Jaguar
Steven WagschalA cultural, scientific and conservation-focused history of the iconic jaguar
Jaguars have long captivated human imagination, inspiring awe, fear and reverence across the Americas and beyond. This book examines both the biology and behaviour of this iconic apex predator and the deep cultural history of human-jaguar interactions, from prehistoric civilizations to the modern era. Drawing on artefacts, literature and textual sources in English, Spanish, French, Latin, Mayan Kʼicheʼ and Nahuatl, it traces how jaguars have been represented in art, cinema and popular culture. Steven Wagschal also considers the role of jaguars in shaping evolutionary theory and the global conservation efforts aimed at protecting them today. This richly illustrated book celebrates jaguars as both living creatures and enduring cultural symbols.
A cultural, scientific and conservation-focused history of the iconic jaguar
Jaguars have long captivated human imagination, inspiring awe, fear and reverence across the Americas and beyond. This book examines both the biology and behaviour of this iconic apex predator and the deep cultural history of human-jaguar interactions, from prehistoric civilizations to the modern era. Drawing on artefacts, literature and textual sources in English, Spanish, French, Latin, Mayan Kʼicheʼ and Nahuatl, it traces how jaguars have been represented in art, cinema and popular culture. Steven Wagschal also considers the role of jaguars in shaping evolutionary theory and the global conservation efforts aimed at protecting them today. This richly illustrated book celebrates jaguars as both living creatures and enduring cultural symbols.
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Eminently readable and meticulously researched, Jaguar immerses us in the world of this fascinating animal first seen in Europe in 1526. Whether as gift to an emperor or as part of ancient religions and cosmographies, the jaguar inspired awe as one of the deadliest of animals. Ranging today from Arizona to Argentina, it is part of the world’s largest contiguous conservation efforts. Deeply interdisciplinary, this book delves into history, indigenous studies, art history, literature, cinema studies, cognitive ethology and environmentalism. Steven Wagschal ought to be congratulated for bringing out the many aspects of the jaguar and allowing us to visit its many incarnations.
'Frederick A. de Armas, University of Chicago
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A fascinating study of an iconic beast. From cave paintings in Colombia to the border-crossing El Jefe, Jaguar traces the history of America’s largest feline, charting its influence on science, culture and fashion.
'Helen Cowie, author of Animals in World History
Introduction
1 Jaguarology: The Evolution, Biology and Ethology of the Jaguar
2 Mesoamerican Cultural History of Jaguars
3 Colonial American Tigers
4 The Rise of Zoology
5 U.S. Expansionism and the American Jaguar
6 Jaguars in Popular Culture, Cinema and Literature
Coda: Pantera onca Today – Populations, Poaching, Pets and Preservation
Timeline
References
Select Bibliography
Associations and Websites
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
Steven Wagschal is Professor of Hispanic Literatures and Cultural Studies at Indiana University Bloomington. He is the author of Minding Animals in the Old and New Worlds (2018).