The Maya Wall Paintings of Chajul (Guatemala): Iconography

Summary

This is an abstract from the "The Maya Wall Paintings of Chajul (Guatemala)" session, at the 88th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The revealing of Chajul mural paintings has opened a completely new chapter in the history of colonial art of Latin America. Most of today’s known examples of colonial art are located in churches or other buildings related to religious spheres, while Chajul murals cover walls of private houses of Ixil Maya families. Not only the location of the murals but also their subject is surprising, as it extends beyond usual religious images like biblical scenes, figures of saints, or more symbolic depictions. Murals from Chajul reveal dance-plays, ceremonies, or processions of ritual character that are not entirely understood, and combine indigenous and European elements. Our presentation focuses on iconography—one of the most important aspects of the paintings. Analyzing the figures of dancers—their attire, poses, and objects they use—but also style and technique used by the artist we will attempt to interpret the meaning of that remarkable piece of art.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• The Maya Wall Paintings of Chajul (Guatemala)   •
• Society for American Archaeology 88th Annual Meeting, Portland, OR (2023)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 36489.0