Space and Sculpture in the Classic Maya City

by Alexander Parmington

Overview

In this book, Alexander Parmington combines an examination of space, access control and sculptural themes and placement, to propose how images and texts controlled movement in Classic Maya cities. Using Palenque as a case study, this book analyzes specific building groups and sculptures to provide insight into the hierarchical distribution and use of ritual and administrative space in temple and palace architecture. Identifying which spaces were the more accessible and therefore more public, and which spaces were more segregated and consequently more private, Dr. Parmington demonstrates how sculptural, iconographic, and hieroglyphic content varies considerably when found in public/common or private/elite space. Drawing on specific examples from the Classic Maya and other early civilizations, he demonstrates that by examining the intent in the distribution of architecture and art, the variation and function of the artistic themes represented in sculpture and other monumental works of art can be better understood.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781107002340
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/31/2011
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Alexander Parmington is an archaeologist and heritage consultant at the Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Inc. in Melbourne, Australia. He has worked extensively in Australia, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. He has contributed articles to several journals and organizations, including Mexicon, the Minesterio de Cultura y Deportes, the Instituto de Antropología e Historia and the Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Defining the Maya built environment; 2. Investigative considerations and methodology; 3. Access analysis of the Palenque cross group and its sculpture; 4. Architectural and sculptural programs of the Palenque Palace Group; 5. Access analysis of the architectural and sculptural programs of the Palenque Palace Group; 6. Access analysis of Maya art and architecture, summary and conclusions.