Mouths of Stone: Stories of the Ancient Maya from Newly Deciphered Inscriptions and Recent Archaeological Discoveries cover
 

Mouths of Stone

Stories of the Ancient Maya from Newly Deciphered Inscriptions and Recent Archaeological Discoveries

by Jeffrey Chouinard

Tags: Archaeology

260 pp  $75.00

ISBN 978-0-89089-565-8

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Mouths of Stone presents a broad overview of ancient Maya civilization — art, architecture, literature, social structure, religion, culture, history — as developed from a wide variety of disciplines and sources, including archaeology, iconography, and colonial literature, with special emphasis on recent translations of inscription texts. The book begins by establishing a framework for understanding Maya civilization. It then examines three major Classic period sites and the most salient features of each: the stelae and altars of Copán; the architecture, ornaments, and inscriptions of Palenque; and the sociology, politics, and warfare of Tikal. Each of these sites has contributed enormously to modern understanding of the fascinating culture of Pre-Columbians. Translations of texts at each site bring Maya histories into focus.

"With insight, directness, and charm, Jeff Chouinard pulls us into a remarkable world. After laying a groundwork of history, anthropology, and mythology, he concentrates on three important but disparate sites — Copán, Palenque, and Tikal — to elaborate what the Maya accomplished, how they did it, why such a successful civilization collapsed, and what we might learn from the Maya today. With the latest discoveries in archaeology, epigraphy, and iconography, the author brings to life a world very different from ours. Mouths of Stone is an interesting and innovative presentation of the ancient Maya, offered in a gracious and eloquent way." — Gillett G. Griffin, Princeton University Museum of Art