Ideology and Power in the Art of Ancient Water Management

Abstract

The temples and monuments of Copan are replete with symbols of water and sustenance, both important forces in the development of social complexity throughout the region and prevalent in Mesoamerica. Our work reveals that the water systems managed in Copan and neighboring regions of Honduras have a long history and they manifest in diverse forms. Besides their functional utilization, from irrigation to water storage, water sources and systems had numerous religious uses. We will discuss how water was conceived, used and represented in ancient times as well as we believe its sacred character was utilized in art to elevate political authority. From our research we know that communal organization was important to the successful management of ancient water systems. It might be that some of those methods are relevant to improve life conditions in current landscapes, to assure potable water and improve harvests.