Chicanná was a community that supposedly depended on nearby Becán. However despite its relatively reduced size, this site nonetheless creates a surprising impact due to the combination of two Mayan styles in its elegantand elaborated architecture. The Chen style may be noted in the richly decorated zoomorphic facades, while its Río Bec counterpart characterizes the towers flanking elongated, low buildings. Although the origins of the city date back to the late Pre-classic period, it reachedits apogee between 500 and 700 AD, and was inhabited until the early Post-classic period, around 1100 AD.
The buildings were largely given over the public duties. Astroll through the forest from the entrance to Structure XX, where our tour begins, is really quite an experience. This building is the tallest in Chiccaná and is oriented towards the four cardinal points. Considered as representative of the Chen style, it has eleven rooms on its ground floorand four more on the upper level. The platforms of the lower level rooms are decorated with small human feces fashioned in stucco. The uppor level facade still bears the remains of a zoomorphic mask. Heading south from Structure XX, we come to Structure IX, where the foundations of 12 rooms may still be admired. Ceramics found here lead experts to believe that this is one of the oldest buildings in Chicanná and the entire Río Bec regions.
The square is surrounded by Structures I, II, II and IV. The northern side is bordered by Structure III, a low building with nine rooms that may have served as living quarters. To the south, we come to Structure IV, wich has yet to be explored. Structure I, a fine example of Río Bec stylearchitecture, lies to the west, and is an elongatedbuilding flanked by two towers with a temple-like appearance. Looking eastwards we see the most elaborate building at this site, known as Structure II. This building is graced by a facade representing Itzimná, the monster of the Earth, opening his jaws and extending his teeth and tongue out torwards the square. Charged with a great symbolism since it represents the door to the underworld, the name Chicanná - House of the Serpent Jaws -, is taken from this facade. Remains of the red paint that once covered the entire facade, may still be seen. On both sides of this building, there are representations of straw huts. To the southeast of the square, we reach Structure VI, a construction adorned with facade bearing the remains of masks, above wich vestiges of a crest may still be seen. Chicanná lies 280 kilometers from the city of Campeche.
Visiting Hours: Every day ,
From 8:00 to 17:00
Services: Watchmen
Source:
The state of Campeche Book.
