Book contents
- Ancient Maya Politics
- Ancient Maya Politics
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Illustrations
- Maps
- Tables
- Case studies
- Preface
- One Introduction: The Questions
- Part I Agendas in Classic Maya Politics
- Part II Epigraphic Data on Classic Maya Politics
- Five Identity
- Six Constitution
- Seven Transcendence
- Eight Matrimony
- Nine Conflict
- Ten Hierarchy
- Eleven Coda
- Part III A Political Anthropology for the Classic Maya
- Appendix An Inventory of Emblem Glyphs
- Notes
- References
- Index
Five - Identity
from Part II - Epigraphic Data on Classic Maya Politics
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 July 2020
- Ancient Maya Politics
- Ancient Maya Politics
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Illustrations
- Maps
- Tables
- Case studies
- Preface
- One Introduction: The Questions
- Part I Agendas in Classic Maya Politics
- Part II Epigraphic Data on Classic Maya Politics
- Five Identity
- Six Constitution
- Seven Transcendence
- Eight Matrimony
- Nine Conflict
- Ten Hierarchy
- Eleven Coda
- Part III A Political Anthropology for the Classic Maya
- Appendix An Inventory of Emblem Glyphs
- Notes
- References
- Index
Summary
For a society to be labelled “complex” in the conventional sense it must be one touched by processes of institutionalisation, requiring that structure be embodied in designated ranks and roles. Those positions can be ascribed or achieved, distinguishing between those positions gained by birth-right and those by selection or competition.1 A role may require certain experience, skills, or specialised knowledge that is actively learnt, but like status exists only within a matrix of human relations – no lone person can stand resplendent as king or queen. Titles, therefore, serve to specify two, sometimes overlapping, purposes, defining aristocratic privileges as well as functional specialisations. These political personas need to be maintained and communicated through the medium of symbols (e.g. Cohen 1974, 1981). Elite distinction is most often expressed by special insignia or attire, but it can include everything from subtle codes of etiquette to grandiose architectural statements. Where items can be fashioned from rare and exotic materials, or highly charged with artistry and aesthetic value, the projection of eminence will be all the more effective (Clark 1986; Robb 1999; Joyce 2000).
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Ancient Maya PoliticsA Political Anthropology of the Classic Period 150–900 CE, pp. 67 - 101Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2020