Unearthing Maya Rituals: The Power of Ethnographic Analogy

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Multidisciplinary Approaches to the Subterranean" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

This paper seeks to explore the pivotal role of ethnographic analogy in archaeological research, with a focus on the Maya ritual within subterranean spaces. While ethnographic analogy remains indispensable to the archaeological enterprise, it has faced significant resistance within the archaeological community. This presentation aims to illuminate the importance of ethnographic analogy, especially in the context of the archaeology of religion, a field marginalized since the 1960s with the rise of Processual Archaeology. The marginalization has led to the misapplication of Western models to non-Western societies, highlighting the need for reevaluation and the integration of ethnographic methods.

This paper reviews the extent to which ethnographic models have been employed in the archaeological investigations and interpretations of caves. I examine where these analogies have been successfully applied and suggest ways to further integrate ethnographic analogy into archaeology. I aim to promote a deeper appreciation for ethnographic analogy within the archaeological community, emphasizing its critical role in understanding the archaeology of religion and beyond. Through collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches, we can enhance the rigor and cultural sensitivity of archaeological research elevating the knowledge of indigenous communities.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Multidisciplinary Approaches to the Subterranean   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 39120.0