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A Refutation of R. G. Baker's Thesis of Recarving and Alteration of Maya Monuments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Richard E. W. Adams
Richard E. W. Adams*
Affiliation:
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Abstract

Citation in a reputable publication of the idea put forth by R. G. Baker (1962) that Maya monuments were altered and recarved from time to time makes it necessary to evaluate the thesis. Examination of the evidence presented by Baker leads to the conclusion that most of the putative alterations are the result of differential weathering, and unfamiliarity with Maya sculpture. In addition, Baker has interpreted 19th-century mutilation as being ancient. Finally, Proskouriakoff's historical interpretation of the function of Maya sculpture and glyphic texts (1960, 1963, 1964) leads to a definitive refutation of Baker's hypothesis.

Type
Facts and Comments
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 33 , Issue 1 , January 1968 , pp. 102 - 103
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 1968

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References

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