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Informationen zum Autor Michael E. Smith Klappentext Twenty-three of the most influential essays by leading scholars are brought together in this Reader , revealing the rich variety of cultures and societies that existed in ancient Mesoamerica. Expert editorial introductions explain the context and significance of the contributions, and extensive bibliographies facilitate further research. This illustrated volume includes the results of the most up-to-date research on a wide range of social practices, cultures, and time periods. Among the subjects addressed are social, economic, and political organization, as well as religion and ideology. The readings are arranged thematically rather than by region in order to compare the main characteristics of Mesoamerican city and rural life, and to bring out both the unity and diversity of these ancient peoples. Zusammenfassung The region of Mesoamerica! extending from central Mexico through Honduras and El Salvador! was home to a variety of advanced civilizations in ancient times. This reader contains 25 chapters written by scholars that explore the nature of these ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. Inhaltsverzeichnis Notes on Contributors. Preface. Acknowledgments. Introduction: Mesoamerican Civilizations: Marilyn A. Masson and Michael E. Smith (both at State University of New York at Albany). Part I: The Organization of Society: . Editors' Introduction. 1. Analyzing Household Activities: Kent V. Flannery (University of Michigan) and Marcus C. Winter (Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia, Oaxacca, Mexico). 2. Distinguishing the High and Mighty from the Hoi Polloi at Tikal, Guatemala: William A. Haviland (University of Vermont) and Hattula Moholy-Nagy (University of Michigan). 3. On the Nature of the Mesoamerican City: Joyce Marcus (University of Michigan). 4. Corporate Groups and Domestic Activities at Teotihuacan: Linda Manzanilla (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México). Part II: Economic Organization: . Editors' Introduction. 5. Landscapes of Cultivation in Mesoamerica on the Eve of the Conquest: Thomas M. Whitmore (University of North Carolina) and B. L. Turner II (Clark University). 6. Lithic Craft Specialization and Product Distribution at the Maya Site of Colha, Belize: Harry J. Shafer (Texas A & M University) and Thomas R. Hester (University of Texas). 7. Economic Change in the Lowland Maya Late Classical Period: Prudence M. Rice (Southern Illinois University). 8. Imports and Exports in Classic Mesoamerican Political Economy: The Tehuacan Valley and the Teotihuacan Obsidian Industry: Robert D. Drennan (University of Pittsburgh), Philip T. Fitzgibbons (Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio), Heinz Dehn (University of Pittsburgh (retired)). 9. Principles of Regional and Long-distance Trade in the Aztec Empire: Frances F. Berdan (California State University, San Bernardino). 10. New Perspectives on Prehispanic Highland Mesoamerica: A Macroregional Approach: Gary M. Feinman and Linda M. Nicholas (both Field Museum of Natural History). 11. Rural Economy in Late Postclassic Morelos: An Archaeological Study: Michael E. Smith, Cynthia Heath-Smith (both State University of New York at Albany). Part III: Political Organization: . Editors' Introduction. 12. The Power of Prestige: Competitive Generosity and the Emergence of Rank Societies in Lowland Mesoamerica: John E. Clark (Brigham Young University) and Michael Blake (University of British Columbia). 13. Classic Maya Emblem Glyphs: Peter Mathews (University of Calgary). 14. Ideology in Ancient Maya Cultural Evolution: The Dynamics of Galactic Policies: Arthur A. Demarest (Vanderbilt University). 15. State and Society at Teotihuacan, Mexico: George L. Cowgill (Arizona State Univ...
