Maya Sculpture of Copán: The Iconography - Paperback
$56.60
Skip to product information
Maya Sculpture of Copán: The Iconography - Paperback
$56.60
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Details
by Claude-Francois Baudez (Author)
Copán, one of the most important Classic Maya sites, is renowned for the artistry of its high-relief stelae and altars and for the wealth of detail on its freestanding and architectural sculpture. In Maya Sculpture of Copán: The Iconography, internationally known Mayanist Claude-François Baudez provides a masterful survey of these elaborate and intriguing carved images.
In Part I, Baudez identifies and deciphers the specific motifs on each monument and shows how the elements were combined to produce meaningful iconographic messages. The architectural sculpture expresses the meaning and function of the buildings and complexes, many designed to represent the sky, earth, and underworld and to serve as stages for rituals. Photographs and drawings clarify the intricate forms. Part II relates the iconography to the religion and politics of the city-state. Baudez traces the evolution of the motifs in relation to the history of Copán and the multiple functions of the king--his cosmic role, the continuous reference to his ancestors, and the dynastic cycles. Sacrifice--bloodletting by the king and the sacrifice of captives--is of paramount importance. Growth and rebirth required constant offerings of blood to the earth and to the sun, to ensure its rebirth at dawn after its nocturnal journey through the underworld. The monuments give a coherent picture of Maya cosmology.
Number of Pages: 316
Dimensions: 0.66 x 11 x 8.5 IN
Publication Date: July 01, 2015
Materials + Care
We prioritize quality in selecting the materials for our items, choosing premium fabrics and finishings that ensure durability, comfort, and timeless appeal.
Shipping + Returns
We strive to process and ship all orders in a timely manner, working diligently to ensure that your items are on their way to you as soon as possible.