The gods do not understand metaphors: Reality and representation in Mesoamerica

Abstract

Addressing recent debates that have arisen between Mesoamericanist anthropology and those of an ontological nature, the present work illustrates the issues implied by the superficial treatment of the notion of reality in the discourse of our subjects of study. Through a critical review of some of the proposals that have had the greatest impact in our region of study, it becomes clear that the different in which that we conceive reality directly impinge upon the relations that we establish with alterity. Contrasting perspectives offered by different disciplines, it is possible to determine what someone might or might not regard as real, leading to a more profound and perhaps more accurate understanding of other cultural experiences and narratives. Finally, several historical and ethnographic cases are examined to underscore the importance of the distinction between reality and representation to truly grasp the indigenous perspective.