Xpujil, Campeche

500-750 CE, with some building work after 1000




Distant view with three Rio Bec towers

This small site, the name of which in Mayan means Place of the Cattails, was probably a subordinate community of the larger site at Becán. It is notable for the three-tower structure in the main plaza, in the Rio Bec style.
 

Steep towers

The towers (the middle one is taller) rise at a 70 degree angle prompting archaeologists to speculate that the towers were largely for effect, while the lower levels were actually used for ceremonies.
 

Stone mosaic masks

Between the piers stone mosaic masks can still be discerned. Traces of red stucco still remain on the towers as well.
 

Views from the side; chac mask to the right

 

Palace building

Several large buildings, erected on platforms, give an idea of Rio Bec aristocratic dwellings. Many unexcavated sites surround the main plaza and site.





Go to the Mexico Index.

Click here to return to index of art historical sites.

Click here to return to index of artists and architects.

Click here to return to chronological index.

Click here to see the home page of Bluffton College.


© 2004 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.

Page created by Mary Ann Sullivan