Cultural Variation in Classic Maya Royal Rituals: A Lexical Perspective
Jessica Munson, Ph.D.
Inscriptions on Classic Maya hieroglyphic monuments offer a unique dataset to analyze patterns of ritual variation. The Maya Hieroglyphic Database provides evidence for ritual practices tied to monument construction, offerings, sacrifice, deity impersonation, and priestly duties. Using ritual events recorded on hieroglyphic monuments, this study investigates the degree to which divergent dynastic traditions existed in Classic Maya society. Implications emphasize the need to consider within-group cultural variation and transmission mechanisms for past ethnoliguistic groups.