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The Acoustics of Mayan Temples: Chichen Itzá

The Acoustics of Mayan Temples: Chichen Itzá. Presented by Caroline Delgado. The Acoustics of Mayan Temples: The Temple of Kukulkan. The buildings amplify sound by reflection of the sound waves. Stucco and limestone are very smooth surfaces that have very low absorption rates.

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The Acoustics of Mayan Temples: Chichen Itzá

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  1. The Acoustics of Mayan Temples: Chichen Itzá Presented by Caroline Delgado

  2. The Acoustics of Mayan Temples: The Temple of Kukulkan • The buildings amplify sound by reflection of the sound waves. • Stucco and limestone are very smooth surfaces that have very low absorption rates. • When at the bottom a person’s voice is echoed from the top. • A speaker at the top can use a normal speaking voice and be heard by the crowd below.

  3. The Acoustics of Mayan Temples: The Temple of Kukulkan • The temple is a four sided stepped pyramid. • When you clap a “chirping bird” is heard. • It is said to be the quetzal which is the bird messenger of the gods. • This happens because of the acoustical properties of the steep staircase. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxvpZcJSEME

  4. The Acoustics of Mayan Temples: The Great Ball Court • In the ball court, whispers can be heard from one end to the other. Termed “whispering galleries.” • The whispering galleries work by pushing sound waves along the playing field. The effect is like speaking through a long tube. • This conserves sound energy and reduces sound loss. • The court’s two temples are 460 feet apart. • The two parallel walls are 119 feet apart measuring 28 feet tall and 270 feet long.

  5. Acoustical Phenomena • Researchers have not been able to figure out all of the acoustical phenomena of the apparent projection systems of the Mayan temples. • Coats of stucco were applied to the temples to reflect the sound and alter the absorption rates. • The frequency, quality, and volume of sound in certain rooms were most likely used for speakers, musicians, and priests.

  6. Examples of Ancient Instruments http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWjOaZFXo3s&list=PLCCD7D5F9D535D076

  7. References • Edwards, Lin. "Mayan Buildings May Have Operated as Sound Projectors." Mayan Buildings May Have Operated as Sound Projectors. PhysOrg.Com, 21 Dec. 2010. Web. 05 Dec. 2013. • "Acoustic Archaeology Solves a Mystery at Chichen Itza." Archaeology News from Past Horizons RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2013. • Viegas, Jennifer. "Maya Teased Ears Through Architecture." Maya Teased Ears Through Architecture. Discovery Communications, 29 Nov. 2006. Web. 05 Dec. 2013.

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