The Comitan Valley: Sculpture and Identity on the Maya Frontier

The Comitán Valley in Chiapas, Mexico, was the western edge of the Maya world a thousand years ago. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of sculptures excavated from the area, showcasing the sophistication and cultural vigor of a region that has been neglected. Local artists created inventive works that served to construct civic identities, reflecting political and religious goals and distinguishing the artistic production of the Comitán Valley from other Maya locales. The book is richly illustrated with photographs of sculptures unearthed from key archaeological sites and provides new insights into the Maya collapse.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: University of Texas Press

A millennium ago, the Comitán Valley, nestled within the Mexican state of Chiapas, stood as the western frontier of the vast Maya world. Distant from the renowned power centers of the Classic period, this valley has been largely overlooked by specialists. However, here, Caitlin C. Earley presents the first comprehensive examination of the sculptures excavated from this region, unveiling the sophistication and cultural vitality of a region that has been largely ignored.

The Comitán Valley was a hub of artistic creativity, supported by the rulers of its cities. Local artists crafted innovative works that served as a means to shape civic identities. In their depictions of warrior kings, ballgames, rituals, and ancestors, the artists of Comitán made deliberate choices that reflected political and religious objectives, setting their artistic production apart from other Maya locales.

After the Maya abandoned their mighty lowland centers, the people of Comitán were able to maintain their way of life, a distinction that provides valuable insights into the collapse of the Maya civilization. The Comitán Valley is a testament to the enduring power of art and its ability to shed light on the mysteries of the past.

This remarkable work is richly illustrated with never-before-published photographs of sculptures unearthed from key archaeological sites. The Comitán Valley: An Illuminating Work of Art Historical Recovery and Interpretation is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Maya civilization and the tireless efforts of researchers and scholars in uncovering its secrets.

ISBN-13: 9781477327128