The Mayans

The Mayan face, the Mayan smile, the Mayan huipils and the Mayan life and beliefs have inspired my work since my arrival in Mexico and Guatemala. We live today near the end of Mayan times. Life of the Maya revolved around time and the readings of the sacred calendar. We approach the end of the last fifth 5,125 cycle which takes place on the solstice of Cecember 21, 2012 when a new cycle begins. On this date the sun will be aligned with the centre of The Milky Way for the first time in 26,000 years.

The Mayan civilization was one of the greatest in the world. Classic Mayan culture flourished from the 3rd to the 9th centurey in Meso America in M exico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Ruins of great cities and pyramids and the mystery of the collapse of the Mayan empire remain.

Yet the Mayan people retain their traditions and beliefs and many Mayan languages are still spoken. Today, 50% of the population of Guatemala are descendants of the ancient Mayas and the population is vital and thriving. To be in the midst of the markets, the tianguis, is one of my favorite things, a sense of being a part of something ancient and true. And I feature this in my show opening February 11, 2010- The women weave and wear the huipil, a blouse whose fabric is woven on a back strap loom. The huipil displays the religion and tribal affiliation of each woman as well as her social and marital status and her personality. The Hupil can be seen in carvings on ancient ruins, it has survived, the collapse of the Mayan empire, Spanish and foreign rule. As a form of art, it hasa withsood the test of time and remains an object of beauty.

Come see my show at my studio, Cuauhtemoc 635, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, opening Feb. 11 from 7 to 9 and the show continues throughout the m onth. Kybas studio is open to visitors weekdays from 11 to 4 and by appointment, call 222 4238