Foreigners Among Us

This book provides a fresh perspective on foreign identities in ancient Maya society, highlighting their complex roles and cultural significance.

In Foreigners Among Us, the author explores critical inquiries regarding the identities of foreigners and outsiders within ancient Maya societies. The book delves into how foreignness played a vital role in shaping identity, challenging traditional archaeological narratives. By reassessing the arrival of these foreigners, it offers a nuanced perspective on Pre-Columbian Maya culture, questioning not only the identities of these outsiders but also the mechanisms through which such distinctions were made.

Drawing from interdisciplinary fields such as identity studies and standpoint theory, Foreigners Among Us emphasizes the multifaceted nature of being foreign. It highlights how foreign identities were constructed, mimicked, and expressed in various daily practices, from the making of corn tortillas to significant ceremonial interactions between kings and captives. The book argues against a simplistic view of foreignness as solely determined by geographic distance, suggesting instead that it is both performed and inherited, shaped by cultural practices and social relationships.

Focusing primarily on the diverse peoples of the Maya region during the Classic and Postclassic periods, the text also extends its analysis to broader Mesoamerican interactions, including European engagements during the Colonial era. By advocating for a relational and intersectional understanding of outsider status, Foreigners Among Us contributes significantly to anthropological discussions on foreign identities, enriching the academic discourse surrounding Maya society for students and researchers in Mesoamerican archaeology and art history.