The Power and Narrative of Liminality: The Quadripartite Badge in Maya Iconography

Summary

Ancient Maya iconography primarily depicted elite individuals in idealized states of being and rationalized their power and authority through ideological concepts. This study reexamines previous assumptions made concerning the Quadripartite Badge. This motif is examined based on iconographic associations and contexts, as well as temporal and spatial distributions. The spread of this motif is demonstrated through time and its spatial dispersals are noted for their political consequences. It is established that elite women from Tikal and Calakmul disseminated this iconography. This was done most frequently by marriage alliances, as seen in the number of newly ‘arrived’ women carrying the Badge. Other iconographic associations of the Badge revealed a strong association with the Maize God and the cyclical nature of agriculture. For the continuation of the maize cycle and renewal of universal forces, sacrifice was required; the completion of ritual sacrifice was demonstrated through the depiction of the Quadripartite Badge. Indicating the liminal status of its user, it is frequently placed in scenes of transformation and rites of passage. This one expression of power simultaneously validated earthly and otherworldly power, ensuring the continuation of the cosmos, the perpetuation of the sun and maize cycles, and favorable dispensation from the gods.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage