Dovecote
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Beside the Great Pyramid, excavation continues on a part of Uxmal known as the Dovecote. The name derives from the patchwork of niches in the roofcomb of the complex’s most prominent feature, a high wall separating two of the three large plazas identified here. In addition to its ornate roofcomb, the wall contains a beautiful vaulted arch, and several vaulted rooms on its lower level.
Its facade once had large figures molded from stucco; they’ve long since been destroyed or removed, but several protruding stone struts remain. The struts would have supported the fragile stucco figures, and are, in a modest way, an insight into these silent structures, and the people who built them.
The ruins did not spring ready-made from the ground, but were built by regular people, who faced the same challenges modern designers do, like: How do we keep all these decorations from falling off?
© Gary Chandler & Liza Prado from Moon Yucatán Peninsula, 9th edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.