Sakbihs and Polyagency: The Architectural Causes of Human Activities in the Cochuah Region, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Abstract

Most archaeological theories state that we should primarily study the human agent or social structure behind materiality. In this article it is proposed that we should focus on the effects that pofyagents (materialities and immaterialities) have brought about in past social networks. By creating a biography of a polyagent it is hoped that we can reconstruct the way in which architecture has affected past environment and human behaviour and intentions. Causeways or sakbihs are one such category of polyagents found throughout the Maya Lowlands. Their relationships with agriculture, water and climate in the Cochuah region, Quintana Roo, Mexico, are discussed.