Some of the most important archaeological zones of Tabasco are Comalcalco -to the west of the state-, La Venta - in the city of Villahermosa- and Malpasito -in the southeast region-.
Located in the southeast of Mexico, Tabasco is one of the states that make up the country. The relief of the area is flat and low, and is covered by lagoons, estuaries, rivers and swamps.
Comalcalco
The Olmeca, Maya, Chontal and Nahua peoples were present in this area during the Pre-Classic and Classic periods, which is why Tabasco is currently rich in archaeological sites.
According to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), there are approximately one thousand sites in the area, and although most of these are unexplored, there are several archaeological sites open to the public.
Among these, Comalcalco, La Venta, Malpasito, Moral-Reforma and Pomorá stand out.
Comalcalco
Comalcalco is located west of the state of Tabasco. Thanks to the trade routes during the Classic period, many ceramic pieces and molded figurines of the time were found in this area.
In recent years, through controlled excavations, a large amount of information has been recovered from the site. The morphology of the settlement shows urban planning.
In this site, the center is made up of the East Acropolis, the Great Acropolis, the North Plaza and the West Group. In the periphery there are houses, fields of crops and water channels.
The sale
In this site of great antiquity, its earthen architecture, stone sculptures and its planned architectural plan stand out.
The city has avenues, squares, civic-ceremonial buildings and residential areas. In turn, it is surrounded by rivers and abundant edible flora and fauna. The land, rich in alluvial soils, is conducive to agriculture.
The Olmecs imported stones from other areas and made sculptures mainly of human and animal figures.
Malpasito
This archaeological zone has great historical value as it is the only place in the country where the Mayan Zoque culture was present, and where its legacy can be found.
In this culture, which is different from the Olmec and Mayan, the architecture is based on the use of sandstone blocks and their adaptation to relief through artificial terraces.
Much of the 114-hectare complex has yet to be explored. However, part of these resources are at risk due to agricultural and livestock practices in the area.
The explored and reconstructed part of the site consists of the main plaza, a ball court sector, a south patio and areas with stone engravings.
Moral-Reform
Originally, the Moral-Reforma settlement was of the village type, although over the years it gained great regional importance due to the control exercised over the river traffic that generated commercial communication routes with the Gulf of Mexico.
This is reflected in its monumental architecture and in what is documented in hieroglyphic inscriptions, typical of classic Mayan art.
The great construction activity is reflected in the Plaza Oriente, in its ceremonial constructions complemented by a ball court and two palace-type buildings with interior courtyards.
Pomora
The geographical position of Pomorá contributed greatly to the cultural exchange with other contemporary sites and cultures. The economy of the place was diverse thanks to its proximity to river systems.
The population lived in huts made of logs and branches, built on earth platforms.
Both the ceramics and the stone elements are culturally similar to those made by other contemporary indigenous groups.
References
- Pichardo, D. (July 29, 2016). ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORK IN THE COASTAL REGION OF TABASCO, SOUTHEASTERN MEXICO. Retrieved from Day of Archeology: dayofarchaeology.com
- Archaeological Zones Network. (sf). Obtained from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH): inah.gob.mx
- Gallegos, MJ, & Gómez, A. MAYA MAN'S ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS: MALE REPRESENTATION IN TABASCO, MEXICO.
- Jiménez, FJ, & Domínguez, CDCP Perspectives and complexities in the community tourism of Agua Selva. This work was achieved with the support of the Comprehensive Institutional Strengthening Program (PIFI), 149.
- MANGE, E., FERNÁNDEZ, FJ, & MOYANO, IG Taphonomical evidences of micromammals exploitation at Pomona archaeological site (Late Holocene, North Patagonia, Negro River). Does it constitute an intensification process ?.
- Álvarez, ADG, Calacich, SN, & Paz, GLB CYCLOTOURISTIC ROUTES, TO REACTIVATE THE ECONOMY OF THE TENOSIQUE COMMUNITIES IN THE STATE OF TABASCO.
- Tabasco. (sf). Retrieved from Encyclopædia Britannica: britannica.com.