Setting the Axis of the World: Investigations of World Tree Raising Ceremonies Throughout the Chronology of Mesoamerica.

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The ideological concept of the World Tree can be found in ancient and living cultures throughout the world. Many cultures located in Mexico and Mesoamerica have incorporated this tradition in their ancient indigenous art, ceremonies, and recorded oral histories. The ideology of a culture may evolve or transform due to internal and external factors over time, however, sacred principles can be hidden in plain sight or be kept secret by those who protect these ancient practices. Importantly, the concept of the World Tree is found in the iconography of Olmec material objects and monuments. Several peculiar stone cylinders were found at the three main Olmec sites of San Lorenzo, La Venta, and Tres Zapotes. This paper focuses on La Venta Monument 14, located within Mound A-3 in Complex A, at the Olmec site of La Venta. In this paper, I will explore tree or pole-raising ceremonies throughout the chronology of Mexico and Mesoamerica. Lastly, I will discuss the similarities and differences of these ceremonies found in Mesoamerica, and argue that a similar ceremony took place at Mound A-3 in La Venta Complex A.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 40204.0