Form of social, political and ideological expression of one of the most developed pre-Columbian peoples. For over 2,000 years, the Mayans used various materials and techniques in their constructions. As a consequence, the sculpture of these peoples followed the architectural development and reached a degree of sophistication not found among the other peoples of America. Mayan architecture has a ceremonial character, which led to the emergence of sumptuous structures. The great platforms were made of stone. The walls are made of beaten earth and then covered with carved stone or mortar. The ceilings were in the form of a false vault. The exteriors of palaces and pyramids featured carvings in their decorations.
In what remains of Mayan cities, archaeologists have found traces of astronomical observatories — the most important of which is El caracol, in the city of Chichén Itzá — recreation squares, spaces for ball games and a well-designed urban infrastructure. In the sculptures, in a naturalist style, attention is drawn to the profusion of elements that harmonize with a surprising sense of proportion. The serpent is the most common representation found in ruins of palaces, stadiums and pyramids.
Mayan art has its roots in the Olmec culture (1200-400 BC) and later received influences from the art of Teotihuacán and Tula.
Mayan Civilization
Take the opportunity to check out our video lesson related to the subject: