The Major Gods of Ancient Yucatan (Studies in Pre-Columbian Art & Archaeology, No 32)

Rating:
Summary: An extensive analysis of the Maya pantheon
Review: Worth every cent of its price, this probably is the most comprehensive study of Classic and Post-Classic Maya deities currently available. It covers all gods of the revised Schellhas list with an overview of the important characteristics, symbolism, assorted associations and temporal occurence, and also includes a chapter on deities later imported from Mexico. But be warned: This book assumes quite a bit of prior knowledge, and therefore features passages in all probability undecipherable for the beginner. Books you should at least have read before taking on this volume are "The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya", "Aztec and Maya Myths" (both also by Taube), "An Introduction to the Study of the Maya Hieroglyphs" by S.G. Morley and Dennis Tedlock's "Popol Vuh"- translation, with "The Ancient Maya" (Robert J. Sharer) and "Breaking the Maya Code" (Michael D. Coe) also recommended. Due to this un-populist approach, it's a rather scientific (read: slightly dry) read, but the amount of facts presented here reduces this to a minor quibble. So, if you already know your tzolkin from your haab, and your Cholan from your Yucatec, and now want to expand your knowledge of the Maya pantheon, this is the book to read. Highly recommended.