Singapore, National Museum - Exhibits of Historical Artefacts from Maya Civilisation

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I've always been interested in ancient civilisations and human history. Amongst these civilisations is the Maya civilisation of the Americas. 

Maya civilisation developed over several defined periods in history dating from around 8000 BC at its earliest to the year 1697 when the last Mayan city fell to the Spanish following a military assault on the Itza capital of Nojpeten.

In today's context, Maya civilisation covered areas from southeastern Mexico to western Honduras and El Salvador. It also encompassed all areas that are the countries of Belize and Guatemala of today.

Budget and time meant that a trip to the Americas to see the excavations and sites of Maya civilisation is not feasible for me. Thus, the most convenient way that I can get to see historical artefacts of any ancient civilisations is by visiting museums. 

During one of my trips to Singapore's National Museum in April 2016, there was an exhibition on ancient civilisations. A selection of artefacts from these civilisations were loaned from the British Museum and exhibited for a limited time. These included artefacts from the Maya civilisation along with descriptions of each artefact that were on display. I only took a few photographs of some of the artefacts because lightning conditions in the display stands meant that I could not get good pictures without additional illuminations. I never resort to the use of flash in my photography takings, especially on museum exhibits and arts pieces.

Finding whatever angles that best illuminate the exhibits, based on the given lighting in the exhibition halls, I took photos of some of the exhibits with my mobile phone with its flash function switched off. As for the rest of the exhibits, these were committed to my memory for which most had admittedly faded over time. Here are two photographs of artefacts from the Maya civilisation that I took during the exhibition. 

Lintel found in modern day Mexico showing the Maya ruler Bird Jaguar IV (ruled AD 752-768). He is seen preparing for battle, wearing military costume and a headdress with a rain-god mask. One of his wives is presenting him with a spear. National Museum, Singapore (2016)

Portrait Head found in modern day Honduras showing a portrait of K'inich Yax K'uk Mo' (a.k.a. Great Sun First Quetzal Macaw), the founding ancestor of the Maya city of Copan. The google-like devices over his eyes suggest connections with the Mexican city of Teotihuacan, where similar imagery is found. This portrait was carved around AD 776, some 350 years after the death of K'inich Yax K'uk Mo'. National Museum, Singapore (2016)

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