| Papers [1-14] of 17 :: [Page 1 of 2] | | Go to page : 1 2 —> | Search results on "MESOAMERICA": |
|
|
Mesoamerica, 2006.
A look at Mesoamerica, which includes the central area of Mexico, Central America, down to Guatemala and Honduras.
2,730 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 57.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper takes a look at the history of Mesoamerica. According to the paper, archaeological evidence showing signs of human habitation north of the Valley of Mexico indicates that the history of Mexico can be extended back at least 20,000 years. The paper looks at the development of the different civilizations that inhabited this region and era and discusses their art.
From the Paper
"Much of the art of the region shows similar concerns and similar designs. The ancient mythic cultures of the Olmec, the Mayan, and the Aztecs, along with frescoes from different periods in Mexican history, show images of plumed coyotes, men with the shells of turtles, dogs wearing human masks, jaguars in scarves, arum flowers with pistils that are tiny men, geometrically shaped gods with large noses, and so on. Many of these have become iconic image and have been emulated by others in later periods."
| |
|
Ancient People of Mesoamerica, 2005.
Compares and contrasts the culture of two ancient Mesoamerican peoples.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the similarities and differences of two ancient Mesoamerican peoples--the Mayans and the Aztecs. The paper discusses their views of the cosmos and their creation myths and takes a look at their practice of human sacrifice.
From the Paper
"Mesoamerica is the ancient land bridge between what would later become North and South America, including much of Mexico down through the top part of South America. Today it comprises the countries of Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. This region was the birthplace of a number of Pre-Columbian cultures including the Mayans and Aztecs. These two ancient peoples existed at approximately the same time, but were characterized by their views of the universe which were..."
| |
|
Using Mesoamerican Art to Understand Mesoamerica's Past, 1998.
A look at Mesoamerican art's realistic system of human proportions, which can be used to reveal the cultures that existed side-by-side, as well as those that followed after.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 5 sources, £ 51.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
From the Paper
"Most civilizations of ancient Mesoamerica were located either in the highlands or lowlands, although the Maya inhabited both. The earliest civilization, that of the Olmecs, rose along the rivers of the tropical Gulf Coast. Most Maya development also took place in the lowlands, under tropical conditions ranging from rainforest to scrub jungle in Yucatan, Chiapas, Guatemala, and Belize. The ancient cities of Tula and Teotihuacan, as well as Tenochtitlan, Motecuhzomals city, were located at high altitudes, and the center of highland life was the Valley of Mexico. Modern Mexico City is built on top of the Aztec capital, and so the Valley of Mexico still dominates Mesoamerica as it did in antiquity. "
| |
|
Mesoamerica and the Andes, 2004.
Provides a study of Mesoamerican history and society.
2,093 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 46.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper presents a study of Mesoamerican history, social structure, political system, and religious beliefs. The paper discusses the stratification of society into serfdom and nobility and how this affected the Mesoamerican political system and looks at the external influences on Mesoamerican religion. Literature from authorities on Mesoamerican culture is referenced and cited throughout the paper.
From the Paper
"Not only did both societies recognize different ranks of nobility and accord special titles to the heads of noble houses and lords of domains, but in both Spanish and Mesoamerican society, great leeway and regional variation existed in the use of terminology, and, once can surmise, in the fluidity and interdependence of society. In both Spanish and Mesoamerican/Andean society, some commoners rose to be nobles, through wealth or notable deeds, while some borderline nobles were indistinguishable from commoners. In central Mexico as well as Spain, commoners varied greatly in wealth, and significant groups of merchants, retainers, and craftsmen stood out from the mass of commoner-agriculturalists in one way or another."
| |
|
Resistance to the Spanish in the New World, 2000.
An examination of the ways native American peoples and African slaves rebelled against and/or adapted to dominant Spanish culture in Mesoamerica and Peru in 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, £ 27.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the ways in which native American peoples and people of African descent resisted, revolted from, escaped, adapted, and incorporated the dominating culture in Mesoamerica and Peru during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
From the Paper
"This paper examines the ways in which native American peoples and people of African descent resisted, revolted from, escaped, adapted, and incorporated the dominating culture in Mesoamerica and Peru during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. The conquest of the Americas by the Spanish was among the most complete and oppressive in all the New World, managing to overpower and, in some cases, eradicate the existing cultures. However, the oppressed minorities were able to retain some elements of their own identities, often creating elegant adaptations and responsive solutions to the efforts of their conquerors. An ongoing nativist movement was also part of their attempt to retain their individuality in the face of powerful invading forces."
Within a few decades of European discovery of the New World,
| |
|
Archaeoastronomy, 2007.
This paper discuses archaeoastronomy using sites from Mesoamerica as examples.
