Maya civil-religious hierarchy in the anthropological imagination

Abstract

Civil-religious hierarchies (also known as cargo systems or cofradías) in Mesoamerica have received considerable academic attention, namely in connection with the performance of feasts of saints, social organization of community, and prestige. In this paper the institution in Mayan culture is described and the anthropological theories focused on the problem of extensive expenditure during the feasts are discussed.

Keywords

• social hierarchy
• prestige
• sacrifice
• anthropological theory
• Mayas