Product Description

Mary Miller vividly takes the reader into the art of one of the world's most enigmatic ancient civilizations. From temple to tomb, she explains how and why the Maya made their greatest works. New archaeological discoveries at Copan, Tikal, and Palenque--to name but a few--are included, and the author draws on recent decipherments in Maya writing to provide fresh interpretations of Maya sculpture and ceramics. For the art historian, student, and traveler, Maya Art and Architecture will prove indispensable. Chapters on Maya architecture and the materials of Maya art set the stage for discussions of the sculpture of different time periods and regions, the famous murals at Bonampak, the dramatic new findings at Cacaxtla, and the painted Maya ceramics of the first millennium a.d. The author has organized the material in new ways, considering the nature of the human form in Maya art, for example, and the role of the hand-held object.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #410686 in Books
• Published on: 1999-11-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

From Library Journal
"The ancient Maya have left an incomparable wealth, and this book attempts to frame ways to see this remarkable trove," explains Miller (art history, Yale), who takes an innovative approach to her subject by asking some fundamental art-historical questions. Addressing more the "whats" than the "whys," she seeks to organize Maya art afresh, in a way that will benefit students and those with a general interest in the subject. She also details new archaeological discoveries in Copan, Tikal, and Palenque, as well as recent decipherments of Maya writing. Part of the "World of Art" series, which provides the widest available range of books on art in all its aspects, this high-quality, illustrated, indexed, and inexpensive trade paperback is recommended for public and academic libraries, and specialized collections.
-Sylvia Andrews, Indiana State Lib., Indianapolis
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Maya ruins
I just returned from a vacation trip to Quintana Roo, Mexico , where Maya ruins are everywhere so i became interested in learning more about these Central American Indians that create an incredible architecture, a ieroglifica language and an excellent calendar after centuries of observing the skies.
The book is a good primer for those who had an education in Art History (two semesters) but know little about the Maya except the lecture of their sacred book Popol Vuh, and a few photos of their pyramids. I recommend this book as well as a week on the Maya Riviera in Mexico.