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For thousands of years, a variety of distinctive yet interconnected cultures thrived in what is known today as Mexico and Central America. These cultures left behind a legacy of richly carved monuments and elaborate architecture.

Above: Figure of Dancing Man, Mexico, 300-800 CE, 61-1-2

Discover key intellectual developments in this region, including the origins of urbanism, political hierarchies, organized religions, and writing. Divided into seven regional and cultural sections, it stretches geographically from Mexico to the isthmus of Panama. With four towering Maya monuments—the most in any U.S. museum—come face to face with divine kings while learning about the representations of ballgame equipment from the Gulf Coast as the oldest sport in the world. See powerful Aztec sculptures as testaments to a once-great empire, while Olmec pieces made 2,000 years earlier reflect the beginning of a religious revolution that deified maize. Marvel at many ancient artifacts while exploring the traditions of Maya people living today.

What's On View
Metate for corn grinding. A Chama polychrome vase. A gold plaque.

This metate (grinding stone) from Honduras was carved from a single block of volcanic rock and decorated with the head of a serpent. NA11872

A masterful example of Maya painting on ceramics, this vase shows a warrior lord in black body paint accompanied by hieroglyphs giving his name. 38-14-1

This solid gold disk, embossed with the image of a fierce but enigmatic deity, was worn on the chest of a lord from ancient Panama. 40-13-3

View all objects on display in this gallery.

The excavation of Piedras Negras and Stela 14

Stela 14 was one of 40 limestone monuments that originally stood at the site of Piedras Negras, Guatemala. Senior Archivist Alex Pezzati shares more about the excavation and how this and other stelae from Piedras Negras played a key role in the decipherment of Maya history.

Archival photo of an archaeological dig in Central America.

Oct. 15, 2024

Category: Research

The Paper Trails of Archaeological Labor

Throughout the 20th century, American archaeologists announced a mesmerizing series of major discoveries in Central America. Looking back at the archives, a common theme appears: The archaeologists listened to local knowledge and relied on local labor.

John Leguizamo hosting the show VOICES American Historia.

PBS: Actor John Leguizamo Explores “Untold History of Latinos”

In the first episode of VOICES American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos, actor John Leguizamo visits the Penn Museum to meet with Dr. Simon Martin, Curator of the Mexico and Central America Gallery, to discuss the innovations of the Aztec people.

Dig Deeper

Home to more than one million artifacts, the Penn Museum explores human history across 10,000 years. Only a small fraction are on display in the galleries. Explore the rest of the collection online.

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