Article	The representation of the serpent theme in Mayan religious structures
Authors	Berezina M.E., Pavlov N.L. Moscow Architectural Institute (State Academy), Moscow, Russia
Abstract	The article defines various types of representation of the serpent theme in the architecture of Mayan cult structures. The development of the theme on the staircases of pyramids and altars is shown. The options of interpretation in the design of the portal are considered. The analysis of plastic interpretations of the serpent's head and of the construction of serpentine structures in the design of the frieze of the temple and the altar podium are presented. The variants of interpretation of the theme in ornamental plastic art are listed.
Keywords:	Mayan architecture, the theme of the serpent in the cult architecture, the plastic interpretations, ornamental plastic, portal design
	Article (RUS)
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	UDC 72.04.032(399.7) DOI: 10.24412/1998-4839-2026-1-24-36 EDN: FRLFZX
For citation	Berezina M.E., Pavlov N.L. The representation of the serpent theme in Mayan religious structures. Architecture and Modern Information Technologies, 2026, no. 1(74), pp. 24-36. Available at: https://marhi.ru/AMIT/2026/1kvart26/PDF/02_berezina.pdf DOI: 10.24412/1998-4839-2026-1-24-36 EDN: FRLFZX
Article	Received by the editors on 14.12.2025; approved after review on 05.03.2026; accepted for publication on 10.03.2026; publication date: 15.03.2026