Chichén Itzá Northern Ruins

Toltec influence at Chichén Itzá is principally seen in the buildings making up the northern group. The inappropriately named chac-mool (Mayan: "red jaguar"), a reclining figure holding a sacrificial vessel, head turned to one side probably acting as the guardian of the entrance to a temple, is typically Toltec, as are the so-called atlantes, stone carvings, often of warriors, supporting a temple roof or altar. Note too the ever-recurring symbol of the plumed serpent (Mayan: "Kukulkán") which displaces the Mayan Rain god Chac, and the scenes of battles and sacrifices which appear far more often than is usual in Classic Maya art.