Interpreting the Maya ideoscape through monumental reuse and spoliation

Yost, Scott (2022) Interpreting the Maya ideoscape through monumental reuse and spoliation. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

This pilot project research examines the Maya reuse of monuments and spoliated objects and its implications for understanding the role played by multi-directional power and ideological negotiation between non-elite and elite members in ancient Maya society. To demonstrate how reuse and alteration can inform on social roles and identity, this thesis employs mixed methods analysis. The use of pedestrian survey, GIS spatial analysis, and quantitative analysis provided clues to the disintegration of structural power and increased agency among non-elites. The results of the study led to the discovery of new and relocated spolia and demonstrated an ideological shift in how spolia were used through time from the Early Classic period to the Postclassic period. These findings also indicate that the greatest frequency of spolia were+ observed during the Late and Terminal Classic periods. Through the analysis of regional, inter-regional, and local patterns, the study was able to detect events related to the perpetuation of Maya elite ideology during the Late Classic period, as well as the role of non-elites in defining their own sacred landscapes through time. The pilot project will provide a foundation to the emerging study of Maya spoliation. Lastly, the study of spoliation supports the investigation of multi-vocal and multi-ideological understandings of how monuments were reused to promote, reinterpret, and redefine ideologies.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Maya; Monumental Architecture; Recycling; Reuse; Spolia; Spoliation
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Social and Behavioral Science > Anthropology
Date Deposited:	02 Jun 2023 18:16
Last Modified:	02 Jun 2023 18:16
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/5946

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