essay

The iconography of power at Xochicalco: the Pyramid of the Plumed Serpents

xochicalco mapping project2 • Published In 2000 • Pages: 57-82

By: Smith, Virginia.

Abstract
In this paper, carvings on the Pyramid of the Plumed Serpents are analyzed as expressions of social and political themes. This study is an analysis of how power was portrayed and how images of power directly express and reflect the sociopolitical organization of the site (p. 57). Compositional elements of these carvings are described in detail along with the author's interpretation of their meaning.
Subjects
Visual arts
Writing
Religious and educational structures
Social relationships and groups
Ethnozoology
Military organization
Comparative evidence
tradition
Central Mexico Postclassic
HRAF PubDate
2009
Region
Middle America and the Caribbean
Sub Region
Central Mexico
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle; 2008
Field Date
1987-1988
Coverage Date
1350-1100 BP (650-900 AD)
Coverage Place
Xochicalco, Gobernador Phase, Western Morelos, Mexico
Notes
Virginia Smith
For bibliographical references see document 31:Hirth
LCCN
99027545
LCSH
Indians of Mexico--Mexico--Xochicalco--Antiquities/Indians of Mexico--Urban residence--Mexico--Xochicalco/City planning--Mexico--Xochicalco--History/Excavations (Archaeology)--Mexico--Xochicalco--Maps/Archaeological surveying--Mexico--Xochicalco--Maps/Xochicalco Site (Mexico)Xochicalco (Mexico)--Antiquities