Without realizing, most archaeologists shift within a scale of interpretation of material culture. Material data is interpreted from the scale of an individual in a specific place and time, then shifted to the complex dynamics of cultural groups spread over time and place. This book discusses the cultural, social and spatial aspects of scale and its impact on archaeology, and shows how an improved awareness of scale offers new and exciting interpretations.

This is a reference guide to the mythology of the native North American, Maya, Aztec, Inca and earlier civilizations and cultures of the Americas. It includes more than 900 entries, arranged alphabetically and packed with information on the central mythical figures of each culture. It features special illustrated spreads on unifying mythological themes such as Creation & the Universe, Ordering the World, and Death & Sacrifice. It is fully cross-referenced and comprehensively indexed. It is illustrated with over 500 images, this book depicts the central features and characters of the myths, and explores the impact of these enthralling stories. Here is a rich source of information for any reader who wants to understand the myths and religions of the indigenous inhabitants of America. The book is divided into three sections, each focusing on the mythology of distinct civilizations and regions. North American Mythology explores the universal themes of creation and the mythical living landscape. Mesoamerican Mythology explores the culture and beliefs of the Maya and Aztecs. South American Mythology focuses on the immense Inca empire. An instantly accessible A-to-Z format provides concise, easy-to-locate entries on more than 900 key characters, enabling the reader to discover who is who in the mythology of the Americas.

From the earliest times, people have told stories of allpowerful gods and goddesses, mighty spirits and fabulous creatures to explain the mysteries of life. This book explores the rich diversity of these legendary themes within North America, Mesoamerica and South America. An instantly accessible A-to-Z format provides concise, easy-to-locate entries on more than 900 key characters, enabling the reader to discover who is who in the mythology of the Americas. This book is a rich source of information for learning about and understanding the myths and religions of the indigenous inhabitants of the American continents.

Without realizing, most archaeologists shift within a scale of interpretation of material culture. Material data is interpreted from the scale of an individual in a specific place and time, then shifted to the complex dynamics of cultural groups spread over time and place. This book discusses the cultural, social and spatial aspects of scale and its impact on archaeology, and shows how an improved awareness of scale offers new and exciting interpretations.