Victoria Bricker shows that "history" sometimes rests on mythological foundations and that "myth" can contain valid historical information. Her book; which is a highly original critique of postconquest historiography about the Maya; challenges major assumptions about the relationship between myth and history implicit in structuralist interpretations. The focus of the book is ethnic conflict; a theme that pervades Maya folklore and is also well documented historically.The book begins with the Spanish conquest of the Maya. In chapters on the postconquest history of the Maya; five ethnic conflicts are treated in depth: the Cancuc revolt of 1712; the Quisteil uprising of 1761; the Totonicapan rebellion of 1820; the Caste War of Yucatan (1847-1901); and the Chamulan uprising in 1869. Analytical chapters consider the relationship between historical events and modern folklore about ethnic conflict. Bricker demonstrates that myths and rituals emphasize structure at the expense of temporal and geographical provenience; treating events separated by centuries or thousands of miles as equivalent and interchangeable.An unexpected result of Bricker's research is the finding that many seemingly aboriginal elements in Maya folklore are actually of postconquest origin; and she shows that it is possible to determine precisely when and; more important; why they become part of myth and ritual. Furthermore; she finds that the patterning of the accretion of events in folklore over time provides clues to the function; or meaning; of myth and ritual for the Maya.Bricker has made use of many unpublished documents in Spanish; English; and Maya; as well as standard synthetic historical works. The appendices contain extensive samples of the oral traditions that are explained by her analysis.
#3765176 in Books Histoire and Collections 2006-02-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 12.63 x .63 x 9.50l; 2.37 #File Name: 291523969X128 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy marvin p. schelhouseI am very pleased with the book on a subject that I knew very little about.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A MUST HAVE FOR RELIC COLLECTORS!By Mike MinerThe title says it all; "Waterloo Relics"! I doubt if any battle campaign prior to WWII has been covered more than Waterloo; but seldom is there an illustration given to the equipment used; and the relics found from the Waterloo Campaign.As a casual collector of such; I found this an essential addition to my library. The author pulls together illustrations; equipment; relics; and pictures of the battlefield into one pioneering effort with this splendid work.The illustrations are virtually all in brilliant color; nicely sized; and of superb quality. The captions are well done; as are the introductions to each chapter with overviews of the specific aspects of the campaign.The laminated hard cover is much appreciated; as I'm personally tired of damaging my dustcovers; or the effort to keep them in good shape.The definitive work on the subject? No; but it is a darn good read; fun to pick up and take off wherever the page lands; and a feast for the eyes. I hope the authors will add more volumes to this work.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Any with even a passing interest in Waterloo must not miss this!By Midwest Book ReviewWaterloo may be recalled as a military defeat rather than just a battle; but years after the war; relics remain to prove otherwise; so it's surprising that no other survey has seen fit to examine and focus on these remainders more closely - not until WATERLOO RELICS; that is. From uniform buttons to broken metal and cartridge cases; history is re-created using a blend of artistic vivid color paintings; pieces of archaeological evidence; and brilliant quotes from descriptions of Waterloo battle history. Any with even a passing interest in Waterloo must not miss this!Diane C. Donovan; EditorCalifornia Bookwatch
