New Theories on the Ancient Maya

by Danien, Elin C.; Sharer, Robert J.

• ISBN13: 9780924171130
• ISBN10: 0924171138
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1992-03-01
• Publisher: Univ of Pennsylvania Museum of

Summary

Papers from the 1987 Maya Weekend conference at the University of Pennsylvania Museum present current views of Maya culture and language. Also included is an article by George Stuart summarizing the history of the study of Maya hieroglyphs and the fascinating scholars and laypersons who have helped bring about their decipherment. Symposium Series III

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
Preface
Introduction
The Past as Prelude
Quest for Decipherment: A Historical and Biographical Survey of Maya Hieroglyphic Investigation	p. 1
Epigraphy and Iconography: Current Studies and Interpretations
Classic Maya Politics	p. 65
From Double Bird to Ah Cacao: Dynastic Troubles and the Cycle of Katuns at Tikal, Guatemala	p. 71
Preclassic Notation and the Development of Maya Writing	p. 81
Excavating Among the Collections: A Reexamination of Three Figurines	p. 91
Pure Language and Lapidary Prose	p. 99
The Myth of the Popol Vuh as an Instrument of Power	p. 109
The Archaeological Perspective: New Insights Into Developments and Relationships
New Ceremonial and Settlement Evidence at La Venta, and its Relation to Preclassic Maya Cultures	p. 123
The Preclassic Origin of Lowland Maya States	p. 131
Preclassic Maya Civilization	p. 137
The Development of a Regional Tradition in Southern Belize	p. 145
Beyond Temples and Palaces: Recent Settlement Pattern Research at the Ancient Maya City of Sayil (1983-1985)	p. 155
Variations on a Theme: A Frontier View of Maya Civilization	p. 161
The Maya World View: The Ancient Ways and the Modern Legacy
Deciphering Maya Architectural Plans	p. 173
Burials as Caches; Caches as Burials: A New Interpretation of the Meaning of Ritual Deposits Among the Classic Period Lowland Maya	p. 185
Rebellious Prophets	p. 197
Divination and Prophecy in Yucatan	p. 205
Mayan Calendars, Cosmology, and Astronomical Commensuration	p. 217
The Popol Vuh as a Hieroglyphic Book	p. 229
The Present as Past
The Future of Tikal	p. 241
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