The Beast Between

Deer Imagery in Ancient Maya Art

Nonfiction, Art & Architecture, General Art, Art History, American
Cover of the book The Beast Between by Matthew G. Looper, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Matthew G. Looper ISBN: 9781477318072
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: April 22, 2019
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: Matthew G. Looper
ISBN: 9781477318072
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: April 22, 2019
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English

The white-tailed deer had a prominent status in Maya civilization; it was the most important wild-animal food source at many inland Maya sites and also functioned as a major ceremonial symbol. Offering an in-depth semantic analysis of this imagery, The Beast Between considers iconography, hieroglyphic texts, mythological discourses, and ritual narratives to translate the significance and meaning of the vibrant metaphors expressed in a variety of artifacts depicting deer and hunting.Charting the progression of deer as a key component of the Maya diet, especially for elites, to the coupling of deer and maize in the Maya worldview, The Beast Between reveals a close and long-term interdependence. Not only are deer depicted naturalistically in hunting and ritual scenes, but they are also ascribed with human attributes. This rich imagery reflects the many ways in which deer hunting was linked to status, sexuality, and war as part of a deeper process to ensure the regeneration of both agriculture and ancestry. Drawing on methodologies of art history, archaeology, and ethnology, this illuminating work is poised to become a key resource for multiple fields.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The white-tailed deer had a prominent status in Maya civilization; it was the most important wild-animal food source at many inland Maya sites and also functioned as a major ceremonial symbol. Offering an in-depth semantic analysis of this imagery, The Beast Between considers iconography, hieroglyphic texts, mythological discourses, and ritual narratives to translate the significance and meaning of the vibrant metaphors expressed in a variety of artifacts depicting deer and hunting.Charting the progression of deer as a key component of the Maya diet, especially for elites, to the coupling of deer and maize in the Maya worldview, The Beast Between reveals a close and long-term interdependence. Not only are deer depicted naturalistically in hunting and ritual scenes, but they are also ascribed with human attributes. This rich imagery reflects the many ways in which deer hunting was linked to status, sexuality, and war as part of a deeper process to ensure the regeneration of both agriculture and ancestry. Drawing on methodologies of art history, archaeology, and ethnology, this illuminating work is poised to become a key resource for multiple fields.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book Edward Everett Hale by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Heretics and Hellraisers by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Border Junkies by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Wood Quay by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Vestal Virgins, Sibyls, and Matrons by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Kuxlejal Politics by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Our National Parks and the Search for Sustainability by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Epidemic Disease in Mexico City, 1761-1813 by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Las Tejanas by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Contemporary Mexican Women Writers by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Recollections of a Tejano Life by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book The San Saba Treasure by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book All Religions Are Good in Tzintzuntzan by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Texas Through Women's Eyes by Matthew G. Looper
Cover of the book Impunity, Human Rights, and Democracy by Matthew G. Looper
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy