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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2005. / Supervisor: Julia Guernsey. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2005. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Multiple scholars have briefly discussed the Maya use of the atlatl. Yet, there has never been a decisive encompassing discussion of prevalence and use of the atlatl in the Maya region with multiple lines of support from iconographic and artifactual analyses. This thesis explores the atlatl at Chichén Itzá, Tikal, and Caracol Maya sites to prove that atlatl prevalence can be interpreted primarily based on projectile point “classification function” analysis with support from iconographic and artifactual remains. The classification functions are derived from creating mutually exclusive groups of dart points and arrow points by using discrete functional analysis. Discerning between dart and arrow points can be completed with a high degree of accuracy based on maximum shoulder width of lithic points in an assemblage. Because the atlatl and bow complexes have been primarily constructed of perishable materials, the best method to determine the prevalence of atlatl use is by identifying the launcher based on projectile point identification. Using a cross-site comparison of projectile point size, the Maya use and prevalence of the atlatl will be elucidated

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Tropical forests provide important habitat for a tremendous diversity of plant and animal species. However, limitations in measuring and monitoring the structure and function of tropical forests has caused these systems to remain poorly understood. Remote-sensing technology has provided a powerful tool for quantification of structural patterns and associating these with resource use. Satellite and aerial platforms can be used to collect remotely sensed images of tropical forests that can be applied to ecological research and management. Chapter 1 of this article highlights the resources available for tropical forest remote sensing and presents a case-study that demonstrates its application to a neotropical forest located in the Petén region of northern Guatemala. The ancient polity of Tikal has been extensively studied by archaeologists and soil scientists, but little is known about the subsistence and ancient farming techniques that sustained its inhabitants. The objective of chapter 2 was to create predictive models for ancient maize (Zea mays L.) agriculture in the Tikal National Park, Petén, Guatemala, improving our understanding of settlement patterns and the ecological potentials surrounding the site in a cost effective manner. Ancient maize agriculture was described in this study as carbon (C) isotopic signatures left in the soil humin fraction. Probability models predicting C isotopic enrichment and carbonate C were used to outline areas of potential long term maize agriculture. It was found that the Tikal area not only supports a great variety of potential food production systems but the models suggest multiple maize agricultural practices were used.

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The first part of the diploma thesis is focused on the history and activity of the literary and visually artistic Group Ra, especially in the years 19361948. The artistic output of Ra comes out of Surrealism and is notably influenced by it; however, later Ra creates its own style following Surrealism and at the same time going beyond it. This part devotes to the signs of Surrealism, similarities and differences between Ra and the previous generation, contacts of the Younger Surrealists and also displays the poetics of the group members and their works. The second half of the thesis is concentrated on one of the Younger Surrealists, on Ludvík Kundera and his various works and specific expression with which enriches the way how Ra reflects and depicts the world. The dissertation thus presents not only a group creating art during the German occupation and war, but also exposes the contribution of the Group Ra and Ludvík Kundera to the artistic avant-garde.