Visual Communications of Power: The Iconography of the Classic Maya Naranjo-Sa’al Polity by Spencer T. Mitchell, B.A. A Thesis In Art History Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Texas Tech University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts Approved by: Carolyn E. Tate, Ph.D. Chair of Committee Janis Elliott, Ph.D. Committee Member Mark Sheridan Dean of the Graduate School December, 2016 Copyright 2016, Spencer T. Mitchell Texas Tech University, Spencer T. Mitchell, December 2016 Acknowledgments Several people have contributed to the completion of this thesis. First, I would like to thank my friends and family who have given me support throughout my academic career. Next, I want to offer my deepest gratitude to my mentor and thesis committee chair, Carolyn E. Tate, Ph.D. Without her support and guidance this thesis would not have been possible. I also want to acknowledge my second committee member Janis Elliott, Ph.D. for all of her support throughout my time at Texas Tech University. I thank the Texas Tech School of Art, Helen Jones Foundation and the Medici Circle for their financial assistance. Lastly, I want to thank the art history faculty and my peers for their suggestions and support. i Texas Tech University, Spencer T. Mitchell, December 2016 Table of Contents Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................ i Abstract ............................................................................................................................. iv List of Tables ......................................................................................................................v List of Figures ................................................................................................................... vi 1. Introduction and Background ......................................................................................1 Introduction ............................................................................................................1 Naranjo in Maya History ......................................................................................2 Literature Review ..................................................................................................8 Thesis Objectives ..................................................................................................12 2. An Analysis of the Naranjo Corpus ...........................................................................14 Introduction ..........................................................................................................14 Methods .................................................................................................................14 Aprons ...................................................................................................................16 Armbands .............................................................................................................18 Backracks/Capes ..................................................................................................19 Belts/Belt Ornaments ...........................................................................................21 Bracelets ................................................................................................................23 Diadems .................................................................................................................24 Earspools/Ear Ornaments ...................................................................................26 Epaulettes..............................................................................................................26 Headdresses ..........................................................................................................27 Held objects ..........................................................................................................31 Knee Ornaments ..................................................................................................35 Necklaces ...............................................................................................................35 Non-Human Entites .............................................................................................36 Nose Ornaments ...................................................................................................37 ii Texas Tech University, Spencer T. Mitchell, December 2016 Pectorals ................................................................................................................38 Footwear ...............................................................................................................39 Skirts .....................................................................................................................40 Thrones .................................................................................................................41 Costumes ...............................................................................................................42 Discussion..............................................................................................................45 Conclusions ...........................................................................................................47 3. A Geospatial Analysis of the Naranjo Corpus ..........................................................49 Introduction ..........................................................................................................49 Methods .................................................................................................................50 Discussion..............................................................................................................52 Conclusions ...........................................................................................................57 4. The Vassal Sites ............................................................................................................59 Introduction ..........................................................................................................59 Methods .................................................................................................................59 Sacul ......................................................................................................................60 Xunantunich .........................................................................................................61 Ucanal....................................................................................................................65 Discussion..............................................................................................................67 Conclusions ...........................................................................................................68 5. Conclusions ...................................................................................................................70 Appendix 1: Tables ..........................................................................................................74 Bibliography .....................................................................................................................77 Figures ...............................................................................................................................85 iii Texas Tech University, Spencer T. Mitchell, December 2016 Abstract This thesis focuses on the modes of visual communication implemented by the Naranjo-Sa’al polity. Most previous scholarship has addressed the epigraphic inscriptions preserved on the monuments of Naranjo; to date, little has been done with the imagery itself. In this thesis, I explore the Naranjo dynasty’s visual expression of political identity and authority. I take inventory of all the visual elements present within the Naranjo corpus and identify the symbols of power for the Naranjo dynasty. I also consider if the imagery is spatially informed. Lastly, I explore how Naranjo’s modes of visual communication influenced its vassal sites. iv Texas Tech University, Spencer T. Mitchell, December 2016 List of Tables 1. Maya Chronological Periods .......................................................................................74 2. Naranjo’s Chronological Periods ...............................................................................74 3. Costume versus Regalia Items ....................................................................................75 4. Solstice and Equinox Dates for 750 C.E.....................................................................76 5. Xunantunich’s Chronological Periods .......................................................................76 v Texas Tech University, Spencer T. Mitchell, December 2016 List of Figures 1.1. Map of the Maya Region ..........................................................................................85 1.2. Naranjo Stela 22 ........................................................................................................86 1.3. Tikal Temple IV Lintel 2 ..........................................................................................87 2.1. Aprons ........................................................................................................................88 2.2. Armbands ..................................................................................................................89