Mesoamerican Elites: An Archaeological Assessment

<p>In Mesoamerican Elites, Diane Z. Chase and Arlen F. Chase present a wide variety of essays, all of which evaluate current archaeological knowledge of the privileged ruling classes, or elites, in Mesoamerica. Some experts argue that Mesoamerican societies consisted only of elites and peasants, while others argue that considerable intermediate social levels also existed. In light of such diverse opinions, this volume addresses problems in the interpretation of archaeological evidence regarding ancient Mesoamerican social structure.</p>

History

Chase, Diane Z.

Chase, Arlen F.

Americas

University of Oklahoma Press

<p>This volume represents the concerted efforts of a group of Maya archaeologists to employ a different approach to their archaeological data that is consistent with an effort called IHOPE: Integrated History and Future of People on Earth. IHOPE is a global network of scientists and researchers that seeks to use a wide range of data to examine how changes in the Earth's systems of the past have been correlated with changes in the coupled human-biophysical environment (Costanza et al. 2007). “The specific objectives for IHOPE are to identify slow and rapidly moving features of complex social-ecological systems, on local to continental spatial scales, which induce resilience, stress, or collapse in linked systems of humans and nature. These objectives will be reached by exploring innovative ways of conducting inter and trans-disciplinary science, including theory, case studies, and integrated modeling” (Costanza et al. 2012:1). The integration of these data, a large portion of which are derived from archaeology, is seen as an important contribution to the accurate and applicable information base for addressing both short- and long-term planning issues facing modern populations.</p>

The Resilience and Vulnerability of Ancient Landscapes: Transforming Maya Archaeology through IHOPE (APAZ - Archaeological Papers of the American Anthropological Association)

Scarborough, Vernon L.

wiley

This brief, jolting film shows the hidden cost to the heritage of Latin American peoples caused by the trade in Precolumbian art by western museums and collectors. Archaeologists Arlen and Diane Chase show how the damage to archaeological sites done by looting belies claims that collecting ancient art helps preserve the past. They show the remains of looted tombs at the site of Caracol, Belize, and document the important information about the Maya past destroyed by looters. The film achieves balance by offering divergent perspectives on the topic, providing a forum for art dealers and collectors as well as documenting the perspectives of museum curators and government ministers assigned to protect culture. Designed for students in courses in archaeology, heritage, museology and art history, this video graphically shows the critical link between the beautiful objects in museums and on collectors’ shelves and the destruction of heritage.

Loot: The Plundered Heritage (Volume 4)

Left Coast Press

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Books by Chase, Arlen F.