Latin American Myth Ritual

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

The seminar examines the arts of Mesoamerica and the Andes from the fourteenth century to the time of the European conquest. By studying codices (Mixtec, Maya, Aztec, and Inka), the course explores Mixtec mythological events and dynastic history; Maya ritual cycles concerned with religion and cosmogony; Aztec pantheism, historical events, conquests, and daily life; and Inka khipus, manuscripts and textiles. Placing particular emphasis on religion, race, gender, politics, and the performative aspects of rituals, the course introduces students to the major theoretical concepts regarding Mesoamerican and Andean art and its interpretation. Moreover, the seminar creates a parallel between the rites showcased in the codices and the rituals still performed throughout Mexico and Perú, opening new ways of understanding art from a multicultural perspective.