The Ossuary
The Ossuary built 800-900A.D Maya Toltec Architectural Style
The Ossuary built 800-900A.D Maya Toltec Architectural Style
On the road leading south toward the older part of Chichén Itzá stands a pyramid of nine levels similar to the Pyramid of Kukulcán, but of smaller size. Researchers believe it to be the tomb of a high priest.
This pyramid is called the Ossuary and like the Pyramid of Kukulcán there are four sets of steps with large serpants' heads resting on the ground and atop the pyramid is a high temple decorated with Chaac masks on its walls. There are pillars with masks of the rain god found at the base of the pyramid.
Detail of serpent's head at the foot of the stairway.
This structure covers a deep cavern which leads to another urban center outside of Chichén Itzá. There is a shaft cut into the center of the pyramid which archeologists say represents the entrance to the World of the Dead--where both the Maya paradise as well as its inferno were represented.
Pillars with masks of the rain god Chaac at the base of the pyramid.
Several tombs with rich offerings of precious stones and copper have been found inside the shaft. The weath of the objects found inside one of the tombs led its discoverer Edward Thompson to believe that this was the tomb of a great Mayan priest.
This pyramid is called the Ossuary and like the Pyramid of Kukulcán there are four sets of steps with large serpants' heads resting on the ground and atop the pyramid is a high temple decorated with Chaac masks on its walls. There are pillars with masks of the rain god found at the base of the pyramid.
Detail of serpent's head at the foot of the stairway.
This structure covers a deep cavern which leads to another urban center outside of Chichén Itzá. There is a shaft cut into the center of the pyramid which archeologists say represents the entrance to the World of the Dead--where both the Maya paradise as well as its inferno were represented.
Pillars with masks of the rain god Chaac at the base of the pyramid.
Several tombs with rich offerings of precious stones and copper have been found inside the shaft. The weath of the objects found inside one of the tombs led its discoverer Edward Thompson to believe that this was the tomb of a great Mayan priest.
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