The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has uncovered three facades with intricate Mayan reliefs alluding to the Kaanu’l dynasty in the Dzibanché archaeological zone, Quintana Roo. This significant discovery was made as part of ongoing research and conservation activities carried out under the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza), within the framework of the Mayan Train project. The researchers emphasize that the find is remarkable, particularly due to the unexpected presence of a ball court adorned with such elaborate and symbolic decorations.
Ancient Murals and Their Cultural Significance
The uncovered facades are located on two platforms to the west of Ball Court II, a pre-Hispanic structure of the ancient Dzibanché settlement. Sandra Balanzario Granados, head of the Promeza project at Dzibanché, stated that the stuccoed reliefs reveal new insights into the power and influence of the Kaanu’l dynasty, which ruled over various Mayan lordships across present-day Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.
The first of the three relief scenes depicts two guardian figures flanking a pedestal that once held a sculpture. This central podium bears symbols linked to a ruler from the Kaanu’l dynasty. The second scene features depictions of Mayan ancestors set against the night sky, accompanied by stars, serpents, and other motifs common to both Mayan and Teotihuacan iconography. Notably, the central sculpture that likely completed the composition is absent, suggesting it may have been removed by inhabitants of the ancient city centuries ago. The third scene showcases mythological animals, representing constellations, underscoring the cosmic connection in Mayan belief systems.
A recurring element across all three scenes is the depiction of intertwined serpents, a symbol closely associated with the ruling elite of the Kaanu’l dynasty. “In pre-Hispanic Mayan societies, rulers were seen as representatives of the gods on Earth,” explained Balanzario Granados. The three facades each measure approximately 3 meters in length and 1.6 meters in height.
It remains unclear whether these delicate reliefs will be put on public display. INAH has captured detailed photographs that could be used to create photogrammetric models, enabling replicas to be exhibited while safeguarding the original structures. This conservation approach is under consideration due to the fragility of the stuccos, which are vulnerable to environmental factors such as humidity and weathering.
Balanzario further noted that, while stucco reliefs have been found on larger buildings before, the discovery of such elaborately decorated facades on a ball court is unprecedented, particularly given the cultural depth and meaning of the artwork.
The Role of Promeza in Dzibanché’s Rediscovery
The discovery was made possible through the efforts of Promeza, which has enabled the expansion of archaeological explorations at Dzibanché. A team of 98 professionals—including archaeologists, restoration experts, architects, physical anthropologists, and 92 support staff—has been closely involved in the work. The team began their efforts in December 2023, and the project is expected to continue until the end of 2024.
The stuccoed facades are composed of lime mortars mixed with sascab (stone dust) and retain traces of their original red, blue, yellow, and black pigments. Given the delicate nature of these ancient reliefs and their exposure to environmental elements, the restoration process is being conducted with extreme care. Beyond the newly discovered ball court facades, the Promeza initiative has also led to the restoration and consolidation of structures such as the Temple of the Owl (E1), the Temple of the Cormorants (E2), and the Small Acropolis, with additional work being done in the Tutil and Lamay complexes.
Dzibanché: A Key to Understanding Mayan Civilization
Dzibanché, whose name means “writing on wood” in the Mayan language, was a thriving city between 300 and 1200 AD. It was first uncovered in 1927 by British explorer Thomas Gann. While the ancient city’s original name remains unknown, it was named Dzibanché due to the discovery of wooden beams engraved with calendrical symbols in Temple VI, also known as the Temple of the Lintels.
The Dzibanché settlement covers over 40 square kilometers and is composed of four main architectural groups: Dzibanché (Main Group), Central Complex (Lamay Group), Tutil, and Kinichná. These groups were connected by sacbeob (white stone roads), reflecting a shared history and cohesive architectural styles. At its zenith, Dzibanché was one of the most important centers of early Mayan culture, flourishing between 250 and 600 AD. Its monumental temples and ceremonial structures are testament to its influence during this period.
Despite the so-called Mayan collapse in the 10th century, Dzibanché continued to be inhabited, with its people maintaining sophisticated water management systems, including reservoirs and artificial canals that supported the city’s inhabitants. Its strategic location, in a transition zone between the Yucatan Peninsula’s lowland jungle and the tropical rainforest of Petén, afforded Dzibanché several commercial and military advantages.
The Kaanu’l dynasty, symbolized by the serpent (ka’an in Mayan), reigned over Dzibanché during the Early and Late Classic periods (250–650 AD). The dynasty later split, with one branch remaining in Dzibanché and the other relocating to Calakmul. The remains uncovered in Dzibanché today offer a glimpse into the immense power and influence of this ruling family, whose legacy is etched in the very structures they once governed.
Future Prospects and the Mayan Train
Dzibanché continues to astonish visitors with its monumental architecture and its role in shaping our understanding of Mayan civilization. The archaeological zone, located approximately 81 kilometers northwest of Chetumal and 37 kilometers from the town of Nicolás Bravo, is expected to attract more tourists in the coming years, in part due to the Mayan Train project. The Nicolás Bravo-Kohunlich station, which will serve the area, is part of the seventh section of the rail line. While no official opening date for this section has been announced, the project is poised to enhance access to this historically significant site.
As new discoveries such as the Kaanu’l dynasty’s reliefs emerge, Dzibanché’s role in unraveling the mysteries of ancient Mayan civilization becomes ever more crucial, offering new narratives and insights into the complex social, political, and religious life of the ancient Maya.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has uncovered three facades with intricate Mayan reliefs alluding to the Kaanu'l dynasty in the Dzibanché archaeological zone, Quintana Roo. This significant discovery was made as part of ongoing research and conservation activities carried out under the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza), within the framework of the Mayan Train project. The researchers emphasize that the find is remarkable, particularly due to the unexpected presence of a ball court adorned with such elaborate and symbolic decorations.
