Book
The Maya sky, the Maya world: a symbolic analysis of Maya cosmology
University Microfilms International • Ann Arbor, Mich • Published In 1999 • Pages:
By: Sosa, John R..
Abstract
Sosa worked closely with Yucatec Mayan shamans, observing and recording a variety of rituals including rain, first fruit, and Day of the Dead ceremonies; and Fiestas and curing practices. He carefully analyzes the patterns of ritual movement, structures of altars, and texts of prayers to discern the cosmology invoked in each case. He argues that Mayan cosmology is based on the observation of natural phenomena: the movement of the sun, moon and stars. Through metaphorical use of language this cosmology infuses all aspects of Mayan life, especially farming. Sosa also notes how the Bible is interpreted in reference to Mayan cosmology. For him cosmology is both a structure and guide to action. He identitifies a central theme in the expression, 'u hol gloryah,' which refers to an imagined conduit between heaven and earth, symbolized by a hole, pole, tree, or the milky way. The sun runs along this conduit, as did Jesus, as do one's prayers and God's blessings. However, it is also the source of evil winds and sickness. This is a dissertation and the first 150 pages are devoted to an extrensive review of the anthropology of religion literature.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- Middle America and the Caribbean
- Sub Region
- Maya Area
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 2000
- Field Date
- 1982-1983
- Coverage Date
- 1982-1983
- Coverage Place
- Yalcobá, Yucatán, Mexico
- Notes
- John Robert Sosa
- UM 8523311
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 484-498)
- Thesis (Ph.D.) -- State University of New York at Albany, 1985
- LCSH
- Mayas