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In the Shadow of Quetzalcoatl: Zelia Nuttall and the Search for Mexico’s Ancient Civilizations

Name: In the Shadow of Quetzalcoatl: Zelia Nuttall and the Search for Mexico’s Ancient Civilizations
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Book Synopsis: The gripping story of a pioneering anthropologist whose exploration of Aztec cosmology, rediscovery of ancient texts, and passion for collecting helped shape our understanding of pre-Columbian Mexico.

Where do human societies come from? The drive to answer this question took on a new urgency in the nineteenth century, when a generation of archaeologists began to look beyond the bible for the origins of different cultures and civilizations. A child of the San Francisco Gold Rush whose mother was born in Mexico City, Zelia Nuttall threw herself into the study of Aztec customs and cosmology, eager to use the tools of the emerging science of anthropology to prove that modern Mexico was built over the ruins of ancient civilizations.

Proud, disciplined, as prickly as she was independent, Zelia Nuttall was the first person to accurately decode the Aztec calendar stone. An intrepid researcher, she found pre-Columbian texts lost in European archives and was skilled at making sense of their pictographic histories. Her work on the terra-cotta heads of Teotihuacán captured the attention of Frederic Putnam, who offered her a job at Harvard's Peabody Museum.

Divorced and juggling motherhood and career, Nuttall chose to follow her own star, publishing her discoveries and collecting artifacts for US museums to make ends meet. From her beloved Casa Alvarado in Coyoacán, she became a vital bridge between Mexican and US anthropologists, connecting them against the backdrop of war and revolution.

The first biography of Zelia Nuttall, In the Shadow of Quetzalcoatl captures the appeal and contradictions that riddled the life of this trailblazing woman, who contributed so much to the new field of anthropology until a newly professionalized generation overshadowed her remarkable achievements and she became, in the end, an artifact in her own museum.

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Discover the captivating world of Mexico's ancient civilizations with "In the Shadow of Quetzalcoatl: Zelia Nuttall and the Search for Mexico's Ancient Civilizations." This gripping book takes you on a journey through time as you delve into the pioneering work of Zelia Nuttall, a remarkable anthropologist who reshaped our understanding of pre-Columbian Mexico. Through her exploration of Aztec cosmology and rediscovery of ancient texts, Nuttall revealed the fascinating origins of human societies and the rich history buried beneath modern Mexico.

Uncover the secrets of the Aztec civilization as Zelia Nuttall decodes the enigmatic Aztec calendar stone, becoming the first person to accurately interpret its meaning. With her meticulous research skills, she unearthed lost pre-Columbian texts hidden in European archives, shedding new light on Mexico's ancient cultures. Her groundbreaking work on the terra-cotta heads of Teotihuacán astonished esteemed anthropologist Frederic Putnam, who recognized her immense talent and offered her a position at Harvard's prestigious Peabody Museum.

Experience the challenges and triumphs of a woman ahead of her time. Zelia Nuttall, proud, disciplined, and fiercely independent, defied societal expectations by pursuing her passion for anthropology while raising a family. Balancing her role as a mother with her career, Nuttall fearlessly published her discoveries and tirelessly collected artifacts to support herself and contribute to US museums. Her determination and unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between Mexican and US anthropologists during a tumultuous era of war and revolution solidified her legacy as a pivotal figure in the field.

Immerse yourself in the captivating biography, "In the Shadow of Quetzalcoatl." Written with meticulous research and a deep understanding of Nuttall's remarkable life, this book captures the allure and contradictions of Zelia Nuttall's journey. From her beloved Casa Alvarado in Coyoacán, Nuttall became not only a trailblazing anthropologist but also an inspiration for women in the field. However, as a new generation of anthropologists emerged, her substantial contributions were overshadowed, reducing her to an artifact within her own museum.

Embark on a captivating journey through Mexico's ancient civilizations and become enchanted by the remarkable life of Zelia Nuttall. Order your copy of "In the Shadow of Quetzalcoatl" today and uncover the intriguing mysteries that shaped the world we know.

Order your copy of "In the Shadow of Quetzalcoatl" and embark on a captivating journey through Mexico's ancient civilizations. Uncover the intriguing mysteries that shaped the world we know.

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