Archive for Maya

Shameless Self-Promotion

Posted in Musings with tags , , , on November 13, 2008 by xxxicana

In academia, one can’t really get ahead without indulging in absolutely shameless self-promotion (preferably using a droll, annoying voice). So, Dear Readers, here goes. Please visit Istmo (see my links) and click on “articulos y ensayos” . . . I have an article on ancient Maya music (don’t worry, there’s an English and Spanish version). Istmo is an online journal for Central American literary and cultural studies — the only of its kind. Since this is a growing field, there isn’t a paper journal — “just” an e-journal. Now, this is actually a good thing, I believe. First, since manuscripts don’t have to go through the usual editing , proofing, galley pages stages, things are “published” much more quickly. Further, as my article demonstrates, it is possible to present one’s work in a multi-media fashion. My article has links to images and sounds to enhance the text. On Friday I will be presenting a lecture at UNL for the Ethnic Studies Week celebrations based on this article. It’s been fun to find sound files to insert into my slides . . . including the song “Tres Veces Mojado” (three times a “wetback’) by “Los Tigres del Norte” which is about Salvadoran immigrants that have to cross three borders to arrive in the US. Later I will link the presentation to my UNL webpage where you may view it should you wish. Meanwhile, check out the Istmo article to see what kind of stuff I’ve been working on!

3 Comments »

The Church of Reverend Doctor Girlfriend will be selling Indulgences & forgiving venal sins

Posted in Musings with tags , , , , on October 11, 2008 by xxxicana

In today’s news. . . something fishy in Alaska

The Associated Press reports that, “Trying to head off a potentially embarrassing state ethics report on GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, campaign officials released their own report Thursday that clears her of any wrongdoing.”

Now that is RICH! What nerve. At the very least, Sarah Palin might have contacted me for a ritual cleansing of past and present wrongdoings. Unfortunately for Palin, an Alaskan Legislative Committee has found that she did unlawfully abuse her power in the firing of the state’s Public Safety Commissioner. Perhaps more troubling was yesterday’s revelation that “First Dude” Mr. Palin has been fully vetted by Gov. Palin and takes part in state governance. So, let’s see . . . hmm . . . what would “First Dude” become should in some bizarre circumstance Sarah Palin became President of the US??? Would he finally be able to lead the secession of Alaska from the Union? Would he be provided top security clearance so he could take care of those little details for the little woman? I shudder at the thought. If the McCain/Palin ticket wins, even I will look forward to the rapture if only to escape the nightmare of Palin let loose!

Anyway, back to ME. Yes. As part of my ministerial duties, I will be selling indulgences. Do you have a peccadillo weighing on your conscience? Well, you can obtain certification of dispensation from the appropriate Aztec or Maya Deity. Check back for more information soon!

3 Comments »

Blue Monday

Posted in Frida Kahlo with tags , , on July 28, 2008 by xxxicana

Museums are closed today — so I’ve stayed in all day to work on the computer. Taking a little break, I’ll upload some photos from the Anthropology Museum (the largest museum in Latin America). One of the greatest results that came out of the Mexican Revolution (1910-20) was a real dedication to public art and education. The National museums are free every Sunday and relative to other Latin American countries I’ve visited, books are inexpensive. Anyway, here are some photos.

Courtyard of the Anthropology Museum:

The lower floor is dedicated to archaeological cultures from the various regions of Mexico. I took a few photos, but there is just too much stuff!

Aztec culture

When the Aztecs arrived in the Valley of Mexico, the area was already settled by competing city states. The Aztecs came in as mercenaries and were given the worst piece of real estate left — a small, snake infested, rocky island. Here’s an artists view of what the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, might have looked like:

Over time, the Aztecs conquered all the other cities through military tactics, strategic alliances, and diplomacy. Ooops! sorry, I’m falling into lecture mode! I always do that . . .

The goddess Coatlicue (Mother of the Gods)

Offerings found at the Templo Mayor

Maya Culture

Here’s a ceramic Iguana . . . . reminds of our pet Iguana, Spike (RIP)

This photo is for my friend Mary Willis, Dental Anthropologist

If I weren’t so freaked by going to the dentist, I think I would have jewels put in my teeth!

Here’s a real cutie!

Musical Instruments:

Conch Shell Trumpet

Ceramic Drum

Flutes

Modern Ceramic Piece

There are too many things to post!! I’ll have to stop here.

1 Comment »