1,050 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that archaeoastronomy is the study of the astronomical practices, celestial lore, mythologies, religions and world-views of all ancient cultures. The author points out that many of the great monuments and ceremonial constructions of early civilizations, such as the Great Pyramid at Giza in Egypt, were astronomically aligned. The paper relates that many of the major structures of Mesoamerica have been found to have an astronomical connection. The author states that the astronomical knowledge of these ancient people from different parts of the world were not connected in any known way yet they undertook some similar approaches to studying the skies and to building monumental structures with astronomical purposes. The paper examines the Mesoamerican sites of the Olmec, the Teotihuacan, the Toltec, the Mayan, the Zapotec and the Aztec civilizations.
From the Paper
"The links between the Olmec and the later Maya are numerous, and some believe that the Olmec may have been Maya speakers. Olmec emerged around 1,500 B.C. and came to dominate most of Mesoamerica. Olmec-style monumental art and architecture developed in the northwestern and southeastern edges of the lowlands. Much of this monumental art shows squat figures topped by rounded hats as a key feature of this art. In the southern lowlands during the Classic period, progressive growth and increasing complexity were the norm."
| |
|
Zapotecs, 2002.
This paper examines the Zapotecs of Mesoamerica, their culture and traditions.
6,815 words (approx. 27.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 109.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This is an in-depth look at the Zapotec Indians, both historically and currently and uses an exhibit from the Field Museum in Chicago to explain the people. The author pays special attention to historical civilization that evolved around Monte Alban. Included is an examination of their history and origins, homes, food and irrigation, trade, societal values, class systems, politics, religion, architecture, routine and kinship systems.
From the Paper
"The center of historic Zapotec civilization was in the Valley of Oaxaca, especially at a hill known as Monte Alban. Archeological knowledge of the Valley of Oaxaca began with the impressive landmark, Monte Alban, dating from approximately 400 BC. Evidence of an early food-collecting, incipient cultivation culture is known from a series of caves and rock shelters, located near Mitla, in a transition zone from piedmont to mountains. There the native inhabitants collected acorns, pinon nuts, mesquite beans, magueys, and other wild plants while hunting deer, cottontail rabbits, and mud turtles. I have done the same in order to present you with an amazing wedding present, so we may have our first dinner together eating traditional Zapotec food."
| |
|
Review: Political Organization of Chichen Itza, 2008.
This paper discusses themes in W. Ringle's paper, "On the Political Organization of Chichen Itza." Specifically, the authors looks at the leadership and worship of Quetzalcoatl in Mesoamerica.
1,475 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 1 source, APA, £ 34.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses three general themes that are addressed in Ringle's "On the Political Organization of Chichen Itza." First, the paper explains that, in contrast to other authors, Ringle notes that worship of Quetzalcoatl is a primary means of Mesoamerican leadership and puts forth the fact that it is more properly viewed as a set of visual symbolism. Next, the paper explains that Ringle states that the ceremonial cores of specific larger cult centers served as a location for this investiture of leaders who wished to attach themselves to the cult. Lastly, it is surmised that Quetzalcoatl cannot be simply defined as a dynastic patron. Rather, leadership was often subdivided, with often some facet of dual leadership. The paper also analyzes the sources used within the work, the overall argumentative structure, and the fact that Ringle seems to contradict known theories on Quetzalcoastl worship instead of supporting them. The author the paper then ends his discussion with a personal reaction to Ringle's paper, stating that through Ringle's paper it can be shown that ritual is a powerful leadership tool, binding groups of people together despite disparate locations.
From the Paper
"In addition, Ringle notes that the UTJ jamb figures have this ornament as well. Likewise, so do all of the figures that are facing the Sun Disk figure that are found on the three faces that are carved on the inner lintel. Ringle further supports his disagreement with Kubler by observing that heron-feather ornaments only occur in the upper registers of the LTJ and the NT. This, he surmises, is further proof that this is an indication of specific rank or segment of warriors who were under the command of the 'Mixcoatl' figure. In addition, the author reminds the reader that among the objects given to initiates in the Quiche chronicles were heron feathers.
"Lastly, Ringle brings to light the fact that in the UTJ there is only one person who is lacking the heron feather ornament. This figure is situated to the left of the table bench carving. Ringle theorizes that if he is the initiate, the individual may simply not have been given his ornament yet, in the depiction. This theory would appear to be further supported by the fact that twin heron feathers are floating just above and to the right of the initiate."
| |
|
Using Art in the Olmec World to Understand Life at that Time, 2000.
A discussion of how art in the Olmec world can be used to reconstruct a picture of their way of life, which took place during the Formative period of Mesoamerica.
2,030 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 6 sources, £ 45.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
From the Paper
"Art along with other activities, such as oral tradition, divination, ritual performance, and city planning reveals a culture's worldview, myths, and ideals of human behavior. These factors make an informed view of Olmec art style quite important especially because their art and architecture are the only surviving artifacts that can give clues to their culture. By analyzing the Olmec-style art it becomes possible to reconstruct a picture of their way of life, which took place during the Formative period of Mesoamerica."
| |
|
Olmec Civilization, 2004.
