Reaction Homework #4 - Due Wednesday

[Sam]

Anth3: Foothill College
Reaction Paper #4
Prof Connell
Due Wed 11/4/09

The Use of the Ancient Maya in Modern American Culture

Short paper – maximum of one page – typed, double-spaced
Extra pages allowed for photos, drawings, figures, etc.


As discussed in class, the popular presentation of the ancient Maya to
the western world in the mid 19th century by J. Stephens and F.
Catherwood started a fascination with this previously unknown
civilization which has not slowed to this day. The ancient Maya are
perceived and utilized as the typical mysterious, lost civilization of
the past. This fascination takes many forms. The ancient ruined
cities of the Yucatan in Mexico or the Peten in Guatemala are a
primary tourist attraction for North Americans and Europeans.

However, the appearance of the ancient Maya in our own culture today
is not restricted to travel posters urging us to visit countries to
the south. Rather, they are utilized much more widely. Architects,
designers of furniture, artists, and many others have been influenced
by or have utilized themes from the ancient Maya culture. A good
example is the architect Frank Lloyd Wright who designed many
buildings throughout California. He utilized Maya imagery in many of
the buildings he designed during the early part of the 20th century.

The homework assignment is to go out and look around you for some use
of the ancient Maya (or secondarily – other cultures of Mesoamerica
that we discuss) in our society today. This can include the
identification of buildings or art work (furniture, vases, paintings,
etc.) which show Maya influence. This might also include
advertisements – billboards or magazine ads. Travel posters should
not be used because they are the least interesting.

Once you have found the ancient Maya around you, describe how the Maya
were used, briefly (you can include a copy or photos if you would
like). THEN analyze the use of the Maya – why were the Maya used
here? What symbols were used to represent the Maya? Why were the Maya
perceived as the best way to represent whatever the creator intended?
Are they being used as symbols of power today?