: Andrew Whitfield, Richard McColl
: Treasures of the Aztecs, Inca and Other Mesoamericans
: Amber Books Ltd
: 9781838867096
: 1
: CHF 9.70
:
: Geschichte
: English
: 224
: DRM
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: ePUB

Mesoamerica experienced a significant flourishing in the years beginning with Early Classic period, through to the Maya civilisation and culminating in the eventual fall of the Aztec civilisation in the 16th Century CE. Through these treasures of fine art and architecture we can uncover the mysteries of the myths, gods and religions of the time and appreciate the true cultural legacy left behind. Did you know that flat top pyramids such as the Temple of the Feathered Serpent in Teotihuacan are characteristic of ancient Aztec and Mayan architecture? They were not only religious structures but served as sites of internment for leading rulers of the time. Aspects of the Mesoamerican cultural heritage still survived among the ensuing Spanish colonial rule and continues to be observed today among the indigenous peoples who inhabit the area of Mesoamerica. Explore the closer details of familiar sites such as the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, and discover hidden treasures at the Mayan zone of Edzna. Many artefacts from this period are now displayed for the public to enjoy in museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.Treasures of the Aztecs, Inca& Other Mesoamericans tells the tale of some familiar places and artefacts - alongside many which are less familiar, but just as spectacular - framed by a knowledgeable, detailed account of the rise and fall of Mesoamerica. Over 150 colour photographs complete this fascinating exploration of Ancient Aztec, Inca and Mayan cultures and their lasting contributions to world history, art and architecture.

Olmecs


Famous for their iconic giant stone heads, the Olmecs were the first identifiable culture to develop from hunter-gatherers to a more urban society in Mesoamerica. As such, they are known as the mother culture of Mesoamerica. By 1200 BC, they had created settlements on the Gulf coast of Mexico where they had access to fertile flat land, the sea and trading routes. Their main cultural contributions were the establishment of a Mesoamerican trading network, organized religion and the famous ball game. In doing so, they helped define the geographical limits of Mesoamerica.

The name Olmec itself is derived from the Aztec word ‘Olmecatl’ which roughly means ‘people of the rubber country’. The Aztecs knew that the Olmecs had discovered the elastic properties of rubber sap and moulded it into a ball. Indeed, near the Olmec settlement of San Lorenzo, excavations have found the first known rubber balls in Mesoamerica. Rubber was also used for medicinal purposes and burnt as incense, creating thick clouds of smoke.

Giant stone head

This example is one of ten giant heads found at San Lorenzo, Veracruz; the largest number ever discovered. The majority are displayed in the Xalapa anthropology museum. The Olmec focus on the head suggests that they somehow wished to recognise human thinking and emotions that take place within.

GODS AND RELIGION


Living in the tropical rainforest, the Olmecs identified with powerful animals that stood at the top of the food chain – jaguars, pumas, eagles and snakes – and recognized that they too consumed meat. These natural forces were integrated into an organized religion based upon sacrificial offerings, pilgrimage and a cast of gods that would reappear in various guises across Mesoamerican history. One of the most enduring gods was the ‘rain baby’ depicted as a human baby crying open-mouthed. Another god was the ‘feathered serpent’ that had a crest of feathers, the rattles of a rattlesnake and a forked serpent tongue. The Olmecs also had a shark god represented by a single tooth.

Olmec religious ideas were associated with the fertility of the land, water and maize (corn) production by means of these creatures. For example, the jaguar represented the earth and the power of the renewal of life; the serpent was related to water in rivers and rain. Ceremonies were held to ask a specific god for their support.

The Olmecs were the first to build urban ceremonial centres. The settlements were close to freshwater and gradually developed irrigation and water-capture. The Olmecs were also the first to give stone a special religious meaning. Probably representing tribal chiefs, the giant carved stone heads weighed up to 36 tons and were imported from 100km (62 miles) away – probably by boat – and without wheeled transport. The other innovative use of stone was to create stone slabs or stelae that celebrated the reigns of rulers and ritual events. These permanent advertising boards were particularly popular with future generations.

Less recognizable today is the Olmec trading network that enabled them to create religious objects of great beauty. Items included necklaces, earrings, burial offerings and figurines. In particula