30th Annual Maya Weekend
Friday, May 4 through Sunday, May 6, 2012
Maya 2012: Lords of Time
For the past quarter century, international scholars, Maya enthusiasts, artists, linguists, archaeologists and others have joined together for a lively weekend of engaging talks and programs centering around the Maya world. During the weekend, numerous other lectures and language workshops provide opportunities for attendees to learn about Maya culture and current archaeological work at Maya sites. Participants can expect a rich intellectual experience—and activity choices—as the weekend provides diverse opportunities for engagement.
This year's 30th Maya Weekend is held in conjunction with the exhibition Maya 2012: Lords of Time.
As always, the weekend combines illustrated talks by world renowned scholars with interactive hieroglyphic workshops for beginners and more advanced glyph readers.
Register online today or you can download and print the registration form and email the completed form to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Maya Weekend Schedule
Friday, May 4
3:00–6:00 pm
Special Exhibition Preview
Dietrich Gallery and Kintner Gallery
Join exhibition curators Loa Traxler and Simon Martin for a special preview of the new exhibition, MAYA 2012: Lords of Time. MAYA 2012: Lords of Time opens to the public on May 5. After May 4, timed tickets must be purchased for admission to the exhibition.
6:00–8:00 pm
Special Welcome Reception
Egypt (Sphinx)
Renew acquaintances and meet new friends. The Welcome Reception will include passed hors d’oeuvres such as Shredded Pork Empandas, Tuna Ceviche, Coconut Shrimp, and Spicy Beef Skewers. Wine and assorted Mexican beers will be available at a cash bar.
Saturday, May 5
8:00 am
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Kress Entrance and Group Dining
Juice, coffee, breakfast pastries, and breads will be served in the lounge adjacent to the Kress Entrance.
9:00 am
Welcome, 30th Anniversary Comments and Lecture 1
Rainey Auditorium
10:00 am
Ribbon Cutting for MAYA 2012 — Exhibition Opening Warden Entrance (Main Entrance)
10:30 am
Coffee Break
Group Dining
11:00 am–12:15 pm
Lectures 2 & 3
12:15–1:15 pm
Lunch Break
Egypt (Sphinx)
Sandwich, salad, and dessert buffet
1:00–3:00 pm
Afternoon Workshops
Classroom 2 (1st floor)
Continuous Threads of the Maya Weaver by Yolanda Alcorta and Angelica Lopez, Maya Mam, Friends of the Ixchel Museum
Nevil Classroom (2nd floor)
Taming the Maya Calendar by Elin Danien, Penn Museum
1:15– 2:30 pm
Lectures 4 & 5
3:00 pm
Maya 2012 Opening Weekend Public Programs
5:00 pm
Reception
Egypt (Mummies)
Light refreshments including Margaritas
6:30 pm
Banquet
Egypt (Sphinx)
Three-course dinner inspired by Mesoamerican cuisine, including wine and beer. After a special presentation to commemorate the 30th year of Maya Weekend, Dr. Anthony Aveni of Colgate University will speak on the subject: Maya Apocalypse Soon?
Sunday, May 6
8:00 am
Continental Breakfast
Group Dining
9:00–10:15 am
Lectures 6 & 7
10:15–10:45 am
Coffee Break
Group Dining
10:45 am–12:00 pm
Lectures 8 & 9
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch Break
Egypt (Sphinx)
Sandwich, salad, and dessert buffet
1:00–2:30 pm
Lectures 10 & 11
1–3 pm
Afternoon Workshops
Classroom 2 (1st floor)
Metaphors of Time: The Language of Highland Maya Calendrics Frauke Sasche, University of Bonn
Nevil Classroom (2nd floor): Mathematics and the Maya Christopher Jones, Penn Museum
3:00 pm
Maya 2012 Opening Weekend Public Programs
3:30 pm
Despedida
Egypt (Sphinx)
Refreshments, conversation, and a fond farewell until next year!
Lectures
1. The Structures and Symmetries of Maya Time
David Stuart, University of Texas at Austin
2. Keeping Time in the Maya Highlands: Evidence from the Preclassic
Barbara Arroyo, Kaminaljuyu Archaeological Zone, Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes
3. Stars and Scholars in the Archaeology of Copan, Honduras
Ricardo Agurcia, Asociación Copán
4. Ancient Maya Gods: Epigraphic and Comparative Perspectives
Marc Zender, Tulane University
5. The History of the 2012 Phenomenon
John W. Hoopes, University of Kansas
6. Encounters with the Lords of Time: Penn Museum Archaeologists and Ancient Maya Kings
Loa Traxler, Penn Museum
7. Contemporary Maya Communities and the Politics of Cultural Heritage
Cristina Coc, Maya Leaders Alliance, Punta Gorda, Belize
8. Postclassic Maya Cycles of Apocalypse, Tenacity, and Recovery in Yucatan
Marilyn A. Masson, The University at Albany - SUNY
9. The True Maya Apocalypse
Simon Martin, Penn Museum
10. From the 9th to the 13th Bak’tun in Copan: Celebrations in the Past and Present
William L. Fash, Jr. and Barbara W. Fash, Harvard University
11. Continuities and Change in Maya Weaving Traditions
Barbara Knoke de Arathoon, Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena and Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City
Banquet Speaker
Colgate University—Maya Apocalypse Soon?
Anthony F. Aveni
Workshops
Friends of the Ixchel Museum—Continuous Threads of the Maya Weaver
Yolanda Alcorta and Angelica Lopez, Maya Mam
Penn Museum—Taming the Maya Calendar
Elin Danien
Penn Museum—Mathematics and the Maya
Christopher Jones
University of Bonn—Metaphors of Time: The Language of Highland Maya Calendrics
Frauke Sachse
Hotel Information
The following are suggested hotels for Maya Weekend attendees. Be sure to call ahead early, as hotels book quickly with special events in Philadelphia.
In University City
The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel (.5 mile)
3121 West Penn Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-0200 direct
(800) HILTONS reservations
Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel (.4 mile)
3549 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-8000 direct
(888) 627-7071 reservations
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In Center City
Embassy Suites Philadelphia Center City (1.7 miles)
1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 561-1776 direct
(800) 445-8667 reservations
Hotel Palomar Philadelphia (1.4 miles)
117 South 17 Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-5006
