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This paper aims to gather the most complete list of recorded Triadic Groups from the Maya Area, and subsequently analyze various aspects of their spatial and temporal occurrence, as well as their architecture, urban context, and iconography, in order to re-- evaluate the existing theories and, possibly, arrive at a new one. The final conclusion states that both previously existing theories, namely those interpreting Triadic Groups as either earthly replicas of the Cosmic Hearth, or architectural stages for king's accession rituals, cannot be entirely dismissed. However, they demonstrate possible secondary functions and meanings of the Triadics, limited to a certain number of known triadic assemblages. A more general interpretation is introduced, according to which Triadic Groups can be perceived as architectural stages and replicas of the Flower Mountain at the specific moment of the Maize God's resurrection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeologists frequently examine architectural styles to detect migration and cultural interaction among Maya groups on the Yucatán peninsula. In this paper we examine the basis of this assumption by applying Michael Schiffer's (2002) framework for studying technological differentiation to the results of our ethnoarchaeological investigation of 20th century Maya vernacular architecture in the village of Silvituc, southwestern Campeche. In the wake of the Caste War and the Mexican Revolution, the availability of agricultural land and employment opportunities in the chicle and lumber industries attracted many people to a new frontier. This study explores the relationships among migration, the formation of multi-ethnic communities, introduction of new technologies, town planning, and architectural styles to account for the genesis of a distinctive 'frontier' style within a Maya community in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]