The Art of Mesoamerica: From Olmec to Aztec

by Miller, Mary Ellen

• ISBN13: 9780500203453
• ISBN10: 0500203458
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-10-01
• Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc

Summary

This essential guide to the art and architecture of ancient Mesoamerica succinctly and evocatively summarizes the artistic achievements of the high pre-Columbian civilizations -- Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Tolec, Aztec -- as well as those of their less well-known contemporaries. The pyramids and palaces, jades and brightly colored paintings emerge from these pages as vividly as when they first astonished Cortes's men in 1519.

There was a surprising unity in Mesoamerican culture from Mexico to Honduras and from 1500 B.C. to the Spanish Conquest. Among many features shared were a 260-day ritual calendar and a preoccupation with gods representing natural forces. Current research also emphasizes the great importance of rites of kingship, including warfare and blood sacrifice.

In this third edition, Mary Miller opens up new windows on the ancient past with fresh readings of works of art, all the while offering careful archaeological interpretations. Recent hieroglyphic decipherments provide insights into ancient art, spelling out long-distance connections between

Author Biography

Mary Ellen Miller is the Vincent Scully Professor of the History of Art and Master of Saybrook College at the University of Yale.

Table of Contents

Chronological table	6	(7)
Preface	7	(2)
Introduction	9	(8)
The Olmecs	17	(21)
The Late Formative	38	(29)
Teotihuacan	67	(16)
Classic Monte Alban, Veracruz and Cotzumalhuapa	83	(19)
The Early Classic Maya	102	(21)
The Late Classic Maya	123	(39)
Mesoamerica after the fall of Classic cities	162	(35)
The Aztecs	197	(35)
Select Bibliography	232	(4)
List of Illustrations	236	(2)
Index	238