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LITTLE HELPERS, COMPANIONS, AND ANCESTORS: MINIATURE FIGURES IN THE MAYA LOWLAND REGION DURING THE LATE PRECLASSIC AND CLASSIC PERIODS (AD 15–800)
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 June 2018
Abstract
This report discusses miniature anthropomorphic figures found in ritualized contexts across the Lowland Maya region, dating to AD 15–800. Crafted with minimal detail to indicate humanlike features, anthropomorphic miniatures have been found in offerings placed alongside the dead, within temples and ballcourts, and beneath stone monuments. Their form, often with arms over the chest, is similar to bundled bodies and may reference those that reside in other worlds. This paper considers, through their form, archaeological contexts, and ethnographic comparisons, these anthropomorphic miniatures as active agents in their roles as ritual helpers, small companions, and materialized ancestors.
En este informe se analizan las figuras antropomorfas en miniatura halladas en contextos ritualizados a lo largo de las tierras bajas Mayas y que datan entre 15 y 800 dC. Las miniaturas antropomorfas están elaboradas con detalles mínimos para indicar rasgos humanos y se han encontrado en ofrendas funerarias, al interior de templos y canchas de juego de pelota y debajo de monumentos de piedra. Su forma, a menudo con los brazos sobre el pecho, es similar a los fardos funerarios y puede hacer referencia a los que residen en otros mundos. A partir de su forma, contextos arqueológicos y comparaciones etnográficas, en este trabajo se consideran estas miniaturas antropomorfas como agentes activos, en su papel de ayudantes rituales, pequeños compañeros y antepasados materializados.
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