Icons of Power

This collection investigates why the symbol of the cat has been such a potent symbol in the Americas, and how similar images have come to mean very different things in different cultures. The jaguar, the mountain lion and other feline icons have variously stood for military might, rank, status and wealth. The book is illustrated with over 25 black and white photographs and 30 line drawings and should be of use to those studying the sign systems adopted by humanity and the systems of meaning constructed around animal symbols.