Athena Review Image Archive ™
Chichén Itzá: Chac mask on Temple of the Three Lintels
Chac mask on the Temple of the Three Lintels (photo: Athena Review).
This
closeup view of a "Chac mask" shows basic elements of the Puuc
architectural style which prevailed in northern Yucatán during the Late
Classic period of about 600-950 AD. The upper façade of this building,
the Temple of the Three Lintels in the southern part of Chichen Itza,
is covered with a limestone masonry veneer made of prefabricated mosaic
elements, many with low relief carvings. These are characteristic of
the Puuc style, named for sites in the hill or puuc zone of Yucatán.
Some structures at Chichén Itzá such as the Iglesia and Monjas are
literally covered with mosaic elements, while on others (including this
building and the Red House) they are restricted to the upper facade.
The
most prominent element seen here is the protruding, stepped-fret "nose"
of the Chac mask on a corner, representing the Maya rain god Chac. He
probably represents the same deity as God B in the codices, who is
typically portrayed with a long, curved nose.
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