gems, jade, jadeite, fei cui, Mesoamerica, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Maya, Mayans, Olmecs, Aztecs, archaeology, history, archaeogemology, lapidary, trade

This book provides theory, comparison, and synthesis to establish a carefully considered framework for approaching the study of courts and their functions throughout the world of the ancient Maya. It is based on the annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association.