PCSNY May lecture – Richard Diehl

Water in Ancient Mesoamerican Life and Cosmovision

Richard A. Diehl
Professor Emeritus, Department of Anthropology
University of Alabama

Unknown Nahua artist, Chalchiuhtlicue (Goddess of Water), Preconquest or Early Colonial. Codex Borbonicus, p. 5. Screenfold manuscript, panel 39 x 39.5 cm. Bibliothèque de l’Assemblée Nationale, Paris.

Water is essential for all life, including humans. Today we attempt to control water primarily through technological approaches. Ancient Mesoamericans employed both technology and religious beliefs and practices to obtain an abundant supply of this precious liquid. My talk includes discussions of how the pre-Columbian approach contrasted with those of the Spanish conquerors, and modern day hydrologists and politicians who confront the increasing water needs of an exploding population in the Basin of Mexico, home to 23,000,000 descendants of the Aztecs.

Friday, May 10, 2019
6 PM in the Lecture Hall
The Institute of Fine Arts
1 East 78th Street

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
RSVP to the Institute of Fine Arts

Followed by a reception with wine and cheese in the Loeb Room