Following the discovery of the similarities between the Mesoamerican sites of Tula, Hidalgo and Chichén Itzá, Yucatan, in the late 1800’s, their connection has been the subject of extensive...Show moreFollowing the discovery of the similarities between the Mesoamerican sites of Tula, Hidalgo and Chichén Itzá, Yucatan, in the late 1800’s, their connection has been the subject of extensive academic debate. Recently, the Epiclassic centre of Tula Chico, the smaller plaza north of Tula Grande, has started to play a role in this discussion, most notably through the comparison of the sculpted reliefs recovered from the largely unexcavated structures. A lack of systematic description and interpretation of these elements, however, has resulted in the eye of the beholder problem. This research attempts to resolve this issue through the development of a clearly defined methodology based on earlier proposed models, adapted to fit a Mesoamerican narrative. After a brief overview of both sites and the proposed theories on their connection since the 1800’s, the proposed methodology was tested. Following Erwin Panofsky’s approach, while supplementing the required historical context with Lindsay Jones’ ritual architectural priorities, the methodology relies on the context where the sculpted relief was found, its iconographic description, and iconological interpretation. In testing, comparable images from Tula Chico and Chichén Itzá were meticulously evaluated to identify their function and meaning, after which comparison between them was possible. From this analysis, the possibility of contact between Tula Chico and Chichén Itzá can be suggested. The sites share sculptural elements with similar function that do not appear in Tula Grande. Additionally, the possibility of a warrior cult at Tula chico has become evident, mainly through the depiction of jaguars and eagles in its monumental architecture. More extensive research of Tula Chico’s structures is required to strengthen this interpretation, however. It is concluded that the proposed methodology is successful in its application to Mesoamerican contexts, and is capable of producing meaningful comparisons between sites that could benefit archaeological research going forward.Show less
The famous archaeological site of Bamiyan in present day Afghanistan, besides portraying grand achievements of culture and religion, was also the foci for trans migration around the Hindu Kush...Show moreThe famous archaeological site of Bamiyan in present day Afghanistan, besides portraying grand achievements of culture and religion, was also the foci for trans migration around the Hindu Kush region. Between the 5th and 8th centuries, Bamiyan and other adjacent archaeological sites in Central Asia, were connected by a highly developed network of trade. The visual culture of Bamiyan, aside from the two Great Buddhas, suggests there was a necessity to represent ideology and power of the social elite in symbolic ways. At Bamiyan, frescos depict many figures with different type headdresses or crowns. The depiction of these crowns is also found in other archaeological sites and on coins distributed throughout present day Central Asia and China. The details of a headdress or crown suggest characteristics of the social or political identities of the individual or group depicted. The similar type crowns found on figures in other geographical contexts may indicate a degree of interaction between Bamiyan and other religious and trade centers.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
open access
The majority of studies of the Greater Nicoya area of Pacific Nicaragua and Costa Rica have relied heavily upon the assumption that large-scale Mesoamerican migrations took place sometime in the...Show moreThe majority of studies of the Greater Nicoya area of Pacific Nicaragua and Costa Rica have relied heavily upon the assumption that large-scale Mesoamerican migrations took place sometime in the Postclassic period, resulting in the similarity between some styles of pottery and iconography between the two regions. Recently, studies have shown that there is little archaeological evidence to link the two areas, besides the ethnohistorical data and the appearance of the aforementioned iconography. This study examines one of those icons, the quintessentially Mesoamerican figure of Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent, in order to look for evidence that might support either side of the debate.Show less
