Guardians of the Corn: The Snake, The Bat and the Toad in Pre-Columbian Mayan Art of the Classic Period (ca. 250-900 CE)
Carey Clements Rote
Journal of literature and art studies January 8, 2019 DOI: 10.17265/2159-5836/2019.01.011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the cane toad, frequently confused with frogs or underplayed in earlier research, played a significant role in Maya conceptions of crop production: it deters destructive pests, produces hallucinogenic substances for humans, and repels predators with bitter taste, acrid smell, and poison. The author proposes that this bufo-toxin links the toad to the Underworld origins of maize. |
Abstract
The conflict and congruity of dualistic approaches to the world inundate the illustration of agricultural production in the Pre-Columbian Art of the Maya.Crop production is co-dependent on human factors, environmental factors and animal factors.The symbiosis of these elements generated success or failure in harmony with the natural world.This paper explores the relationship of three animals to successful crop production with particular attention placed on the cane toad, as this creature has often been confused with frogs or underplayed in earlier academic research.The cane toad is a powerful force in organic farming, functioning as a deterrent to destructive pests.In addition, the cane toad produces powerful hallucinogenic substances for humans, while at the same time, repelling predators with its bitter taste, acrid smell and poison.This bufo-toxin is a powerful substance that links the toad with the Underworld origins of the maize.