Stone Trees Transplanted? Central Mexican Stelae of the Epiclassic and Early Postclassic and the Question of Maya ‘Influence’

Description

Stelae dating to the Epiclassic (650-900 CE) and Early Postclassic (950-1150 CE) from Tula, Xochicalco, and other sites in Central Mexico have been presented in the archaeological and art historical literature of the last four decades—when they have been addressed at all—as evidence of Classic Maya ‘influence’ on Central Mexican art during these periods. This book re-evaluates these claims via detailed comparative analysis of the Central Mexican stelae and their claimed Maya counterparts. For the first time the Central Mexican stelae are placed in the context of often earlier local artistic traditions as well as other possible long-distance connections. Comparison of Tula and Xochicalco stelae with earlier and contemporary stelae from Oaxaca and Guerrero demonstrates connections equally as plausible as those posited with the Maya region, and supported by archaeological evidence. While it is clear that some Central Mexican stelae, especially Stela 4 from Tula, reflect Maya contacts, this has to be balanced by consideration of local and other long distance developments and connections. Table of Contents List of Illustrations Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Introduction: Stela Stories Chapter 2: Classic Maya Stelae: Current Perspectives on Origins, Function and Meaning Chapter 3: Central Mexican Stelae of the Epiclassic and Early Postclassic Periods Chapter 4: Central Mexican Artists Under The Influence? A Critical Review of The Literature On Maya-Mexican Interactions At The Classic – Postclassic Transition Chapter 5: Forgotten Forebears? Stelae in Central Mexico Before the Epiclassic Chapter 6: Go West (and South)? Stelae of Oaxaca and Guerrero Chapter 7: Stone Trees Transplanted? A Comparison of Central Mexican Stelae with their Suggested Maya Counterparts at Piedras Negras, Dos Pilas, Aguateca, Ceibal, And Copan Chapter 8: In Place of a Conclusion, or More Questions Appendix 1: Catalog of Central Mexican Figural and Associated Stelae of the Epiclassic and Early Postclassic Appendix 2: A (Very) Brief Summary of the Tula/Chichen Itza Debate/Acle References Cited