Linnea WrenEmeriti

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For over thirty years, I have been studying Maya art, architecture and hieroglyphs. My fascination with the pre-Columbian cultures of Mesoamerica started when I was a high school student. By chance, a book by a 16th century missionary to Mexico fell into my hands. The account described the religion, customs and ceremonies of the Aztec people as well as the Spanish conquest of Mexico. I was so intrigued that I was soon reading about other peoples of Mesoamerica, including the Maya. I was lucky enough to go to a university that encouraged me, and I was soon studying Maya archaeology, art and hieroglyphs. This study was given added interest by additional studies about modern Maya peoples.

Since my student years, I have been involved in many areas of pre-Columbian study. I have worked in museums in Mexico and have designed exhibitions about pre-Conquest cultures. I have worked at archaeological sites in Yucatan, Quintana Roo and the Peten and have made documentary drawings of Maya sculpture. Today, I continue to study the ancient Maya. At the same time, I am currently researching the 19th century peasant revolt in Mexico that resulted in an independent Maya state that was part of a global economy at the same time that it was resisting Mexican nationalism and indigenous repression.

As a college professor, I enjoy the opportunities to combine my teaching and research. I also enjoy the ways that I can encourage student research and engagement. My senior seminar has commissioned original art works from regional artists for Christ Chapel. Students have curated independent exhibitions dealing with many subjects, including the impact of AIDS in the US and in Africa. Students have designed original posters on issues that are important in our local communities and in our nation. Students have presented at conferences, published and had their own impact both in the college and in the outside world.

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