Mystery of the Maya: The Golden Age of the Classic Maya

This is the second of three volumes on the history of the Native people of Canada as revealed by archaeological evidence. Over 12,000 years of Native history preceded the arrival of Europeans. Volume II examines developments across Canada such as the gradual replacement of the earlier spear-thrower by the bow and arrow. Pottery was introduced from the south 3,000 years ago; a thousand years later silver was being fashioned into ornaments. Burial mound ritual spread from the south to eastern Canada, the communal hunting of bison became increasingly important on the Plains, and large pit house village occupied the salmon rivers on the Canadian Plateau. In addition, during this period the first evidence of ranked societies composed of slaves, commoners, and nobles appeared on the West Coast, and the Palaeo-Eskimo art approached its pinnacle. It is hoped that these volumes will contribute to a greater appreciation of Native history prior to the devastating events initiated by the European occupation of Canada. James V. Wright is Curator Emeritus with the Canadian Museum of Civilization.