The Sociopolitical Configuration in the City of Q’um’arkaj: The Palaces and Nimja or Long Houses of the Chinamit Nija’ib’
Translation of the Spanish by Eduardo Williams
Vea este informe en Español.

Click on image to enlarge.

Research Year:  2006
Culture:  Maya-k’iche’
Chronology:  Late Postclassic
Location:  El Quiché, Western Highlands of Guatemala
Site:  Q’um’arkaj (Utatlán)

Table of Contents

Abstract
Resumen
Introduction
Excavations at Q’um’arkaj
Excavations in the Palaces and the Long Houses or Nimja of the East Sector
Excavations in Structure P11a of the East Sector and the Nimja of the Main Plaza
Excavations of the M2 and M7 Structures of the Western Sector
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
List of Figures
Sources Cited

Abstract

Recent research in three sectors of Q’um’arkaj have yielded interesting new information about the types and dynamics of occupation of this Postclassic center, located in the western highlands of Guatemala. The excavations which were undertaken in May and June of 2006, revealed a high concentration of structures, built during several periods of construction and modification. They show that the city was clearly planned, and demonstrate architectural elements which show a certain level of urbanization. We have compared this information with data provided by indigenous documents of the sixteenth and later centuries, and with data found in colonial chronicles and letters written during the Conquest.

Resumen

Las recientes investigaciones en tres sectores de Q’um’arkaj han proporcionado informaciones sobre los tipos y las dinámicas de ocupación de este centro del Posclásico del Altiplano occidental de Guatemala. Las excavaciones realizadas en mayo y junio 2006 revelaron la fuerte concentración de estructuras con diferentes etapas de construcción y remodelación, una planificación constructiva que denota algunos componentes arquitectónicos propios de un asentamiento urbano. Las informaciones arqueológicas son contrastadas con los datos proporcionados por los textos indígenas de los siglos XVI y posteriores, en las narraciones de las Cartas de Relación y en crónicas de los españoles durante la conquista.

Click to download the report in PDF format:

The Sociopolitical Configuration in the City of Q’um’arkaj: The Palaces and Nimja or Long Houses of the Chinamit Nija’ib’  (1.71 MB)

The PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
To download the latest version, click the Get Acrobat Reader button below.

Submitted 03/05/2007 by:
Micaela Raquel Macario Cálgua
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
fmacario@yahoo.com.mx

Return to top of page