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
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
Maya textiles are highly celebrated not only for their bright colors and their diversity, but also for their rich traditions, long history, and how they unite the many different sub-cultures of the Maya people. The textile artisans are traditionally women, and these women have passed on their traditions to their daughters and granddaughters for centuries. The Maya use many … [Read more...] about Contemporary Mesoamerican Textiles: Researched by Kari Mishler
While the Maya rebozo takes the form of a long, wide scarf, it has many uses, from serving as a cloak, to carrying babies and bundles, to serving as padding under a basket carried on the head. Like the Sash from Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala, this rebozo uses the ikat technique, which shows in the soft, watery images of flowers and birds visible within the stripes. The … [Read more...] about Rebozo with Floral Pattern: Researched by Samantha Gooding
Traditional Maya textiles are crafted individually by highly skilled weavers who incorporate bright colors and intricate patterns. Since Pre-Columbian times, Maya textiles have been highly developed and highly valued, serving not only as a component of blankets, clothing, and other functional objects, but also as a way of showing status and region. Textile weaving … [Read more...] about Guatemala Maya Costume: Researched by Christina Bradshaw and Elizabeth Haughey