The ability to see one's own reflection in a mirrored surface has implications beyond what might normally cross your mind as you brush your teeth each morning. The ability to recognize oneself and identify the image as an extension of one's identity, rather than being a different person, is a fundamental test of complex intelligence. It's so vital that it's used in animal behavior experiments to determine the level of self-awareness and abstract thought patterns; so far, the great apes have passed the test, as well as Bottlenose dolphins, Orca whales, elephants, and European magpies.
So it's no wonder that many ancient cultures held mirrors to be sacred, constructing myths about them and using them for divining purposes. The civilizations of Mesoamerica were no different, and used many materials throughout the pre-Columbian era to make shiny, reflective surfaces. Overall, they were seen as a portal to another realm, one which could be seen but not touched or interacted with.
The Olmecs, the first major civilization in Mesoamerica, were not the first to make mirrors; there is evidence for stone surfaces that date as far back as the 2nd millennium BC. The Olmec material of choice was iron ore, polished with sand until it was very reflective. Curiously, they preferred to make concave shapes, which would reflect an image as upside-down, and could also be used to focus the sun's rays and spark fires. They were quite small as they were usually made of a single piece.
The Maya culture of the Classic Period, between 250 and 900 AD, used iron pyrite, and would cut small pieces and fix them to a piece of slate to make mosaic mirrors. Unfortunately, very few of these survive today, as the material easily oxidizes and was not preserved. They were also a symbol of a person's status, and Mayan nobles would place small mirrors on their backs to broadcast their wealth. These were also found quite often in the tombs and burials at the great city of Teotihuacan.
The Toltecs from the Tula region (Central Mexico) were especially committed to continuing the tradition of wearing a mirror over one's back; they used iron pyrite and surrounded it with elaborate mosaics formed from turquoise. The Aztecs used obsidian to make their mirrors, and their finished products had spiritual and ritual use. They became a symbol for their rulers, who watched their subjects from a double-sided mirror, or so it was said. Legend has it that Emperor Moctezuma II saw visions in the surfaces of polished obsidian, and saw the downfall of his own people in the surface of a piece of the stone. There are examples in museums today that have retained much of their sheen, remaining intact over the centuries.
----------------------------------------------------
Your site for comprehensive travel guides, BookIt.com is also the premier choice for online travel booking services. Visit today to find the best deals and destination specifics you're looking for. Traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean? Book your stay at Gran Bahia Principe http://bookit.com/jamaica/montegobay/hotels/gran-bahia-principe-jamaica/ for an unparalleled holiday experience.
EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=273814
No comments:
Post a Comment