THE ABSTRACT-NATURALIST PETROGLYPH TRADITION IN THE CENTRAL AMERICAN POST-CLASSIC

Abstract

Results of a comparative study of late dated petroglyhs (9th-15th centuries) in Central America countries reveal the dispersion of an abstract-naturalist tradition from SE Mexico to the northern coast of Venezuela. This petroglyph tradition presents distinct characteristics: 1) It engulfs a macro regional horizon dating in late prehispanic times; 2) It is discrete with respect to other older petroglyph traditions; 3) It has relicts of Maya culture iconograhy and elaboration techniques. Recent advances in this archaeological line of evidence provide support to extant hypoteses on migratory processes following the decline of the Maya sociopolitical system begining around the 9th century. The dispersion of the abstract-naturalist petroglyph tradition in Central America is particularly visible in the Guanacaste and Central Caribbean regions in Costa Rica.