[Aztlan] Institute of Maya Studies February Lectures

[michael ruggeri]

February 10, 8:00 PM
Institute of Maya Studies Explorer Session Lecture
“Maya Lithics Hands-On” 
Joaquín J. Rodríguez III, PE, SECB
The ancient Maya shaped their world with stone tools. Lithic artifacts helped create the cityscape, were central to warfare and hunting, were key to craft activities, were used to process food, and were employed in ritual performances.
Rodríguez will discuss lithic analysis from various Maya sites and how analysis of this data helps in determining shared traits among the Maya and introduced influences. He will also include a hands-on display identifying the various stone items and how they were used.
Miami Science Museum, 
3280 South Miami Avenue, across from Vizcaya; 
Maya Hotline: 305-235-1192. 
Subscribe to the new full-color e-mailed version of our monthly IMS Explorer newsletter at:  www.instituteofmayastudies.org


February 17, 8:00 PM
Institute of Maya Studies Lecture
“An Overview of Psychoactive Plant Use by Pre-Columbian Andean Cultures”  
Dr. Constantino Manuel Torres
This use of psychoactive plants by Pre-Columbian Andean peoples has been documented for centuries. The seeds of the Anadenanthera species have been utilized for at least 4,000 years, likewise for mescaline-containing cacti, tobacco, and the leaves of the coca shrub.
Cultures to be discussed include Chavín, Tiahuanaco, the Moche, and ancient cultures of the Atacama desert. Dr. Torres’ presentation will be illustrated with detailed photos of plants and of the art created by numerous Andean cultures.
Constantino Manuel Torres has conducted research on ancient cultures of the South Central Andes since 1982. His work has concentrated on the San Pedro de Atacama oasis, where hundreds of well-preserved archaeological burial sites facilitate a comprehensive understanding of this desert people. He has published books and numerous articles. Torres is professor of art history of at Florida International University where he teaches courses on Pre-Columbian Art of the Andes, Art & Shamanism, and Pre-Columbian Art of Mesoamerica. He is a member of the Institute of Andean Studies, Berkeley, CA, and the Sociedad Chilena de Arqueología (Chilean Archaeological Society).
Miami Science Museum, 
3280 South Miami Avenue, across from Vizcaya; 
Maya Hotline: 305-235-1192. 
Subscribe to the new full-color e-mailed version of our monthly IMS Explorer newsletter at:  www.instituteofmayastudies.org

Mike Ruggeri's Ancient America Museum Exhibitions, Conferences and Lectures
http://tinyurl.com/c9mlao