Announcing the Defense of Thesis of Mr. Ryan H. Collins for Honors in the Major for Anthropology

Thesis Title: Transition Through the Abyss:  Archaeological Interpretations of the Iconographic Raised-Heel in Classic Maya Sculpture

In the past, Classic Maya dance has been defined by the proposed correlation between sculptures that feature a figure with a raised-heel and the T516 hieroglyph.  The interpretation of the T516 hieroglyph as dance depends on its association to the raised-heel.  However, there is reason to doubt the proposed correlation as there are spatial and temporal divisions between the two features as well as a lack of material evidence to suitably substantiate their relationship.  More importantly the available material documenting the raised-heel motif in Classic Maya sculpture is suggestive of alternative interpretations to dance, warranting a reexamination of the raised-heel.

This article attempts to study the raised-heel motif in sculpture during the Late Classic in order to show commonalities in changes in its associations both spatially and temporally while providing evidence for a liminal interpretation.  This Thesis sheds light not only on the interpretation of the raised-heel through archaeological remains and context, but also on ideas which would have been central to the Late Classic Maya worldview.

Committee in Charge:

Dr. Arlen Chase, Chair

Dr. Sarah Barber

Dr. Patrick Murphy

Approved for distribution by Arlen Chase, Committee Chair, October 22, 2009.