Mesoamerican Figurines: Small-Scale Indices of Large-Scale Social Phenomena

Preface

Preface Aurore Giguet This comprehensive volume breaks new ground by bringing together, for the first time, an important body of figurine data sets from several time periods throughout Mesoamerica. The study of figurines has been frequently overlooked even though they are found in considerable numbers throughout Mesoamerica. As a result, the field lacks both generalizing commentary on the state of figurine research and accessible sources for engaging with and comparing these small figural objects. To expand and encourage Mesoamerican figurine research, two symposia were independently organized in 2006. Christina Halperin, Katherine Faust, and Rhonda Taube organized a symposium entitled “Mesoamerican Iconography and Symbols in Action: Small-Scale Figurines as Large-Scale Social Phenomena” for the 71st Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Mannetta Braunstein and Aurore Giguet organized the first annual Braunstein Symposium, held at the Marjorie Barrick Museum at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, entitled “Figurines of Ancient Mesoamerica: Power and Guidance.” This publication includes fully developed versions of many of the presentations from the two symposia. Some of the participants (Joyce and R. Taube) presented at both the Braunstein and SAA venues. In addition, two papers by scholars (Marcus; McCafferty and McCafferty) who had expressed interest in participating in the SAA symposium but were unable to present were added to the volume. Together, they provide complementary, well-rounded perspectives on Mesoamerican figurine research. Our hope is that future and current researchers will be stimulated to expand their interests and reexamine figurines as significant components in the lifeways of ancient and contemporary peoples. The editors would like to thank the contributors, particularly Karl Taube, who suggested the merging of the symposia papers into one comprehensive publication. We would also like to thank Michael C. and Mannetta Braunstein, who make the Braunstein Symposia possible; Mannetta’s love for Mesoamerican figurines and continued support will help bring figurine xiv Preface research to the forefront. We thank Eli Bortz, Michele Fiyak-Burkley, and the University Press of Florida staff for their guidance and support of the volume. Christina Halperin and Katherine Faust would also like to thank Tom Patterson and Wendy Ashmore, whose diligent commentaries, advice, and kindness are indispensable. ...