PALENQUE: design as a process of interpretation: Theory #23: Relief Model Photos- Spatial Relationships to the Mayan Afterlife

Summary of Theory: My theory explains how Pakal’s construction of vessels at Palenque physically manifests the final spiritual journey taken in the afterlife as believed in the Mayan religion.

This diagram shows the layers of the 9 levels of the underworld (Xibalba), the 13 levels of heaven and the Cieba tree (or earth) which divides the two realms. (Photo from http://www.inriodulce.com/links/theninegods.html)

In studying this theory more closely, I have found that both structures designed by Pakal (The Temple of Inscriptions and The Palace) act as organizers and containers for space. For instance, the outer perimeter of the Palace consists mostly of public spaces which move upward in order to bring occupants further into the structure. As the occupant moves inwardly through the construct, space becomes increasingly more private and compact with a change in scale and the utilization of narrow walls. Concurrently, distinctive spaces (such as the tower) gain a gradual upward movement while others (the subterranean tunnels) gain downward movement.

Another example of this spatial arrangement happens within the Temple of Inscriptions. Although the building appears to be an impenetrable fortress, the spaces within are organized in a similar fashion. Though the spaces are seemingly less complex in comparison to the Palace, the same architectural language is used. The entrance to the Temple involves an arduous climb up an exterior stairway which finally leads the occupant to a small, semi-public covered space situated at the top. A small opening in the floor of the space leads the occupant down a staircase which becomes narrower as it descends. Eventually the passageway leads to the smallest, deepest space within the Temple of Inscriptions- Pakal’s tomb.

These organizational systems create complex layers and nested spaces that can be similarly identified in the journey taken to get to the Mayan afterlife.

In Mayan religion, it is believed that there are 9 levels of the underworld (also called Xibalba) and 13 levels of heaven. The two realms are separated by the sacred Cieba tree which is rooted in Xibalba and has branches which extend to the 13 levels of heaven. The Mayas held that once a person of royalty died (such as King Pakal), they would have to endure a difficult journey through the 9 levels of the underworld (Xibalba) in order to reach the final stage of rebirth. They believed that each level of the underworld was ruled by gods of death and disease who had to be defeated before the dead could journey to the next level and eventually be reborn as a god. Though it is certain that the Mayas did believe in the 13 levels of heaven, there is very little information on the details of what was believed to occur within these levels.

Relief model portraying my interpretive theory of Pakal's construction at Palenque