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Five - Identity

from Part II - Epigraphic Data on Classic Maya Politics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2020

Simon Martin
Affiliation:
University of Pennsylvania
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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 Politics
A Political Anthropology of the Classic Period 150–900 CE
, pp. 67 - 101
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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  • Identity
  • Simon Martin, University of Pennsylvania
  • Book: Ancient Maya Politics
  • Online publication: 13 July 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108676694.005
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  • Identity
  • Simon Martin, University of Pennsylvania
  • Book: Ancient Maya Politics
  • Online publication: 13 July 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108676694.005
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Identity
  • Simon Martin, University of Pennsylvania
  • Book: Ancient Maya Politics
  • Online publication: 13 July 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108676694.005
Available formats
×