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Museum of Sculpture

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Jose Kevo
Jose Kevo
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
4
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Museum of Sculpture

  • January 24, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Jose Kevo from Middle-of-Nowhere, Missouri
Museum of Sculpture

Outdated information suggests that while the Museum of Sculpture could and should be a highlight, the facility had fallen into disrepair. Swallowed into a lower-level, where main entry is through open mouth of a serpent, darkened stone corridor is a copy of passages that once connected Copán temples. Initial assessments fed into negative reviews until blinded by vibrant light at end of the tunnel!

The museum evolves around an open-air courtyard containing a model of Rosalia Temple. Bathed in sunlight, this colorful reproduction was absolutely radiating in its spotlight as the inescapable center of attention. It’s hard to fathom what Mayan cities must have looked like swaddled in these luminous shades. If the temple perspectives don’t paint the picture, surely nothing will!

While I didn’t pay extra to tour parts of the original temple, this re-creation helped to grasp past significance. Rosalia was completed in 571AD, and was preserved intact below what is now labeled Structure 16. Museum patrons can step into a small side room; the temple is best marveled from afar.

Groupings within the pair of viewing levels probably have some significance, but by this point were all just more ruin relics. With that said, nothing deserved any less of a close inspection than the other. While numerous replicas are scattered about the park, these were the original artifacts that didn’t look a day over 1000-years old!

The height of Copán civilization was 250-800AD, and most of the museum’s pieces come from this "Classic Period". The intricately detailed carvings and statues were beyond impressive, and confirm why this sect was the esteemed of Mayan culture when it comes to skilled craftsmen and artisians. Nothing was too insignificant for embellishments; even the outer portions of stone slabs which served as nothing more than bedframes.

Entire facades of structures and buildings have been pieced back together thanks to on-going excavations. The abundance of stone skulls ties into the region’s beliefs still celebrated through Día de los Muertos; something largely attributed to the Aztecs though some of these findings pre-date this civilization.

-- If you arrive later in the day or don’t intend to rigorously explore the park, I recommend coming to the museum first. Otherwise, expect appreciation levels to be diminished from mental overload from all that’s processed within actual ruins.

-- While walking around the ruins, take note of the stelae and structures which are denoted as replicas. The originals, such as Altar Q, are part of the museum collection. While the copies look authentic, there was something soul-stirring about knowing these were the age-old masterpieces.

-- Numerous displays were "in the works" as new finds continue to be unearthed. Quality of this museum should only increase with time.

-- Admission is an additional $7/133Lps from park entrance fees, and certainly worth it. The pair of display levels are connected by ramps, making the entire facility handicap accessible.

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From journal Puzzled in the Valley of Deference

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