HANDICRAFTS

HANDICRAFTS IN THE MUNDO MAYA

By Cristina Prades

The creativity of the inhabitants of the Mundo Maya reflects in the sheer variety of handicrafts they produce. It is a rich fusion of Old and New World forms, materials, colors and techniques. The modern-day Maya may no longer build vast temples and ceremonial centers, but their designs, handed down through the generations, reveal their strong links with the past.

    Maya artisans, both ancient and modern, have always exploited natural materials available in the region. For centuries, the Maya have woven the fronds of native palms and rattan vines to make baskets, hats and hammocks; worked wood from the vast forests and jungles in myriad different ways; carved fabulous stelae and sculptures from great blocks of stone; and mounted locally-mined amber and jade into finely-crafted gold and silver pieces.

    The Spanish Conquest (sixteenth century) brought an injection of European influence to the peninsula. The Spaniards introduced wool and treadle looms, taught Maya women the art of embroidery and Catholic symbols became widely used along with with Maya motifs. Filigree work encouraged Maya smiths to reach new heights in jewelry making, and the Spaniards themselves were caricatured on carved wooden masks used by the Maya in ceremonial dances.

    We invite you to click on the images below to learn more about some of the most beautiful handicrafts of the Mundo Maya:

Jaguar mask
Mayan vase
Mayan incense burner
Mayan wood panel
Clay image
Wooden galleons
Mayan weavers
Mayan wooden toucan
Silver filigree
Mayan weave
Mayan baskets
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