Archaeologists have discovered a second method used by the ancient Maya to create their distinctive Maya Blue pigment. This finding expands our understanding of Maya technological ingenuity and challenges previous assumptions about the pigment's production.
Dean E. Arnold presented this research at the Society for American Archaeology meeting in Denver on April 25, 2025. The analysis of twelve bowls from Chichén Itzá revealed traces of burnt plant material and palygorskite, a clay mineral. This suggests the Maya employed a method that did not require copal resin, which was previously believed to be essential.
The newly discovered technique involved grinding wet paligorskite and mixing it with indigo before heating the mixture directly in a bowl. This previously unknown method highlights the Maya's sophisticated chemical knowledge and their ability to adapt pigment creation techniques based on available resources. Maya Blue, known for its resistance to time and harsh conditions, was used from approximately 300 B.C. through the colonial period to decorate pottery, murals, and even sacrificial victims. Arnold's comprehensive research on the pigment is detailed in his book, 'Maya Blue'.