Chacmool Sculpture Tradition

Timeline

1. 900–1100Tula · HidalgoThe Toltec civilization placed chacmool stone figures in the pyramids and temple architecture of Tula; their semi-reclining posture and abdominal tray symbolizing a sacrificial offering vessel became the prototype and namesake of this sculptural tradition.
2. 1000–1200Chichén Itzá · YucatánThe Maya city-state of Chichén Itzá placed numerous chacmool figures at temple entrances and altars, blending Toltec forms with local Maya decorative styles and making the tradition a cross-regional art symbol of the Postclassic period.
3. 1321–1330Valley of Mexico · Valley of MexicoAlthough few new chacmool figures were carved in the early 14th century, the Mexica reused or imitated earlier chacmool forms as ritual furnishings in valley temples, reflecting the continuing influence of Toltec artistic heritage on Aztec religious spaces.