Featured Sites: Cotzumalhuapa
Meta Information
Tripart: 2006.017.925
Country: Guatemala
Archaeological Site: Cotzumalhuapa
Title: Cotzumalhuapa - Bilbao, Classic Tlaloc death mask
Culture: Maya
Date of Photograph: 1969
Photographer: Dr. Brian Hayden
Time Period: Late Classic
Location: Guatemala; Escuintla
Subject: Site
The Cotzumalhuapa archaeological zone on the west coast of Guatemala includes the smaller sites of El Baúl, El Castillo and Bilbao. Cotzumalhuapa emerged during a Late Classic period economic boom, and it became an important Mayan centre in the region. It is located in a region of intensive cacao production which no doubt fuelled extensive trade networks and ensured its prosperity. A distinctive writing and artistic style is found on rock carvings, sculptures and stelae at the Cotzumalhuapa sites. Many of the 'Cotzumalhuapa style' glyphs have not yet been deciphered.