the Feathered Serpent Pyramid, seated below and above the undulating serpent body, have been widely discussed as having Maya-like traits (in their posture, costume, and technical execution).  This mix of Maya and Central Mexican artistic design can be found at many sites during the Epiclassic and Terminal Classic periods, such as Cacaxtla, Tula, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, etc.

http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~dhixson/xochicalco/quetzal5.html
http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~dhixson/xochicalco/quetzal6.html
http://www.islc.net/~lesleyl/cacaxtla.html

Note that the entire structure at Xochicalco was once stuccoed and painted.

And, if anyone remembers...  Nearly a year ago I was asking about a miniature model of the archaeological site of Monte Alban that sat near the entrance, asking its provenience.  Well, I was mistaken.  The model I was thinking of was from Xochicalco.  Looking at the catalog, there are numerous miniature carvings of architecture from Xochicalco.  For those interested in such ancient architectural models, check out the catalog.

Smith, Virginia and Kenneth Hirth
2000  Catalog of Carved Monuments and a Guide to the Visual Characteristics of Xochicalco's Art Style, In Archaeological Research at Xochicalco.  Hirth (ed.) Salt Lake City, University of Utah Press.

-Dave
________________________________
David R. Hixson
Aztlan Co-Moderator




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