The Stuccoed and Painted Benches of Xochicalco, Morelos, Mexico

Archaeological research at Xochicalco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Morelos, Mexico, reveals that intricately stuccoed and painted benches from the Epiclassic period (600–900 CE) likely served as royal seats or thrones. These benches, adorned with rich iconography and hieroglyphic signs, were pivotal in displaying religious, mythological, and historical narratives that reinforced hierarchical power structures. The study suggests parallels between Xochicalco's benches and those found in the Terminal Classic Maya city of Chichen Itza, indicating potential interregional cultural exchanges during this period. The research combines iconographic and epigraphic analysis to interpret the symbolic significance of these artifacts, offering new insights into the political and ceremonial functions of monumental architecture in Mesoamerica.

Nielsen, J., Alvarado León, C., & Helmke, C. (2020). THE STUCCOED AND PAINTED BENCHES OF XOCHICALCO, MORELOS, MEXICO. Ancient Mesoamerica, 32(2), 249–268. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0956536120000012