Abstract

MARQUEZ MORFIN, Lourdes  and  HERNANDEZ ESPINOZA, Patricia. The Late Classic and the Terminal Classic Maya: A Proposal on Demographic Dynamics for Some Pre-hispanic Groups: Jaina, Palenque and Copán. Estud. cult. maya [online]. 2013, vol.42, pp.53-86. ISSN 0185-2574.

In this paper we analyze demographic information obtained from specific studies on several Maya settlements from Classic and Postclassic periods, some from coastal Yucatan Peninsula: Jaina, Xcaret and Chac Mool, and other sites such as, Palenque and Copán. We present an overview of the possible population dynamic of these Mayan groups, including data about mortality, fertility, survival and life expectancy, by paleodemographic methodology. A sample of 676 skeletons was integrated from these sites. We estimated sex and age at death, and age distribution was obtained. Child (under one year) underrepresentation was observed in several series. Series from Jaina and Copán have an appropriate composition by age groups. The average age at death of 28.5 years was calculated. Mortality is similar to Palenque and Copán and almost double for Jaina. The total fertility rate, which estimates the number of children per women, is 5.0 for Palenque and Copán, and 8.8 to Jaina. For the latter group the fertility rate is 63.9, which is the highest rate obtained. Results are discussed considering theoretical and methodological issues, as well as specific demographic patterns of each series, with respect to trends from other ancient groups.

Keywords : paleodemography; Maya; fertility; mortality.