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ABOUT US: The Centre was founded in 1990 by Krystyna Deuss, anthropologist, textile collector and author of “COFRADÍAS: Customs and Costumes among the Guatemalan Maya”, “Indian Costumes from Guatemala” and “Shamans, Witches and Maya Priests”. For the last 40 years Deuss has spent each winter in Guatemala continuing her research into various aspects of Highland Maya culture.

The objective of the Centre was to raise awareness of the Maya culture of Guatemala and the problems that Maya Indians confront. Although the Centre closed its exhibition galleries and craft shop in 2009, students and academics can access our textiles and reference library on an appointment basis. Please email curator@maya.org.uk to arrange access.

Please Note: Although our library has a selection of travel-related literature, the Centre does not provide tourist information. Mexicolore (info@mexicolore.co.ukhave materials for schools on both Maya and Aztec cultures


PUBLICATIONS:

At the moment, payments can only be made via a cheque, direct bank transfer or PayPal. Please contact us via e-mail curator@maya.org.uk for details.

Indian Costumes From Guatemala

(Exhibition Catalogue) 

by Krystyna Deuss © 1990

An excellent introduction to the culture and costumes of the Maya with historical data, as well as mention of recent political upheavals . Especially good for students interested in design. 

Paperback. 72 pages with 80 photographs & 40+ illustrations.

Currently Sold out.


Shamans, Witches, and Maya Priests : Native Religion & Ritual in Highland Guatemala

by Krystyna Deuss © 2007

Shamans, Witches, and Maya Priests is a study of the “old ways” that still prevail in the Q’anjob’al, Akatek, and Chuj communities of the remote northwestern Cuchumatán mountains.  Deuss paints a vivid picture of the traditional rites and rituals she witnessed over a period of 15 years.

These include blood sacrifices for the good of the community and private shamanic rituals as well as black magic. Deuss has also included a selection of the prayers she recorded. 

334 pages, 8.5″x11″ (210mm x 280mm) paperback. 102 black&white photographs, 43 diagrams, 9 tables, 4 maps, and appendices of prayer translations and comparative Day Lord attributes from the 5 communities. Weight: 1.350kg

The Centre sells at £10.00 plus P&P:

  • Within the UK Royal Mail Signed For 2nd Class £5.50
  • Europe Royal Mail International Tracked Small Parcel  £14.00
  • International Tracked Small Parcel to USA – £30

COFRADÍAS :  Customs and Costumes among the Guatemalan Maya

by Krystyna Deuss © 2018

A description of cofradía religious rituals from the 1980s to the present in 28 highland communities. Each chapter is illustrated with colour photos of processions and ceremonial textiles.

192 pages, 8.75″x11.25″ (286mm x 222mm) paperback. 253 colour photographs, 7 diagrams & 1 map. Weight: 750g

The Centre sells at £25.00 plus P&P:

  • Within the UK Royal Mail Signed For 2nd Class £5.00
  • Europe Royal Mail International Tracked & Signed £12.00
  • Internationally Tracked & Signed Large Letter to USA – £16

SUSPECT YARNS:  Fake weavings from Guatemala

by Krystyna Deuss © 2023

An exposé of scams perpetrated by textile dealers in Guatemala. Thirty-one colour photographs show fakes beside genuine antique weavings. Handy tips are given on how to avoid being fooled.37 pages, 8″x 10″ (203mm x 254mm) paperback booklet with 31 textile photographs.

Amazon sells  £7.23 plus P&P.


GHEREH
  • A Century of Change in Maya Costumes – Looking at the Maudslay Collection of 19th century Guatemalan textiles & the evolution of costume styles. Read article HERE