New Theories on the Ancient Maya

Elin C. Danien and Robert J. Sharer, Editors

1992 | 240 pages | Cloth $65.00
Archaeology | Anthropology | Latin American/Caribbean Studies

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
Preface
Introduction
The Past as Prelude

I. Quest for Decipherment: A Historical and Biographical Survey of Maya Hieroglyphic Investigation

EPIGRAPHY AND ICONOGRAPHY: CURRENT STUDIES AND INTERPRETATIONS
II. Classic Maya Politics
III. From Double Bird to Ah Cacao: Dynastic Troubles and the Cycle of Katuns at Tikal, Guatemala
IV. Preclassic Notation and the Development of Maya Writing
V. Excavating Among the Collections: A Reexamination of Three Figurines
VI. Pure Language and Lapidary Prose
VII. The Myth of the Popol Vuh as an Instrument of Power

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: NEW INSIGHTS INTO DEVELOPMENTS AND RELATIONSHIPS
VIII. New Ceremonial and Settlement Evidence at La Venta, and its Relation to Preclassic Maya Cultures
IX. The Preclassic Origin of Lowland Maya States
X. Preclassic Maya Civilization
XI. The Development of a Regional Tradition in Southern Belize
XII. Beyond Temples and Palaces: Recent Settlement Pattern Research at the Ancient Maya City of Sayil (1983-1985)
XIII. Variations on a Theme: A Frontier View of Maya Civilization

THE MAYA WORLD VIEW: THE ANCIENT WAYS AND THE MODERN LEGACY
XIV. Deciphering Maya Architectural Plans
XV. Burials as Caches; Caches as Burials: A New Interpretation of the Meaning of Ritual Deposits Among the Classic Period Lowland Maya
XVI. Rebellious Prophets
XVII. Divination and Prophecy in Yucatan
XVIII. Mayan Calendars, Cosmology, and Astronomical Commensuration
XIX. The Popol Vuh as a Hieroglyphic Book

THE PRESENT AS PAST
XX. The Future of Tikal