Iconicity of the Uto-Aztecans: Snake Anthropomorphy in the Great Basin, the American Southwest and Mesoamerica

Uto-Aztecan iconic practices are based on the fear and anxiety of snakes, with a symbolic memorial order of emotional valences and negotiations with death and rebirth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

The profound reverence and fear that the Uto-Aztecan culture held for snakes, considering them as potent symbols of death, deeply influenced their iconic practices. As such, these creatures became embodiments of the deepest fears and anxieties of individuals. The central objective of this volume is to delve into the study of snake simulacra, seeking to unravel the intricate tapestry of their symbolic significance.

Throughout various cultural expressions, spanning from rock art templates to intricate basketry, pottery, temple architecture, and sculptural motifs, a pervasive and enduring iconicity of snakes and related snake motifs emerges. Uto-Aztecan iconography reveals a symbolic order of emotional valences, intricately woven with the complexities of navigating death and embracing rebirth. This symbolic representation is exemplified by the snake's life cycle, characterized by its skin-shedding transformation.

The Uto-Aztecan culture's reverence for snakes extended beyond mere symbolism. They believed that these creatures held immense power, capable of influencing fate and ensuring the continuation of life. Snakes were often associated with religious ceremonies, rituals, and healing practices, as they were believed to possess therapeutic qualities. They were also considered symbols of wisdom, knowledge, and transformation, representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

In conclusion, the Uto-Aztecan iconic practices are intricately linked to the consciousness of snakes as death-dealing powers. These creatures became the embodiment of the deepest fears and anxieties of individuals, symbolizing the complexities of life, death, and rebirth. Through the study of snake simulacra, we gain insight into the rich tapestry of their symbolic significance, shedding light on the profound cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Uto-Aztecan civilization.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800739727