Part II 

Following  the footsteps of the Maya World at Knórosov Center

Interview with Rogelio Valencia Rivera, Academic Director at Knórosov Center

After a brief tour at the Knorosov Center we stoped at the Library. A collection of books and research on  Mayan deciphering will be opened to the public soon.

The Xcaret compendium of Maya hieroglyphic deciphered by Yuri Knorosov

“Understanding the Mayas is not only a matter of reading what they wrote” a second voice responds. We are ready for the second interview with Rogelio Valencia, Academic Director of  Knórosov Center.

How did your get interested  in the Mayan culture?

It was love at first sight. I wanted to be an archaeologist when I was a child, but my parents discouraged me. I went to the British Museum and assisted a Congress on Mayan studies and epigraphy (…) I left my PhD and changed it for one in Anthropology.

Which is the most beautiful experience you remember?

The work I do in Calakmul,  an archaeological site in Campeche. I have  the opportunity to see amazing things over there. I work as one  of the epigraphers of the team. I make a photographic record of the monuments and then make drawings and interpretation, along with iconography.

In addition to his career, Rogelio carries out research at  Knórosov Center. His work includes information analysis and interpretation as part of the Center’s mission to integrate interdisciplinary group of researchers specializing in Mayan epigraphy through the Knórosov method.

What do you think is the greatest legacy of the Mayas?

The writing system, very innovative in its style and a very particular way of understanding the world. The record we have of the Prehispanic period is limited,  we only  hear the voice of the Mighty. But, for that reason we need archeology, to seek a coherent explanation for everything we see as a cultural material record.

How do you think the Mayans really perceived the theme of 2012?

As a renewal effort. It doesn’t mean we will do it the same way. The date of the creation is important, but that has already happened. Remember that myths are the history of their time. The only evidence that speaks of 2012 is in the archaeological site of “Tortuguero“. If it was really important we would see it everywhere. Never in the mind of the Mayas was the possibility that the world  would come to an end.

Rogelio recommended us to never fall into misconceptions. As Mexican it is important to lead these issues with a sense of responsibility and expertise including reading and studying texts via web. Also, there are several of research Centers and Universities specialized in the Mayas.

We recommend the following link to begin your study: Breaking The Maya Code: A fascinating world of writing

We also invite you to follow the activities of Knorosov Center through its Facebook page and read Part I of this interview: Knorosov Center at Xcaret, a great project for the Study of Language and Mayan Epigraphy

Contact: knorosov@knorosov.org.mx

…

Interview by: Arianna Bañuelos Zetina, Social Media Analyst at Experience Xcaret

Photo: Leonel Partido, Public Relations Executive Online at Experience Xcaret

Part I 

Knorosov Center at Xcaret, a great project for the Study of Language and Mayan Epigraphy

Interview with Paola Martin Lopez. General Manager at Knorosov Center (Centro Knórosov)

A lot has been written about Mayan history. Today, everyone seems to be an expert. However, there are different opinions about this topic: Is it possible that a scientific project aims to study history and Mayan culture in Mexico?

The answer is yes. I could not believe there was a center in Xcaret Park with open doors to the public. Mayan language will be studied with an interdisciplinary team that includes the participation of Mexican scientists. This is an achievement for our country and the analysis of our history.

With optimism, Paola Martín Lopez, General Manager of Knorosov Center gave us an interview:

Who came up with the idea of Knorosov Center?

“It came from Marcos Constandse and the knowledge he had from Yuri Knorosov, the epigrapher who deciphered the mayan code. This idea came while he was still alive. After ten years, the idea materialized with one of his disciples, Dr. Galina Ershova (Director of Knorosov Center). Architect Miguel Quintana (General Director of Xcaret) made this dream come true with the support of “Universidad Veracruzana” and the “University of Sciences of Russia”.

Prior to Yuri Knorosov, how is it possible to explain that no other Mexican has been interested in the Maya deciphering code?

Yuri Knorosov, a serious-faced figure stands at the Knorosov Center at Xcaret. Having fought in the armed forces during World War II, he graduated from Moscow State University and became interested in Mayan glyphs.

Paola Martín answers: “Our job is to awaken a worldwide interest. I had no idea about many things until I came here. Now I am very sad because we have an acceptable level of preparation, but indeed, people have no idea. From primary, secondary school, we should have learned  Pre-Hispanic history”.

What is Center Knorosov’s  long term vision?

“In three years we have to be economically self-sufficient, but projects are underway. Actually, we are supporting a major project in the archaeological site of  Tortuguero Macuspana, the “Universidad Veracruzana” provides us with two researchers, the University of Sciences of Russia provides four researchers. There are plans to bring more”.

One of the biggest challenges, Paola told us, is to make Mexicans aware of these topics. “To reach that, you have to do a lot of work at home” Knorosov Center has scheduled several research projects with the participation of Mexican scientists, the study of Mesoamerican epigraphy and hieroglyphic texts desciphered by the Knorosov method since it opened its doors in December of 2010.

To be continued …

Language Studies and Mayan Epigraphy at Knorosov Center, Xcaret.

…

Interview by: Arianna Bañuelos Zetina, Social Media Analyst at Experiencias Xcaret

Photo: Leonel Jesus Partido Priego, Public Relations Online Executive at Experiencias Xcaret