Tuesday, December 30, 2003

Astronomical Surface Decorations on Ceramics, Mesoamerica part VIII Prof. Carlos Gonzales Vargas' article Calendrical information on Mapuche ceramics shows how geometrical design on pottery relates to the calenders of the pre-Hispanic Mapuche. The seemingly simple designs actually allow one to compute the solar year, the sacred year, and the phases of Venus.  By looking at the top, or bottom of the piece, and noting the various points on the design, one can come to important numbers in the Mapuche calander. He is careful not to fall into the trap of just working the numbers until they come out right. Is he correct?  I do not have the expertise to tell.  However, he does make a convincing argument. Further, Prof. Carlos Gonzales Vargas show us an interesting way to represent information on a ceramic vessel. This is the sort of historical information I have been looking for. .... Many thanks to Mary, when in doubt, ask a professional (Librarian.) 11:06:01 PM