Abstract

RUIZ GONZALEZ, Judith L.. Toniná, Chiapas. New Practices Around Human Sacrifice in the Aftermath of the Mayan Collapse. Estud. cult. maya [online]. 2023, vol.61, pp.61-92.  Epub June 26, 2023. ISSN 0185-2574.  https://doi.org/10.19130/iifl.ecm/61.002x4856001sm3.

New osteological data on the practice of human sacrifice among the Postclassic Maya are released through the archaeotanatological study of a massive deposit or ossuary in the ancient city of Tonina, in the Western Highlands of the Mayan Área. The archaeological find took place in 1991, when one of the temples on the fifth platform of the Acropolis was being explored. Various morphological and archaeometric analysis were applied, which account for the biological profile and allow documenting the practice of human sacrifice and posthumous treatments of the victims. Likewise, isotopic analysis provide information on residential history and internal conflicts in the Ocosingo valley.

Keywords : Toniná; Altos de Chiapas; Postclassic; human sacrifice; posthumous processing.