Description
Book SynopsisThe Pacific coast and southern highlands of Chiapas and Guatemala is a region significant to debates about the origins of social complexity, interaction, and colonialism. The area, however, has received uneven attention and much of what we know is largely restricted to the Preclassic period. This theoretically eclectic volume presents greater temporal coverage, is geographically unified, and engages some of the most important questions of each period through a discussion of the archaeology of identity. Chapters range from traditional assessments of identity to discussion of practice and relational personhood; all share a concern for how archaeology and ethnohistory provide opportunities and challenges in the reconstruction of identities.
Trade Review“The volume provides new data, analysis, and ideas that will be a welcome addition to the literature. There is currently nothing comparable out there.”
—Robert M. Rosenswig, associate professor of anthropology, University at Albany–SUNY
“This volume finally brings the discussion of identity within the context of 21st century anthropology with the support of hard evidence resulting from decades of sound scientific research. As such, this book will be a solid starting point for all readers interested in the art, architecture and ethnohistory of the people of southern Mesoamerica.”
—Francisco Estrada-Belli, Tulane University
