Blog Post #7 - The Americas, China, India, and Cambodia

 

Although many different countries and areas are involved in this study, each with their own unique contributions to early American architecture, a focus on Mexico and Maya can be enriching. An early Mexican city, Teotihuacán, was organized with a grid along a central axis and contained the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which were precisely executed ritual structures. Many buildings in the area consisted of taluds (sloped bases) and tableros (raised panels). As a collectivist society, most people experienced a high standard of living in multi-family apartments that were organized around a courtyard.

The Mayans had a different style of design, as expressed in their religious temples, which were built on top of pyramids and were small with a steep slope. Chichén Itzá was another important contribution: a stepped pyramid that related to the solar calendar. Mayan furniture was primarily composed of biological materials such as wood, reeds, grass, and leather, most of which the harsh jungle climate did not preserve for our study. However, a zoomorphic jaguar throne survived. This was used ceremoniously and paired with a costumed and masked human to create an experience resembling the actual animal.

The world’s longest continuous civilization, China, began with creating stupas, which were mounds of dirt or burial grounds over which a permanent structure was constructed. Later, stupas evolved into pagodas, which are tower-shaped religious buildings that consist of many layers and are easily recognizable. Another well-known structure is the Great Wall of China, which was built along the Northern border to fortify the country’s military defenses. Additionally, furniture replaced mats and was often made from huali wood, lacquer, ceramic, and bamboo. Common pieces included the yoke back chair, kang, palanquin, and howdah.

The Pyramid of the Sun was a central structure in ancient Mexico.

Taluds and Tableros are clearly shown in this temple.

 

The stepped pyramid, Chichén Itzá.

An ornately decorated Chinese pagoda.

This modern wall with tightly fitting stones resembles ancient Incan structures.

 

Similarly to Zapotec “trophies,” palmas and hachas, modern sports teams commemorate a victory with a trophy resembling an object used in the game: for example, a basketball.

Above, an ancient Indian mandala is used in a modern context as a street mural.

 

 

One Step Further

Mitla is an ornately decorated structure in Oaxaca, Mexico. Although no specific architect is known, one can still study the Zapotec people generally to learn about this building.  Accordingly, since it was a sacred burial site, Mitla means “place of the dead” or “place or rest.” The Zapotec people had developed a hierarchical society in which the nobles were believed to become “cloud people” after they died and need a gateway to travel to the world of the living. They believed that Mitla allowed them to pass between the two realms. The building itself is unique due to its intricate mosaics and geometric designs made from stone pieces that were cut so precisely that mortar was not needed to hold them together!

Geometric details line the roof of Mitla.

Ancient frescos.

Detailed view of fretwork.

The column room features tightly fit stones, without mortar.

 

Closing Reflection

Overall, people from these various cultures and civilizations all aspired to connect to the spiritual world around them. The Mexicans did this by building pyramids to pay tribute to the sun and moon. The Mayans used furniture and human actors to portray animals and gods. Lastly, the Zapotecs used a burial palace to feel close to their deceased. Ultimately, all these civilizations made these connections through beautiful structures that are still relevant today.