1981/07/01 by Mary Pohl · 3 citations
Arts and Humanities · #Latin American history and culture
paper · doi:10.2307/280598
openalex publication_date 1981/07/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
The use of ethnohistoric and ethnographic data in interpreting evidence for prehistoric ritual activity is highly controversial in Mesoamerican circles. This paper traces the long history of a Maya ceremony identified as the cuch rite. Although transformations in characters and symbols have occurred, continuity is also evident. Application of the ethnohistorical approach has suggested that a large corpus of ancient art depicts fertility and accession ceremonies. The stag appears to have been a major agricultural supernatural in Maya religion.