Middle Pre-Classic Period (MPC) – Filling in of Maya Lowlands and Signs of Differentiation
- Puleston found evidence for “raised fields”. During excavation, team found an ax used in the making of the field. This evidence was dated 900 BC.
- Their social order moved from egalitarian to ranked social system (kinship-based indicator).
- Evidence of differentiation include:
- In areas like Nakbe and Mirador, buildings measuring 10-15 meters high were found (600-700 BC).
- Differentiation found in sizes of houses.
- Prestige items especially Jade and Obsidian were found here.
- Iconography was present. This is a set of symbols that the society’s inhabitants were able to understand the implications of.
- Iconography shows practical factors including political, religious, ritualistic and economic factors.
- A culture’s world view that places the individual within that structure of world.
- Iconography represents symbols of kinship, rank and religion.
- Iconography help to maintain societies and their cultural identities.
- Pottery around 900 BC showed much regional variation. The pottery becomes more similar by 400 BC reflecting the Mamom style.
