Images from the underworld : Naj Tunich and the tradition of Maya cave painting /

Naj Tunich is an extensive cave complex more than three kilometers long, in northeastern Guatemala near the Belize border. It was a ritual center during the height of ancient Maya civilization, drawing pilgrims from distant regions. An extraordinary cave-wall gallery of about 100 paintings depicts deities, human figures, rituals, and more than 40 hieroglyphic inscriptions including dates in the 8th century CE. They were painted by torchlight, in areas far from the cave entrance that were often hidden and of dangerous access. The complex also holds a large collection of artifacts. Stone's interpretations of rituals and Maya religious concepts are supported by analytical reviews of such subjects as cave art from throughout Mesoamerica; architectural and sculptural cave representations; paintings on vases and other media; colonial documents; and comparative religion. Especially important is information derived from survivals of ancient religious beliefs and practices among Maya, who even today maintain shrines in caves that are the interface between the world of the sacred and that of humans. With thoughtful chapters on theory and method and a detailed descriptive catalog with abundant illustrations, this well-written and fascinating work is an important addition to Mesoamerican art and archaeology collections. All levels. K. A. Dixon; emeritus, California State University, Long Beach