Project Reports
Project VEGA 1/0858/17
Annotation
The project aims to revise the contemporary state of the art in Maya Preclassic period research, incorporating the newest results from Slovak investigations, and to create a comprehensive synthesis of knowledge about the earliest epoch of Maya civilization. All project members have long-term experience researching Maya culture in Guatemala, particularly through an archaeological project that over the past nine years has significantly advanced understanding of the initial period of Maya history on an international scale.
Despite these advances, the current state of knowledge remains fragmentary due to a narrow focus on specific methods and objects. This project intends to process all existing data within the contexts of architecture and urbanism, social and political systems, ceramics and chronology, iconography and epigraphy, religion, and ritual. Methodical generalizations and theoretical evaluations have the potential to create a significant worldwide research shift.
Research Goals
The main scientific aim is the realization of the motto “back to the origin of Maya history”. While the Classic and Postclassic periods are well explored, knowledge of the Maya Preclassic period remains fragmentary. Leveraging the international expertise of Prof. Milan Kováč’s team and their newly available data, this project seeks to revise all known Preclassic evidence and create a comprehensive perspective on its historical, cultural, and religious contexts.
1. Data Completion: Integrate the most recent results from direct collaboration with five ongoing international projects: El Mirador, Ceibal, San Bartolo, Holmul/Cival, and Uaxactún.
2. Chronology Calibration: Refine Preclassic period chronology based on Takeshi Inomata’s new proposal and convert it to ceramic sequences, including a thorough revision of Uaxactún Preclassic ceramic classification.
3. Architectural & Urban Typology: Establish a typology of Maya Preclassic architecture and urbanism, standardizing its categories.
4. Writing System Database: Build a database of Preclassic writing, defining the structure, usage, and relationship of individual characters to later Classic variants, including classification of content and character of inscriptions.
5. Visual Forms Database: Compile a database of Preclassic visual forms, primarily in stucco, stone, and painting, supplemented by engravings and graffiti. Define chronology, regional styles, and cultural influences.
6. Synthesis: Integrate all categories into a coherent framework, creating a comprehensive image of historical, social, cultural, and religious dynamics during the Maya Preclassic period.
Duration: 2016 – 2020