Abstract
China and the Maya A communication from Dr. Kiang Kang-Hu on the resemblances between the Maya civilisation of Central America and that of the Chinese, accompanied by an introductory note, dealing broadly with the question of cultural diffusion across the Pacific, by Dr. W. D. Lighthall, has appeared (Trans. Roy. Soc. Canada, Ser. 3, 27, Section 2). Dr. Kiang from his familiarity with the cultures of his own and kindred peoples is able to bring forward a number of instances, in which he sees resemblances between the two civilisations, for the further scrutiny of specialists. Among these are the physical characters and the mental outlook of the two peoples, the Maya more nearly resembling the Chinese physically than any other of the aboriginal tribes of Central and North America. He also points to similarities in language, in the complicated and elaborate calendrical system, both peoples using the ‘large’ and ‘small’ month count. Their religion and deities, sacrifice and worship are also alike, especially in regard to the use of idols of wood and clay to which human blood was applied. China, however, does not appear to have practised human sacrifice, although there are traditions of it in ancient days and remote parts. The astronomical and astrological systems are strikingly similar; and the creation legends of the two peoples have many common features, as also have the story of the deluge and of the creation of the first men out of mud. Art, dress and ornament are reviewed with the same result. Setting aside the elements which are common to many primitive peoples, many resemblances remain which cannot be dismissed lightly. If the Mayas were of Chinese origin, they must have crossed to America more than six thousand years ago, otherwise their culture would be more specifically Chinese. Alternatively, they may have been derived from other adjacent races, different from, but culturally related to, the Chinese.
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Research Items. Nature 133, 68–69 (1934). https://doi.org/10.1038/133068a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/133068a0