An examination of the ancient civilization of Mesoamerica known as the Olmec civilization.
3,012 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, £ 62.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper offers an in-depth examination of the Olmec civilization, which existed in Central America. This paper discusses the lifestyle and way of life. It looks at the architectural methods, as well as the hunting and food preparation manners. It also discusses how Olmecs were influenced by other civilizations of the time and how, in turn, they impacted other cultures.
From the Paper
"Long before the Maya, Aztec or Toltec flourished in Central America, there lived the Olmecs, a civilization that has come to continue to intrigue and amaze the world. They were the most prevalent group in Mesoamerica and a highly developed and well organized society with a complex calendar and hieroglyphic writing system. The Olmecs were the mother civilization in Mesoamerica. The Olmec lived around the areas of La Venta in Tabasco, San Lorenza Tenochtitlan, and Laguna de los Cerros in Veracruz during the pre-classic period. They built their cities around a central raised mound. These mounds, used for religious ceremonies, were replaced with pyramid-shaped structures around 900 B.C. The Olmecs used basalt, found in the Tuxtla Mountains, to construct plazas and religious pyramid structures."
| |
|
Spanish Colonialism in Latin America, 2004.
A discussion of whether the imposition of Spanish colonialism in Mesoamerica and the Andes involved a complete transformation of native forms of communication and recordkeeping.
1,297 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 30.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper attempts to show that the Spaniards tried, through many means, to convert the native peoples of their conquered lands to Spanish language. It looks at how these means, which included the destruction of codices, the teaching of Spanish to indigenous children, and the misinterpretation of communication and recordkeeping systems, all contributed to the gradual loss of native modes of communication and recordkeeping and their replacement by the Spanish forms of these systems.
From the Paper
"There is evidence that indigenous peoples authored many codices, but the Spaniards destroyed most of them in their attempt to eradicate ancient beliefs (Fitch, 2003). Moreover, we can gain little sense of how their production was shaped by interaction with the Spaniards, since the fourth Mexica King, Itzcoatl, apparently destroyed most earlier manuscripts during his reign from 1426-1440, in order to preserve his vision of how he constructed the Mexica empire; still others simply disappeared, without being published or preserved (Fitch, 2003)."
| |
|
Mayan Hieroglyphics, 2003.
Discusses the development of the most advanced hieroglyphic wiring in Mesoamerica.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 6 sources, £ 39.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
Examines the scholarly efforts that led to the deciphering of Mayan hieroglyphics, key figures and contributors, the system of writing, and the elaborate construction of the Maya calendar.
From the Paper
"While Mayan culture has long been popular for its more violent aspects such as human sacrifice rituals performed atop pyramidal temples, the Maya are also respected for developing a sophisticated calendar.
| |
|
Aztec Cannibalism, 1991.
This paper discusses Aztec cannibalism in Mesoamerica now part of Mexico: Human sacrifice and eating of remains, causes, theories and religious aspects.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 8 sources, £ 61.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
From the Paper
"The Aztec Empire existed in a region of Mesoamerica which is now part of Mexico. In the early sixteenth century, Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernan Cortes, conquered the Aztec people and destroyed their culture as it existed at the time. One of the most shocking aspects of that culture to the Spaniards was the fact that the Aztecs practiced human sacrifice on a massive scale. The invaders were further shocked when they realized that the Aztec Indians also routinely engaged in cannibalism with the remains from their human sacrifices. In addition to the eyewitness accounts of the Spanish conquistadors, there is evidence of both human sacrifice and cannibalism to be found in the ancient writings of the Aztec people themselves. These writings show that the Aztecs had a religious motive in undertaking human sacrifices. They believed that if their gods were not periodically ... "
| |
|
Pre/Post-Conquest Religion, 2004.
This paper compares and contrasts the religious beliefs and practices of native societies in the Andes and Mesoamerica after the establishment of colonialism.
1,151 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 27.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper focuses on the following questions: to what extent, and how, did pre-Conquest native religion survive into the seventeenth century; and to what extent, and how, was Christianity transformed in the process of being assimilated by native societies? The paper looks first at pre-Conquest religion in these societies in order to reinforce the comparisons with post-Conquest religious practices.
From the Paper
"The native populations of the Andes and Mesoamerica (the Incas and the Aztecs respectively) were very religious people, with their religion guiding the path of their lives on a daily, but also lifetime, basis. The Aztecs believed in polytheism, with a complex mix of many gods and goddesses; the cult of Huitzilopochtli followed the most important tribal god, and led to the creation of a tribal empire, that hosted daily human sacrifices, in order to pacify the gods and goddesses, and to maintain the Earth?s equilibrium (Burkholder and Johnson, 2003)."
|
|
|
