Synopses & Reviews
The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya is the first-ever English-language dictionary of Mesoamerican mythology and religion. Nearly 300 entries, from accession to yoke, describe the main gods and symbols of the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Maya, Teotihuacanos, Mixtecs, Toltecs, and Aztecs. Topics range from jaguar and jester gods to reptile eye and rubber, from creation accounts and sacred places to ritual practices such as bloodletting, confession, dance, and pilgrimage. In addition, two introductory essays provide succinct accounts of Mesoamerican history and religion, while a substantial bibliographical survey directs the reader to original sources and recent discussions. Dictionary entries are illustrated with photographs and specially commissioned line drawings. Mary Miller and Karl Taube draw on their research in the fast-changing field of Maya studies, and on the latest Mexican discoveries, to produce an authoritative work that will serve as a standard reference for students, scholars, and travelers.
Synopsis
This is the first single-volume introductory guide to the symbolic world of the Precolumbian civilizations of Mesoamerica. Nearly 300 entries describe the main deities, customs and motifs of the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Maya, Teotihuacanos, Mixtecs, Toltecs and Aztecs. Topics range from jaguar and jester gods to chocolate and rubber, from creation myths and sacred places to ritual practices such as bloodletting, confession, dance and ballgames. Two introductory essays provide accounts of Mesoamerican history and religion, and there is also an extensive guide to sources and bibliography.
Synopsis
The myths and beliefs of the great pre-Columbian civilizations of Mesoamerica have baffled and fascinated outsiders ever since the Spanish Conquest. Yet, until now, no single-volume introduction has existed to act as a guide to this labyrinthine symbolic world.
About the Author
Mary Ellen Miller is the Vincent Scully Professor of the History of Art at Yale University. Her previous books include The Art of Mesoamerica.Karl Taube is Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of California at Riverside. Conversant in Yucatec Mayan, Professor Taube has conducted archaeological and ethnographic research in Yucatn, and is a leading scholar of Mesoamerican writing and iconography.