An Illustrated Dictionary of the Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya - Mary Ellen Miller

Until now, no single-volume introduction has existed to act as a guide to the labyrinthine symbolic world of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The authors draw on their research in the fast-changing field of Maya studies and the latest anthropological discoveries to produce an authoritative workdocumenting nearly 300 entriesthat should serve as a standard reference for students, scholars, and travelers. 260 illustrations. nThe 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.