Ancient Maya (Unknown)
Maya
No Portrait Available
The Ancient Maya produced one of the most sophisticated sculptural traditions in the pre-Columbian Americas, spanning from the first millennium BCE through the Spanish conquest. Maya artists worked in stone, stucco, wood, jade, bone, and shell, creating everything from monumental carved stelae to miniature jade pendants that were passed down for generations.
During the Classic Period (c. 250-900 CE), powerful city-states like Tikal, Calakmul, Palenque, and Copán commissioned elaborate sculptural programs. The Maya are notable for having signed their artworks and for their advanced hieroglyphic writing system, which adorns many sculptural surfaces. Our collection includes 3 works at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City and the British Museum.
Sculptures by Ancient Maya (Unknown)
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About Ancient Maya (Unknown)
Maya artists signed their works and incorporated hieroglyphic writing into sculptures. Their mastery of stone carving, jade, and stucco produced some of the most sophisticated art in the ancient Americas.
Stelae are tall carved stone slabs with ruler portraits and hieroglyphic texts, erected at major city-states during the Classic Period (250-900 CE) to honor rulers and record historical events.
The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City and the British Museum both hold important collections.
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