[Aztlan] Raindrop effect at all Mesoamerican pyramids?

[David Hixson]

Dear fellow listeros,
 
Like many of you, I have followed this discussion for over a decade on Aztlan.
And as a moderator, I have diligently listened to the arguments on both sides of the "accoustical debate".
I have the deepest respect for the efforts of folks like Wayne van Kirk and David Lubman, who have both offered their expertise.
I would like to summarize this thread into a few basic comments, then perhaps ask list members to move on to other topics unless new data arises...
 
1) There is definitely a "chirping" sound that resonates from the staircases of certain Maya pyramids, but not all Maya pyramids.  Some have suggested this was a purposeful design to replicate the sound of a Quetzal.  This is open to debate, and will not be decided here.
 
2) Recently, the repeated echo from the Temple of the Warriors at Chichen has been interpreted as a Rattlesnake, while footsteps upon some pyramidal staircases have been thought to sound like raindrops.  Again this is open to debate, and the original intent of the ancient Maya architects cannot be conclusively determined with current evidence.
 
3) Others have often suggested that this is a simple matter of acoustical physics when standing in front of a stepped pyramid (not an intentional effect).  The widespread acoustical effects may be an unintentional byproduct of the fact that many Maya pyramids were constructed in a similar architectural fashion using the same raw materials.  Therefore, the fact that some Maya pyramids exhibit this acoustical effect does not constitute proof of intention, just conformity of form.
 
4) Related acoustical effects, such as a "whispering gallery", may be found within the Great Ballcourt of Chichen Itza and at the Cross Group of Palenque.  The presence of these effects cannot be disputed (they were observed from the very early days of Maya archaeology, and are still present today).  Yet, scholars have argued that the half-fallen vaults and semi-ruined nature of these sties may have added to this effect.
 
5) Therefore, many have suggested (with all cases mentioned above) that the original conditions of the structures cannot be properly evaluated due to their current ruined or reconstructed nature.  Even the acoustical experts on Aztlan agree that more acoustical modeling is necessary utilizing the original surfaces of structures (a difficult endeavor, considering the current condition of the structures, and our lack of knowledge regarding original roofing material, stucco properties, etc.).
 
6) Yet, going back to point number 3, even reconstructions that mimic the original surfaces might ignore the possibility that form preceded function.  Stepped pyramids were the norm, and the "chirping" acoustical phenomenon happens to be associated with the form of a stepped pyramid - a prototypical "chicken or the egg" hypothesis  (i.e., Did the Maya build pyramids in order to make this sound?  Or did they build pyramids in a form that resulted in this sound?).
 
7) One reason that this topic is popular beyond a certainly valid academic curiosity is that guides at these sites love tempting tourists to experience the acoustical engineering of the ancient Maya by clapping in front of various structures.  In short, it is a crowd pleaser.  This does not constitute proof, nor should it be repeated as evidence.  I deeply respect the guides, but they regularly propagate erroneous conclusions that are repeated by travel journalists / bloggers who take such tours.
 
The topic of Maya acoustical knowledge is a valid one.  However, I believe we are now all aware of the latest claims that arose in the past year.  Without further proof, little can be gained by debating this topic on Aztlan.  The Aztlan moderators welcome novel views on the subject, but it seems those views have already been expressed.  Perhaps it is time to move on.
 
-Dave (Aztlan Co-Moderator)