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The pyramids and temples of Angamuco (Michoacán, Mexico): decoding meaning through spatial analysis of form, scale, and directional orientation

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dc.contributor.authorFriedl, Alexandra, author
dc.contributor.authorFisher, Christopher, advisor
dc.contributor.authorLeisz, Stephen, committee member
dc.contributor.authorLefsky, Michael, committee member
dc.date.accessioned2019-06-14T17:06:58Z
dc.date.available2019-06-14T17:06:58Z
dc.date.issued2019
dc.description.abstractThe ancient Purépecha site of Angamuco (Michoacán, Mexico) in the Lake Pátzcuaro basin represents a significant example of Mesoamerican urbanism that is not explained by current cultural-historical narratives for the region. Occupied primarily in the Middle and Postclassic periods, this site features many monumental architectural constructions, including pyramids and temples that vary in form, size, and configuration. Based on known examples of these structures documented through the course of LORE-LPB ground survey, and other examples from Mesoamerica, identification of pyramids and temples across the entire site was possible using digital models derived from Lidar data. Through the collection of basic spatial data including scale expressed as volume, axial dimensions, and axial orientation, comparison of these structures is possible on both intra-site and regional levels. These spatial data suggest that there are different urban planning principles at work at Angamuco when it comes to monumental architecture. While some of these buildings seem to conform to broader Mesoamerican urban planning tradition, this does not explain the orientation of most of the pyramids and temples at Angamuco. Investigation of these features has provided additional evidence for the standardization of the built form at the site and allowed for preliminary insights on sociocultural evolutionary processes. Future research at Angamuco on the specific orientational groups proposed here will further elucidate urban planning principles for monumental architecture at the site and may even clarify possible connections to the cosmos reflected in the built environment.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediummasters theses
dc.identifierFriedl_colostate_0053N_15465.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/195417
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2000-2019
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.subjectspatial analysis
dc.subjecttemples
dc.subjectpyramids
dc.subjectdirectional orientation
dc.subjectTarascan
dc.subject.lcshPurépecha
dc.titleThe pyramids and temples of Angamuco (Michoacán, Mexico): decoding meaning through spatial analysis of form, scale, and directional orientation
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineAnthropology
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Arts (M.A.)

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