Book

Sculpture and social dynamics in preclassic Mesoamerica

Guernsey, Julia, 1964-

Overview

\"This book examines the functions of sculpture during the Preclassic period in Mesoamerica and its significance in statements of social identity. Julia Guernsey situates the origins and evolution of monumental stone sculpture within a broader social and political context and demonstrates the role that such sculpture played in creating and institutionalizing social hierarchies. This book focuses specifically on an enigmatic type of public, monumental sculpture known as the 'potbelly' that traces its antecedents to earlier, small domestic ritual objects and ceramic figurines. The cessation of domestic rituals involving ceramic figurines along the Pacific slope coincided not only with the creation of the first monumental potbelly sculptures, but with the rise of the first state-level societies in Mesoamerica by the advent of the Late Preclassic period. The potbellies became central to the physical representation of new forms of social identity and expressions of political authority during this time of dramatic change\"-- Provided by publisher.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Subject: Maya sculpture. / Olmec sculpture. / Indian sculpture Mexico. / Indian sculpture Central America. / SOCIAL SCIENCE / Archaeology.
• ISBN: 9781107012462, 1107012465

Item info:

1 item available

1 item total in all locations

Holdings :

Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
F1435.3.S34 G84 2012	1	BOOK	GENERAL