Calendar

Weavers, dancers, puppet masters, hieroglyphics experts and artists illuminate the Maya culture of Guatemala and Mexico. Come see the ancient arts come to life!

All programs included with museum admission.

Made possible by the Lowell Institute and ECHO

DEMONSTRATIONS

Maya Dugouts

Boat builder Wade Smith reconstructs a large-scale, speculative model of a dugout canoe based on the ancient Maya designs.

Amate (bark paper) Painting Demonstration

Mexican artist Felipe Heredia Diaz demonstrates this painting technique using Maya images on amate paper.

Alfombra de Asserin | Guatemala Maya Sawdust Carpet | Fiery Pool Galleries

Made from vibrant hues of hand-dyed sawdust, along with rice, dried beans and flowers, the Guatemalan alfombra is a spectacular though ephemeral work of art. Master artist Ubaldo Sanchez creates an alfombra inspired by oceans, rivers and Maya water symbols. Help make the border!

Weaving Demonstration

Using back strap or stick looms, skilled weavers of Maya descent from the El Quiche region of Guatemala create textiles featuring symbols and patterns that indicate the wearer's village, religion, family origin, ceremonial activities and more.

Guatemala Maya Sawdust Carpet

Master artist Ubaldo Sanchez creates a Fiery Pool alfombra on the Atrium floor, inspired by oceans, rivers and Maya water symbols. Help make the border!

DOCENT-LED GALLERY TOURS

Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea

Family tour, 11:30 am | Adult tour, 1 pm

Tickets available on the day of the tour at the admissions desk

DANCE

Grupo Awal | 1:15 and 4 pm | Atrium

Young troupe members represent the Maya culture of Guatemala through folk dances, dress and cultural traditions. At PEM, see these 20-minute dance tributes to Maiz, or corn.

PERFORMANCES

Puppet Theater | noon and 3 pm | Atrium

Gustavo Boada and members of the dance troupe Grupo Awal perform the Maya creation story — El Popol Vuh — with life-size puppets.

ART ACTIVITIES

1–3 pm  Atrium

STORY TIME

Abuela's Weave | 2 pm | Meet at the information desk

Set in Guatemala, this story portrays the loving rapport between a child and her grandmother. For children ages 3 to 9 with accompanying adult. Reservations by May 20.

PRESENTATION

Mural Art of the Maya | 2–3 pm | Morse Auditorium

Artist and archaeologist Heather Hurst, whose mural of a world-turtle is on view in Fiery Pool, explains how she reconstructs murals and what she learns by studying ancient images. A Q&A follows. Reservations by May 21.