Maya civilisation was the longest lived and most widely spread of all the great cultures of ancient America. The tremendous artistic legacy of the Maya, most spectacularly seen at great temple complexes such as Chichen Itza, continues to inspire awe and fascination.
This book presents the art of the Maya in all its glory, from monumental architecture and exquisite stone carvings to breathtakingly vivid wall paintings and exquisite jade jewellery. Many of the themes covered here continue to preoccupy the popular imagination, including: the mysteries of the Maya prophecies; the astonishing accuracy of the astronomer-priests in charting the movements of the stars and planets; the secrets of the Maya glyphs; the cults of blood-letting and sun worship; and the mysterious "ballgame" with its arcane rules and macabre practices. These major areas, and many more, are interpreted visually through iconography, pattern and symbolism as well as in terms of their historical and spiritual significance.
The book offers a superb pictorial record of Maya civilisation, with specially commissioned artworks and over 100 magnificent full colour photographs, together with a fully commentary on the broad repertoir of Maya symbols, motifs and patterns. The vivid and authoritative text accompanying the rich treasury of images sets the art of the Maya against the broader context of Maya wisdom, spirituality and mythology.
The perfect addition to any library of art and imagination, 'The Maya' sets new standards in capturing the achievements of a lost civilisation through the marriage of word and image.
