THE CORBEL ARCH

The corbel arch, also called "false arch" or "Maya arch", is typical of Maya architecture and is the most widespread form of roofing in the Lowlands of the Classic period. This arch is composed of two parallel rows of stone blocks overlapping from the top of the long walls towards the interior of the room to form a linear vault in the shape of an inverted "V" completed by a row of capstones. In spite of this convention, we see stylistic differences from one region to another (fig. 3).

It is not only the ingenuity that surprises in this type of construction but also its resemblance with the thatch roof of the hut. It would be reasonnable to think that it evolved from this form (fig. 4). Strangely, this construction is as fragile as it is complicated to build. Because of its outward pressure, the arch requires thick walls and its stability must be reinforced with cement and crossbeams. But if the choice of this form can't be explained in terms of rentability, its conservatism and popularity seem to express cultural values that the ancient Maya were not willing to compromise.

Fig. 3: Different styles of corbel arches. (after Gendrop 1979)

THE ROOF CREST

The roof crest or roof comb, is not found everywhere in the Lowlands or on all types of buildings and takes different forms depending on the region. For example, there are no roof crests at Copán while at Tikal they are found only on pyramid-temples.

This architectural component, composed of small superimposed rooms, seems to have for purpose to accentuate the verticality of the building and to provide a surface for decoration (fig. 5). It is possible that the crest of monumental buildings was inspired from the one of the hut which is rather practical.

Fig. 4: Presumed evolution from the thatch roof to the corbel arch. (after Andrews 1975)

This type of construction demonstates the vesatility of the Maya architectural vocabulary where the small vaulted room is adapted to different uses: rooms, hallways, stairways, gateways, crests, etc. This basic form expresses the ideal of the architects who, satisfied with their model, did not feel the need to change it.

Fig. 5: Roof crest, Tikal. (after Coe 1990)

Maya architecture is based on several principles of organization (linearity, symetry, centrality, closure, exiguity, verticality) expressed in cosmology: (1) the division of the universe in three level of existence: the terrestrial world, the underworld, and the celestial world; (2) the division of the terrestrial world in four parts corresponding to the cardinal directions; (3) the division of the celestial world in thirteen domains and the underworld in nine domains corresponding to time periods; (4) the existence of a world tree at the center of the universe linking the three levels of existence; (5) the interrelation between terrestrial and atronomical events. This cosmology is applied to architecture by the quadrangular layout of buildings, the cardinal orientation of axis, the division of buildings in three superimposed levels, the central position of stairways and openings, and the alignment of some buildings with celestial points.

Representation of Maya cosmology. (after Schele & Freidel 1990)