Curated OER
A Maya Masterpiece
Students analyze the symbols presented in a Maya artifact. They create collages that depict a theme related to contemporary life in their community, and write brief analyses explaining the symbolism of the images they chose.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Common Visions, Common Voices
This lesson plan gives students a chance to explore the art and literature of Indians, Africans, Mayans, and Native Americans. Provides plenty of links to photo examples, and lesson extension ideas.
Other
Arte Maya Tz'utuhil
This web-site, available in both Spanish and English, is based on the presentation of contemporary Mayan artists of Guatemala. With information and images this is a great contemporary Mayan art resource.
Yale University
Yale the Maya Culture of Mesoamerica
This lesson unit on Mayan culture focuses on Mayan art. It can be adapted to various grades and features classroom activities, student resources, a bibliography, and the like.
The British Museum
British Museum: Explore World Cultures: Maya
Learn about the art of the ancient Maya of central America and the Yucatan penincula in this overview and image gallery with individual artwork descriptions.
Other
Dumbarton Oaks Museum: Pre Columbian Collection
Browse the museum's collection of pre-Columbian art by culture (e.g., Inca, Aztec, May, Olmec) or by medium.
California State University
Hux 576 Key Periods and Movements, Art: Ancient Maya
Mayan art is mixed in with general information in this two-page article.
Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: The Influence of Mesoamerica on Mexican Art
A unit on Mexican art, Frida Kahlo, Native Civilizations in Mesoamerica, and Mayan culture. The site includes lesson plans, bibliographies, and much more.
Other
Mc Clung Museum: Maya: Portraits of a People
Gives a short but concise summary of the Mayan civilization along with a timeline and pictures. Can serve as a good introduction to the Mayans. Map of the region is also available.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Maya: The Yaxchilan Lintels
Yaxchilan was a significant Maya center during the Classic period and a number of its buildings stand to this day. The carved stone lintels above their doorways, commissioned by the rulers of the city, provide a lengthy dynastic record...
Library of Congress
Loc: Tortuguero Box
With the help of computer technology you can virtually explore this wooden box artifact from all sides. Also see a gallery of other Mayan art.