Culture Practice Paper - Essay Example

Maya civilization was first established in the pre-classic period. It reached its peak in the classic period and continued until the arrival of the Spanish in the year 1525. At its epitome, it became one of the richest cultures in the world. Maya civilization and Mesoamerican civilization are quite similar due to cultural diffusion and interactions within the societies. Maya civilization helped in the development of famous cities such as, Tikal, Copan, Altun Ha and many others. Maya civilization had intensive agricultural practices with corn as the staple food.

Historical anthropologists assert that religion rather than sciences was almost part of every life in Maya civilization. Therefore, more than 40 cities states had temples and pyramids for warships until the fall of Maya civilization in the year 1542. Anthropologists have identified religion, the cosmic tree, the sacred time, deities such as (male/female, old/young, human/animal) language, public life among others as some of the cultural themes in Mayan civilization. Each of these cultural terms played greater roles in the development and peaceful existence of the society.

Therefore, these cultures were highly valued to the extent that societies could not do without them. The Mayan society therefore made it necessary to preserve them. Religion, one of the cultural practices in Maya civilization played major role in shaping the society. The fact that religious kings were at the top most level of hierarchy gave religion an upper hand in Maya civilization. For instance, taxation and law were viewed as religious practices, though they were in the civic administrative docket.

Other religious aspects were realized on the time factor. The Maya Shaman would interpret the time cycles and give them a prophetic outlook on the past or future within the views of their prescribed calendars. In many cases, the gods would be appeased if by any means the shaman -prophesy would spell