Interpreting Goddesses of Mesoamerica
Location
CSU
Student's Major
Anthropology
Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mentor's Name
Winifred Mitchell
Mentor's Department
Anthropology
Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Description
I will be discussing two diverse interpretations of the goddesses and themes of Mesoamerican cultures. My focus is primarily the goddesses from the Aztec culture, but does include some from other Mesoamerican societies as well. I have explored the pre-feminist interpretation of these goddesses, including that of the Early European explorers, and then compared this with the contemporary feminist interpretations of these goddesses. Some of the deities include Coyolhauxqui Monolith, which is the dismembered goddess of the Moon. One theme that is very common in this piece, along with many others, is the presence of serpents. There have been many different interpretations of these serpents and their significance in Mesoamerican artwork in these societies. Another figure of particular interest, and one that many people are familiar with, is "Our Lady of Guadalupe." She has a strong influence in shaping Mexico's identity and spirituality, and is recognized around the world. As archeologists continue to learn about these societies, we gain more of an understanding of these people and their spirituality.
Interpreting Goddesses of Mesoamerica
CSU
I will be discussing two diverse interpretations of the goddesses and themes of Mesoamerican cultures. My focus is primarily the goddesses from the Aztec culture, but does include some from other Mesoamerican societies as well. I have explored the pre-feminist interpretation of these goddesses, including that of the Early European explorers, and then compared this with the contemporary feminist interpretations of these goddesses. Some of the deities include Coyolhauxqui Monolith, which is the dismembered goddess of the Moon. One theme that is very common in this piece, along with many others, is the presence of serpents. There have been many different interpretations of these serpents and their significance in Mesoamerican artwork in these societies. Another figure of particular interest, and one that many people are familiar with, is "Our Lady of Guadalupe." She has a strong influence in shaping Mexico's identity and spirituality, and is recognized around the world. As archeologists continue to learn about these societies, we gain more of an understanding of these people and their spirituality.
