Among the more interesting aspects of the Late to Terminal Classic transition in central Peten are the changes evident on the sculptured monuments. Evidenced by different monument shapes, layouts, images, and glyphs, they point to considerable diversity within Peten and contacts with other areas. This was first drawn to our attention during project surveys, when we noted several monument fragments cemented into the courtyard of the “Escuela Normal Rural ‘Julio E. Rosado Pinelo’ ” in Santa Elena, on the south shore of Lake Peten Itza, where a Classic-period site was reportedly destroyed. Santa Elena Stela 1 is the upper portion of a stela with carving on both faces, suggesting a Late Classic date. What is distinctive about this monument is its non-Peten-style pointed shape, with both upper “comers” removed. Similar monument shapes occur in the Puuc area in the north, at sites such as Sayil and Oxkintok, where stelae often have narrow, pointed tops as well as unusual (in Peten) features, such as decorated borders and multiple registers (Pollock 1980). These northern features also appear on some Terminal Classic monuments in the Peten lakes area and elsewhere, for example at Jimbal, Ixlu, and Ucanal.
The presence of unusual iconographic features has long been known from western Peten, where the Terminal Classic appears to witness the incursions of “foreigners.” Seibal is most frequently cited (Graham 1971, 1990; Tourtellot and Gonzalez, Chapter 4, this volume) because of its many stelae showing individuals with “non-Classic Maya” facial features and attire. In addition, some Terminal Classic monuments at Seibal and other sites have unusual square glyph cartouches. Unusual day glyphs in squared cartouches also occur on Seibal Stela 13, Ucanal Stela 4, Jimbal Stelae 1 and 2, El Zapote Stela 5, Flores Stela 5, and Calakmul Stela 86. Edmonson (1988:229-230) says these glyphs “are certainly not Mayan,” and instead considers them to be Gulf Coastal, most likely “Late Classic (and provincial) Olmec.”
In addition to squared glyphs and unusual iconography, many Terminal Classic stelae in central Peten show seated figures conversing. The figures are simply dressed, conspicuously without kingly regalia and accoutrements of office, suggesting that they are not flaunting symbols of status and power. Similar conversation scenes also appear on Terminal Classic Fine Orange (Pabellon Molded-Carved type) pottery bowls and vases, perhaps vessels used for serving food and beverages as part of the hospitality of such gatherings. Together, these scenes accentuate what might be of paramount interest at this time: the fact that discussions are taking place, as opposed to displays of the power and charisma of individuals. The putative “foreigners” moving into Peten seem to have been peacefully assimilated and perhaps even expected and welcomed. These scenes plus another new emphasis, all-text stelae and altars, suggest that these extended monuments could record outcomes of “summit meetings” of leaders from different areas meeting in Peten.
Finally, it is interesting to consider the shape of Terminal Classic stelae at Tikal and other nearby sites. Terminal Classic stelae at Tikal and other sites in its realm were “top-heavy”—asymmetrical and wedge-shaped. The expanded upper area depicted the Paddler gods, royal ancestors floating on clouds/serpents and nearly smothering the mler below. The explanation for the pointed tops of the Puuc stelae could be that the sculptured monuments are modeled after the painted end walls of corbel-vaulted structures, where the in-slanting walls of the vault cut off the upper comers of the scene. On the other hand, it could be a specific repudiation of the Tikal program and its glorification of dynastic ancestors. Whatever the explanation, this new iconographic program of the Terminal Classic outside of the Tikal realm explicitly rejects royal display, ancestors, and dynastic rule, and instead appears to celebrate conversation, diplomacy, and less flamboyant interactions.