An illustrated dictionary of the gods and symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya

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.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. The myths and beliefs of the great Precolumbian 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. In The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya 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. 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. This authoritative work serves as a standard reference for students, scholars, and travelers. The Myths And Beliefs Of The Great Precolumbian 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. In 'the Gods And Symbols Of Ancient Mexico And The Maya Nearly 300 Entries...describe The Main Gods And Symboles 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 Of Mesoamerican History And Relition, While A Substantial Bibliographical Survey Directs The Reader To Original Sources And Recent Discussions. Dictionary Entries Are Illustrated With Photogrpahs And Commissioned Line Drawings.... Mary Miller And Karl Taube. Originally Published: London : Thames & Hudson, C1993. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 207-214) And Index. "The myths and beliefs of the great Precolumbian 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. In 'The gods and symbols of ancient Mexico and the Maya nearly 300 entries ... describe the main gods and symboles 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 of Mesoamerican history and relition, while a substantial bibliographical survey directs the reader to original sources and recent discussions. Dictionary entries are illustrated with photogrpahs and commissioned line drawings ..." Мифы, верования и культура древней Мезоамерики (майя, ацтеки, тольтеки) »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. The myths and beliefs of the great Precolumbian civilizations of Mesoamerica have baffled and fascinated outsiders ever since the Spanish Conquest. This book describes the main gods and symboles 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 of Mesoamerican history and relition, while a substantial bibliographical survey directs the reader to original sources and further discussions.--Publisher's description