Masks have a long history in Mesoamerica, and they have been used in theatrical productions, dances, and rituals in Mexico from ancient times through the present day. Of these five masks, two are reproductions of ancient masks, one is an actual ancient mask, and two are 20th-century masks likely worn in modern Mestizo (mixed Hispanic and indigenous cultures) festival … [Read more...] about Mexican Masks, Past and Present: Researched by Emily McClain and Joshua Burd
Cultures throughout Mesoamerica produced ceramic figurines from the earliest periods through the time of contact with Europeans. These figurines depicted people of all levels of status, from common people to rulers, and the figurines also depicted deities. The study of ceramic figurines also illustrates how depictions of deities changed and developed through time. The … [Read more...] about Mesoamerican Sculptures in Reproduction: Researched by Jordan Seyer
The plaques in this display illustrate colorfully painted brass figures, each on a blackened wooden base. The images portrayed on these wooden plaques are reproductions of characters found in Mesoamerican codices, or screenfold books, that were used to record histories, the calendar system, and religious belief systems. The clear style and depiction of the figures indicates … [Read more...] about Aztec/Mixtec Codex Images of Deities, in Reproduction: Researched by Katie Kimbrough
In the 20th century, tourists began visiting traditional towns and villages of Guatemala, spurring the revival of certain artforms such as traditional pottery, but also encouraging the development of new crafts and artforms that would provide a stable income for local artisans. Among these new artforms were small figures made of paper and straw, clothed in scraps of … [Read more...] about Guatemala Maya Tourist-Trade Figures: Researched by Elizabeth Ferguson and Ngozi Ekeke
Dolls are popular tourist-trade items throughout Mexico and northern Central America. The styles of the dolls have changed over the decades, with some adopting a more generic or international “stuffed toy” form; the dolls continue, however, to be adorned with traditional dress, and this has provided a valuable record of changes in these traditions over time. Some dolls are … [Read more...] about Mesoamerican Dolls: Researched by Ngozi Ekeke