Maya Cultural Resources

Explore the rich history, traditions, and artistry of the Maya people through these carefully selected books, films, articles, and museum collections. Each resource provides valuable insights into the cultural legacy, resilience, and creativity of the Maya civilization.

Books 

- Mayan Folktales: Folklore from Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - James D. Sexton

A collection of captivating folktales told by Maya storytellers, preserving oral traditions and beliefs from the highlands of Guatemala

- The Blood of Guatemala: A History of Race and Nation - Greg Grandin

A deep dive into the history of Guatemala, exploring how the indigenous Maya people shaped the nation's identity through resistance and cultural persistence.

- Maya Textiles of Guatemala - Margot Blum Schevill 

A beautifully illustrated exploration of the vibrant textiles created by the Maya, showcasing their symbolism, weaving techniques, and regional styles.

- The Maya Textile Tradition - Jeffrey Jay Foxx

A visual journey through Maya weaving traditions, highlighting the intricate patterns and the cultural significance of their fabrics.

- Maya Cultural Activism in Guatemala - Edward F. Fischer and R. McKenna Brown

An analysis of how Maya activists have worked to reclaim their cultural identity through language, dress, and political movements.

- A Textile Traveler's Guide To Guatemala - Deborah Chandler

A must-have guide for travelers interested in visiting Guatemala’s weaving communities and learning about textile traditions.

- The Guatemala Reader: History, Culture, Politics - Greg Grandin

A comprehensive anthology of historical documents, essays, and firsthand accounts detailing Guatemala’s complex past and present.

- I Rigoberta Menchú: An Indian Woman in Guatemala - Rigoberta Menchu 

The Nobel Peace Prize winner’s powerful memoir about her experiences as an indigenous woman during Guatemala’s civil war.

Films and Documentaries 

- Voice of a Mountain - Tyler Rumph

A documentary exploring the struggles and resilience of the Maya people in the face of modern challenges.

- Guatemala : Heart of the Maya World - Luis Ara and Ignacio Juansolo 

A breathtaking visual journey through Guatemala’s landscapes, ancient cities, and Maya heritage.

- Endangered Threads Website (Various Documentaries) - Kathleen Mossman Vitale 

A collection of films documenting Maya weaving traditions and the fight to preserve them.

Endangered Threads Documentaries

- Guatemala: On the Edge of Discovery - Brent Winebrenner, Jose Antonio Gonzales and Emilio Faillace 

A documentary unveiling Guatemala’s rich history, landscapes, and cultural treasures.

The Film | Guatemala: On the Edge of Discovery (guatemaladocumentary.com)

- Lost World of the Maya Documentary - National Geographic 

An in-depth look at the ancient Maya civilization, featuring archaeological discoveries and cultural insights.

(177) Lost World of the Maya (Full Episode) | National Geographic - YouTube

- Lost Treasures of the Maya - National Geographic 

Exploring the mysteries of lost Maya cities and their hidden artifacts.

Lost Treasures of The Maya - National Geographic for everyone in everywhere (natgeotv.com)

- Maya Religion Explained - Religion for Breakfast

A short yet informative video breaking down Maya religious beliefs and mythology.

 (177) Maya Religion Explained - YouTube

Articles 

- The cultural significance of dress and textiles - Joanne B. Eicher https://doi.org/10.1080/00988157.2001.9978289

- Surviving Conquest: The Maya of Guatemala in Historical Perspective - W. George Lovell https://www.jstor.org/stable/2503234

- Guatemalan Textiles - Harriet Newell Wardle
Museum Bulletin | Guatemalan Textiles (penn.museum)

Museum Collections / Exhibitions

- Sam Noble Museum - Maya Textiles Maya Textiles – Sam Noble Museum (ou.edu)

- Penn Museum - Guatemalan Textiles Museum Bulletin | Guatemalan Textiles (penn.museum)

- Spurlock Museum - Guatemalan Textiles Maya Textiles of Guatemala, Notable Collections, Collections, Spurlock Museum, U of I (illinois.edu)