Colonial and Modern Adaptations of the Popol Vuh
Presenter(s)
Isabella Ventura
Department(s)
Global Languages & Literatures
Program(s)/Keywords
Indigenous resilience, cultural preservation, colonization, Maya mythology
Abstract or Description
This presentation explores the historical, cultural, and religious significance of the Popol Vuh, the sacred creation story of the Kʼicheʼ Maya in Guatemala. It examines how the text was hidden, adapted, and preserved during and after Spanish colonization, particularly in the face of efforts to suppress Indigenous beliefs. The presentation highlights the contrast between how the Popol Vuh was treated compared to texts like the Bible, and it reflects on the ways in which it continues to be a powerful symbol of resilience and cultural identity. Today, the Popol Vuh holds deep meaning in Guatemala, where it is not only a literary work, but also a living expression of ancestral knowledge, spiritual connection to the land, and Indigenous pride.
Mentor
Jose Lara