
Plaza Ya'axná
Estructura
Ceremonial complex located 700 m northeast of the Plaza de las Estelas. It is surrounded by several large buildings; those located in the northeast corner were known under the name of "Los Tres Hernamos", however, there are at least nine buildings. This is the oldest complex found so far in Kohunlich, so it was given the name Ya'axná, which means "the first house" or "the oldest house".
Structure E-1: Pyramidal base located to the north of the plaza and oriented to the south. It has an elliptical platform, four bodies and is topped by a temple. The general design suggests a close relationship with the Guatemalan Petén and the north of Belize; the first constructive stage of the building is from the Preclassic and the one corresponding to the exposed building is from the Early Classic.
Structure E-2: It is located in the northeast corner of the plaza and is oriented to the west. It has a long constructive sequence that goes from the Early Classic to the Late Classic. It has 3 bodies of vertical walls that could have had a molding as a finial. The basement was used as a support for a burial that was looted, leaving only a human tooth and remains of polychrome ceramics. Another burial of an earlier stage was found in which there were remains of an infant and an adult. In the fill of the antepenultimate construction period, an offering of several dozens of red ceramic plates and bowls was found, tentatively dated to the Middle Classic.
Structure E-3: Located towards the southeast corner of the plaza and dated to the Early Classic. Its architectural style corresponds to the modified Petén; its design and finishes are significantly more elaborate and careful than those of E-1. It has a temple with two rooms of which only some walls are still standing.
