Cords of time : an iconographic analysis of the flat two dimensional knot in the context of classic period Maya representation
In his book 'A Study In Maya Art And History: The Mat Symbol', Robicsek draws our attention to what he considers to be a well-defined group of motifs represented on Maya artifacts, and which he diagnoses as mat symbols (Robicsek 1975: 17). Robicsek identifies forty three varieties of mat-symbols which he organizes into four sets based on their design (Robicsek 1975: 186). The first design âconsists of two bands of equal lengths twisted around each otherâ (Robicsek 1975: 187), whilst the second conforms to the first design except that the twists are âenclosed within a medallion-like frameâ (Robicsek 1975: 187). The third design is an âinterwoven design, which shows not only simple twists, but also a more intricate âin-and-outâ patternâ (Robicsek 1975: 187). The fourth he terms a âdecorated designâ resembling the first with the exception that âcircular motifsâ (Robicsek 1975: 187) are shown as attached to the twists. The third set, the motifs with an interwoven design are the items which interest me and which form the subject of this research. I have identified these motifs as representations of knots and propose that they should be categorizedâbased on their shared characteristics
Robinson, T. P. E.
Cords of time : an iconographic analysis of the flat two dimensional knot in the context of classic period Maya representation. In his book 'A Study In Maya Art And History: The Mat Symbol', Robicsek draws our attention to what he considers to be a well-defined group of motifs represented on Maya artifacts, and which he diagnoses as mat symbols (Robicsek 1975: 17). Robicsek identifies forty three varieties of mat-symbols which he organizes into four sets based on their design (Robicsek 1975: 186). The first design âconsists of two bands of equal lengths twisted around each otherâ (Robicsek 1975: 187), whilst the second conforms to the first design except that the twists are âenclosed within a medallion-like frameâ (Robicsek 1975: 187). The third design is an âinterwoven design, which shows not only simple twists, but also a more intricate âin-and-outâ patternâ (Robicsek 1975: 187). The fourth he terms a âdecorated designâ resembling the first with the exception that âcircular motifsâ (Robicsek 1975: 187) are shown as attached to the twists. The third set, the motifs with an interwoven design are the items which interest me and which form the subject of this research. I have identified these motifs as representations of knots and propose that they should be categorizedâbased on their shared characteristics
time iconographic_analysis flat two_dimensional context classic period maya representation book study maya art_history mat symbol draw_attention considers well_defined group motif represent maya artifact diagnosis mat symbol identifies varieties mat symbols set base design first design consist_two band equal length twist around whilst second conforms first design except twist enclose within like frame third design interwoven design show simple twist also intricate and out pattern fourth term decorate design resemble first exception circular motif show twist third set motifs interwoven design item interest form subject_research identify motifs representation propose categorize base_share characteristic