Paige's+Americas+Exhibit

=Catch a Glimpse of Mayan Culture= Mayan society evolved in Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula, after the decline of the Olmec empire in 600 BC. Many important aspects of Mayan society include government, religion, farming and games.

Government and Religious Practices
Once a Mayan city was founded, it was assigned a leader. Along with the nobles and priests, these leaders enjoyed a luxurious life of respect and wealth. Common members of Mayan society built dwellings on the outskirts of the cities. Hieroglyphics, or a form of communication in symbols, were used to document events. Priests assembled a calendar scheduling religious occasions in honor of the gods. Many of these occasions, including sacrifices for the gods, took place in the large Mayan temples. The Sun, Rain and Corn gods were primary to the Mayan Empire's religious system.

Agriculture
Because farming was a principal part of Mayan society, they relied heavily on the slash-and-burn method. The ash remnants were used as a fertilizer supplement for the soil. Although the Mayas harvested avocados, peppers, squash, beans, and peppers, maize (corn) was their primary crop and source of food. The Mayans worshiped the sun, rain and corn gods to encourage good crops.

An Ancient Game
Called pok-ta-tok, this ancient Mayan game was competitive. Players nudged a stiff rubber ball into a carved stone hoop. However, players were prohibited from using their hands or feet, and the ball could not touch the ground. Frequently, the man that lost this game was sentenced to death.

=Mayan Art= Although women could not rule by themselves, many gained power and authority as the mother or wife of a king. These women earned respect and were carved into stone. One example of these powerful women is Lady Xok, primary wife of the king of Yaxchilan. Assuming a religious role, she is pictured above, performing a bloodletting ceremony. This image was created in AD 725 and carved into limestone.

=Current Discovery= http://discoverer.prod.sirs.com/discoweb/disco/do/article?urn=urn%3Asirs%3AUS%3BARTICLE%3BART%3B0000185879

Jade, imperial tombs, and a mask portraying a corn god are all artifacts, among others, that have been discovered on the site of the Mayas. These artifacts have provided information about the ancient Mayan culture. For example, old jade ornaments suggest that the Mayas lived an elegant lifestyle. The city of Waka, home to the tombs of a warlord and queen, has provided evidence that women had a voice in government. As the rate of Mayan discoveries increases, so does our knowledge of this accomplished empire.

Works Cited 1. //Bloodletting Ritual of Lady Xok.// AD 725. Carved limestone. National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC. //2. Map of Mayan Civilization Centres//. Photograph. Web. 3. Vergano, Dan. "Ancient Maya City, Artifacts Yield Clues to Disappearance." //SIRS Discoverer//. 10 May 2004. Web. 6 Apr. 2011. 4. "Women at Court." //National Gallery of Art//. 2011. Web. 5 Apr. 2011.