Sculpture and Social Dynamics in Preclassic Mesoamerica

This book examines the functions of sculpture during the Preclassic period in Mesoamerica and its significance in statements of social identity. Julia Guernsey focuses specifically on an enigmatic type of public, monumental sculpture known as the 'potbelly' that traces its antecedents to small domestic ritual objects. The potbellies became central to the physical representation of new forms of social identity and expressions of political authority during the development of the first state-level societies in Mesoamerica.