As anyone who has visited the Yucatan can tell you, Mayan culture is very much alive and thriving throughout parts of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. This culture is incredibly diverse and nowhere is that more obvious than in the art produced by its people today.
Mayan art can be found in weavings, hammocks, masks, clothing, sculptures, and paintings. One can easily find and take home a piece of Mayan art in a blouse, a bracelet or a belt, hand-woven in Chiapas. The Chiapan women selling them in the square in Merida, or on the streets of Playa del Carmen, also have purses made from old huipiles or newly embroidered purses, all at extremely reasonable prices. Hammocks, of course, can be found almost everywhere in the Yucatan, although the ones made with artistry can be more difficult to find.
The less portable art objects, such as masks, sculptures and paintings, are not transported to the Yucatan by the itinerant travelers, but can be found in a few shops on the Yucatan Peninsula or occasionally uncovered in a chance encounter.
Sculptures and masks are, almost without exception, created as part of traditional ceremonies that Mayans engage in throughout the year to honor their saints and their ancestors. Sculptures are usually created to be an object of worship, as practically every Mayan home has some corner reserved for an altar.
Masks, on the other hand, are carved for special occasions. They have been worn for ceremonies and dances for many years, and are a physical manifestation of the fascinating history and legends that are still very much a part of Mayan life. Masks can be found that are carved specifically for sale. The masks that are carved to be used in dances, and then sold, are considered much more valuable.
Painting is an art that is only practiced in a few pueblos in the Mayan world. The most famous Mayan painters are of the Tzutujil tribe, most of whom live in Chiapas or Guatemala. The Tzutujil are one of the smallest Mayan tribes, and they have managed to preserve many of their pre-Columbian traditions. Traditional handcraft has always been a source of income for them, which in their case includes painting.
Mayan contemporary painting, referred to as naive art, started in 1920 with Juan Sisay from Santiago Atitlan and Rafael Gonzales y Gonzales from San Pedro la Laguna, who were inspired by travelers who came to paint in their village.
Paintings from these artists and their descendants reflect their everyday lives, including ceremonies, dances, processions and healing activities, as well as working in the fields and selling in the mercados.
Works by well known artists from this area, such as Pedro Rafael Gonzalez Chavajay and Mariano Gonzalez Chavajay, are difficult to find and are becoming more and more valuable. Some of the newer painters are also quite good and the prices of their paintings are still quite reasonable.
If you are visiting the Yucatan Peninsula, you can find textiles, masks, sculptures and various other objects from the Mayan world and other parts of Mexico at Hecho e Mano in Izamal. For vintage textiles, old and new masks, and a fine selection of Mayan painting, visit the Mayan Arts Gallery in Playa del Carmen.
MUSEO MACAY
Permanent Exhibitions of the work of Yucatecan artists, including additional paintings by Fernando Castro Pacheco, the painter of murals in the Governor's Palace. Museo MACAY also hosts visiting exhibits from other parts of Mexico. There is also usually a sculpture exhibit just outside the entrance in the walkway between the entrance and the cathedral. This is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art.
Calle 60, Next to Cathedral.
ANTHROPOLOGY & HISTORY MUSEUM
Installed in a completely refurbished mansion is an extensive exhibit of local Mayan history and anthropolgy. Also occasionally hosts traveling exhibits. There is an excellent book and gift shop at the entrance.
Palacio G. Canton, Paseo de Montejo and Calle 43
PALACIO DE GOBIERNO
The interior arched courtyard, an upstairs gallery and the balcony are the sites for a display of paintings by Merida's local artist, Fernando Castro Pacheco. The murals display the history of the Yucatan.
On the North East corner of the Zocalo.
POPULAR ART MUSEUM
Exhibits of Mayan art, habits and crafts.
Calle 59 x 50, Barrio de Mejorada
MERIDA CITY MUSEUM
A small but interesting exhibit all about the City of Merida. Includes some maps and pictures of early Merida, information about the Mayan city of T'ho.
Calle 61 between 58 and 60
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Calle 59 x 84
PINACOTECA
"Juan Bamboa Guzman"
Permanent Exhibitions of Painting and Sculpture from early colonial times. Also houses occasional temporary exhibits. A recent exhibit included documents and artifacts from early Merida railroads.
Calle 59 between 58 and 60.
YUCATECAN MUSIC MUSEUM
Exhibition of objects and works of Yucatecan music. Also pre-Hispanic and Afro-Cuban instruments. Includes a gift shop.
C
alle 57#464-A near Calle 48 near Plaza Mejorada
MUSEUM PEON CONTRERAS
Continually changing art exhibitions from around Mexico. Exhibits are usually of contemporary artists and can include sculpture, photography, painting, fabric, and just about anything else.
Calle 60 between 59 and 57 in the Peon Contreras Theater
HACIENDA YAXCOPOIL
Authentically maintained hacienda just minutes south of downtown Merida. Includes a museum of Mayan artifacts, guest house, gift shop and snack bar.
20 miles (33 km) south of Merida on Highway 261 to Uxmal at the 186 KM marker.
Monday - Saturday 8:00-18:00
MUSEO DE PUEBLO MAYA
Permanent and extensive exhibit of Mayan artifacts from throughout the Yucatan and local culture up to the present day, including a beautiful huipile exhibit. The museum is air-conditioned and a pleasant addition to visiting the ruins. As you leave the museum to visit the ruins, you can walk through a typical Mayan house.
As descendents of the Maya - one of the first civilizations to master the field of astronomy - it should come as no surprise that the people of the Yucatan are still fascinated by the heavens.
The Arcadio Poveda Ricalde Planetarium, housed on the lower level or, "sótano,"of the Olimpo Cultural Center, is named after a Yucatan-born astronomer who began his studies in Mérida and the nearby port city of Progreso. After studying physics and math at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Poveda obtained a doctorate in astronomy from the University of California at Berkeley. He has been recognized as a Distinguished Son of Mérida and was awarded the Eligio Ancona Medal by the state government in addition to other awards.
A fairly small venue, the planetarium can accommodate up to 78 stargazers in comfortable, semi-reclining seats that are arranged to provide everyone with a panoramic view overhead. The presentations, which change every six months, are digitally projected onto a large, dome ceiling above the audience and accompanied by music, sound-effects and narration.
Evening and Sunday shows are intended for all ages, but sometimes depart from astronomy and delve into other areas of science that can be exciting on the large, overhead screen. The latest feature is "Microcosms," a film that shrinks the audience down to the size of a grain of sand and ventures into the human body to fight off an infectious virus.