The
Centre operates
as a small cultural and educational centre dedicated to the Maya
of Guatemala. We run a varied programme of topical films and lectures
to compliment the free exhibitions and there are more specialised
facilities for students and academics: the textile collection
(showing the development of Guatemalan Maya costume from the turn
of the century to the present day) is one of the largest of its
kind with 7000 textiles. We also house a reference library of
over 2000 books and 100 videos which cover all aspects of Guatemala
and the Maya. The majority of floorspace is dedicated to colourful
tableaux showing daily life and dress from Maya Indian villages
of highland Guatemala. The textiles on exhibit are drawn from
the Centre's collection and display a range of techniques including
ikat, embroidery, tapestry and brocading. The exhibitions change
annually. The Centre was founded in 1990 by Krystyna Deuss, author
of "Indian Costumes from Guatemala", who spends 5 months
each year in Guatemala continuing her research into the customs
of the Highland Maya. Jamie Marshall, curator of the Centre's
collections, is in the process of documenting the textiles.
Admission is FREE. Access to the study
resources is subject to subscription (£5/year)
