Mayan culture has survived since 2000 BC and represents a one-of-a-kind combination of ancient beliefs mixed with Spanish-imposed Catholicism and other cultural influences. If we are to truly appreciate this culture, we must understand each of these elements, how they come together, and how they are presented to the world. Through their art, the Maya have repeatedly told their story, and historians have continuously studied it. Looking at ancient artifacts, scholars have deciphered many secrets of the Maya's past-but what of their more contemporary pieces? What stories do they tell? Objects of the Mayan Spirit - Religious Folk Art takes a closer look at contemporary Mayan objects and goes beyond the surface to interpret them in terms of their anthropological meaning. More than a list of simple descriptions, it analyzes objects such as masks and santos and links them to their pre-Columbian roots, exploring the ways these modern items tell the same stories as ancient artifacts. The large, vivid photos, maps, and other images in this informative and insightful book are sure to capture your attention, and the text may very well challenge some of your convictions. Art lovers, historians, and students of religion or culture will benefit from reading, and undoubtedly discover that "knowing" and "believing" really is "seeing."