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Exposition: The Maya Water World

 La Ruta Maya Conservation Foundation, with the support of the Training Center of the Spanish Cooperation (CFCE, in Spanish) and the Embassy of Spain, opened the exhibition “The Maya Water World”. This exhibition presents almost a hundred Pre-Columbian objects whose materials and shapes are related to the aquatic and coastal marine world, illustrating the importance of water in nature, daily life, diet, trade, and ritual.

This archaeological exhibition is open to the public at the headquarters of the “Antiguo Colegio de la Compañia de Jesus” in Antigua Guatemala, from July 17 to November 8, 2015. This is the third temporary exhibition installed by the Foundation within the headquarters of the CFCE in order to approach the visitor to the Pre-Columbian cultures, especially the Maya, through different themes.

Water is present in all cultures of Mesoamerica, both in art and their worldview, but for the ancient Maya-considered one of the most important civilizations of the world- the symbols associated with such element are represented in multiple ways in architecture, mural painting, ceramics, sculpture, and smaller portable objects. Pre-Columbian Maya also excelled in water management for agriculture and urban development, they took advantage of the water resources, and believed in deities who controlled the rain and water sources. Even today some beliefs and myths still exist regarding to the guardians of water in mountains, springs and caves.

This collection is under the custody of the La Ruta Maya Conservation Foundation for preservation, protection, research, education, and public display for educational purposes while seeking to promote awareness and pride in our past. As such, it is registered as Cultural Heritage of the Nation with the Registry of Cultural Patrimony of the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

 

Venue: Centro de Formación de la Cooperación Española (CFCE) 6ª avenida Norte, entre 3ra y 4ta calle Poniente, Antigua Guatemala

Dates: July 17 to November 8, 2015

Schedule: Monday thru Sunday from 9:00 am to 5: pm

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