Journey to the World of the Maya

Camilo A. Luin

vie. 17 marzo 2023

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Camilo A. Luin, curator of the Popol Vuh Museum of Guatemala, offered an exclusive guided tour to dentists who attended the “W&H Innovation & Culture Day” meeting. Participants had the rare privilege to see up close the treasures of this world-class museum of Maya culture. The following text, written by the curator of ther Museum at the request of the Dental Tribune, describes what was shown.

 

The Popol Vuh Museum, located inside the campus of Francisco Marroquín University, houses one of the most important collections of Maya art in the world, originaly donated by Jorge and Ela Castillo, which became part of the cultural heritage of all Guatemalans, our university and the world.

The guided visit to the Popol Vuh Museum in Guatemala City, which houses one of the most important collections of Maya art. (Photo: Marcelo Gutierrez)

Throughout its history, the Popol Vuh Museum has kept its doors open to researchers and people interested in the Maya civilization. Oliver Goetzendorff's (Area Manager for Latin America for W&H) visit to the Museum and his interest in spreading knowledge of pre-Hispanic Maya culture was one of the reasons why the "W&H Innovation & Culture Day 2023" was held in Guatemala.

The "Vase of the Paddler Gods" depicts a mythological episode related to the death and rebirth of the God of Maize, which describes his journey to the underworld on a canoe propelled by two gods with huge oars, from where he is reborn from the jaws of a snake.

Like many ancient civilizations in the world, the Maya culture arouses interest not only for historians and archaeologists, but also for professionals from other disciplines. The tour we did for the groups of dentists was presented in chronological order, starting with the oldest objects in the collection until we reached the colonial era, where religious images and silver works exemplify the mastery of the artists of those times.

The wonders of the Popol Vuh Museum fascinated the dental professionals who visited this important cultural center in Guatemala City. (Photo: Marcelo Gutierrez)

Participants were able to observe unique objects that served to understand important aspects of Maya mythology, their worldview, and their writing. One of these objects is the so-called "Vase of the Paddler Gods".

The "Vase of the Paddler Gods", an exceptional piece from the Late Classic Period (AD 700-900) found in the Maya Lowlands of Guatemala, tells the story of the death and rebirth of the God of Maize. Collection of the Popol Vuh Museum, Francisco Marroquín University. (Photo: Jorge Pérez de Lara)

This vase depicts a mythological episode related to the death and rebirth of the God of Maize, who is dressed by his wives and prepared to begin his journey to the underworld on a canoe propelled by two gods with huge oars, in order to be reborn from the jaws of a water serpent in the position of a newborn infant. This myth is related to the harvest and the cycle of life, since corn was and continues to be one of the essential foods in the diet of the Maya people.

Editorial Note: Four group of dentists visited the Popol Vuh Museum throught this initiative. When asked about their impressions, they said they were amazed by the guided tour, and they thanked the organizers and the curator for a unique experience.

• Visit the Popol Vuh Museum

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