Culture: There are two possible relationships between the “place for standing” (Rameumptom) and the synagogue. Obviously, this Rameumptom is in the center of the synagogue. If it is constructed inside, it would require nearly a two-story building since the stand rises above the head, leaving room for a person to stand on top of it. Such a building would require a covered area with a ceiling at least the height of two people. New World archaeology for the time of the Zoramites provides no evidence of such edifices. Rather, open courtyards surround low, stepped pyramidal platforms that are usually larger than the one-person size of the Rameumptom.
Mormon does not describe the synagogue, but apparently it was quite easy to hear those speaking from the Rameumptom. Since the ritual speech delivered there was a public declaration of unity, it had to be heard. And since it was used constantly, it had to be easy to ascend, suggesting stairs rather than a ladder. Stairs would not necessarily require a pyramidal shape, but the prevalence of this type of structure in Mesoamerica certainly is suggestive. The public function and the probable size of the Rameumptom all suggest that the “synagogue” was an open-air meeting place rather than an enclosed building.