Maya artists give writing a sculptural presence

Slide 1

Maya writing could become carved visual form

Maya artists carved inscriptions into monuments and other objects. The written signs are visual forms as well as carriers of language.

Slide 2

An inscription and ruler image add different information

A Maya monument can place a ruler's figure beside an inscription. The two parts contribute different information to the same public object.

Slide 3

Writing appeared on small objects as well as monuments

Maya sculpture ranges from small objects to monumental works. Writing can occupy intimate surfaces as well as architecture and public monuments.

Slide 4

Some works preserve the artist’s signature

Some Maya works preserve artists' signatures. Such inscriptions challenge the assumption that ancient sculpture must always have an anonymous maker.

Slide 5

Reading the text can change interpretation of the image

Reading Maya writing has expanded understanding of the people and events represented in art. Text and visual analysis can correct each other's assumptions.

Sources

• Ancient Maya Sculpture

  Metropolitan Museum of Art

• Reading the Calendar Glyphs

  National Museum of the American Indian

• Collecting Art of the Maya

  Princeton University Art Museum