[Aztlan] Maya Society of MN 30th anniversary banquet

[vlhenn]

SATURDAY, October 18, 2008
Maya Society 30th Anniversary Banquet and Keynote Lecture
5:30-9:00 p.m., Kay Fredericks Room, Klas Center, Hamline University

* 5:30-6:30 Gala reception with jazz trio Eponymy playing Latin 
favorites, a silent auction of books on the Maya and other collectibles, 
and a display of Maya textiles.
* 6:30-7:30 Dinner featuring Yucatecan chicken and rice or Mexican 
stuffed peppers (vegetarian entree), black bean salad, beverages and 
dessert.
* 7:30-9:00 Presentation of Puleston Memorial Award and Keynote Lecture.
* Banquet Tickets are $25 per person; reservations must be received by 
October 15.

30th Anniversary Keynote Lecture – Unearthing the Lost Kingdom of 
Cancuen: Challenging the Ancient Mysteries and Modern Oppression of the 
Maya.
Dr. Arthur Demarest, Department of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Demarest will describe the explorations and discoveries of the 
Vanderbilt Cancuen Archaeological Expeditions, which he has directed in 
Guatemala with an international team of scholars. He will detail how the 
Cancuen project has discovered “lost cities,” sprawling royal palaces, 
hieroglyphic monuments, and royal tombs, as well as workshops and 
caverns rich in jade and other precious goods. The more scientific 
programs of this research are revealing the unusual nature of the 
eighth-century Classic Maya kingdom of Cancuen and its control of wealth 
and power through trade and alliance. He will also discuss the AD 800 
sudden violent collapse and royal mass assassination that has recently 
been covered in National Geographic articles and films. In addition, Dr. 
Demarest will briefly describe the Cancuen Indigenous Community 
Development Project, a long-term program of humanitarian work and 
development. This program has directly engaged the archaeologists in the 
lives of the Q’eqchi’ Maya of today, as they battle (sometimes 
literally!) looting, drug-trafficking, and political oppression.

For more information, contact Professor Skip Messenger, (952-475-9149, 
smessenger at hamline.edu <mailto:smessenger at hamline.edu>). 
http://www.hamline.edu/mayasociety

Founded in 1978, the Maya Society of Minnesota supports the study and 
appreciation
of the ancient and modern Maya and other cultures of Mesoamerica. The 
Maya Society sponsors a yearly lecture and workshop series which brings 
scholars of the Maya, both well-known names and emerging researchers, to 
the Twin Cities for lectures on archaeology, art, culture, and current 
events. Led by a volunteer board of directors, the Maya Society is a 
not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization made up of scholars, educators, 
museum professionals, travelers, and anyone interested in learning about 
other cultures. The Society co-sponsors events with Hamline University 
and other educational and cultural institutions and organizations.

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VerLaine Henn
738 Fry St., Apt #2
St. Paul, MN 55104
c) 612-940-9889
w) 651-645-0343