Rebirth, Reconstructions and Reforms: Discoveries from Elite Compound 8N-11 and Late Classic Copan

Dr. Li Xinwei, Beijing Institute of Archaeology

18th October 2019

3.30pm, 951 Schermerhorn Extension

Abstract 

8N-11 is a sub-royal elite residential compound located at the end of the eastern causeway (sac be) in the densely settled Las Sepulturas zone about 850 m from the Copan Main Group. Monumental architecture, carving style and representations of figures with royal attributes demonstrate the high status that residents of the 8N-11 enjoyed in Copan society. In collaboration with the Honduran Institute of Anthropology and History and the Anthropology Department of Harvard University, Project IACASS (Institute of Archaeology, of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences), started field work at the group in 2015, aiming a comprehensive culture history of the people who lived here. Construction sequence (four phases) documented to date shows the social, economic and ideological evolution of the group in consonance with the development of the royal family in the city core, especially during the reigns of 11-16 dynasts. Themes restricted to the royal court were conveyed early in architectural sculpture at 8N-11.