Ixil Language and Cultural Interpretation
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Cultural interpretation: making history accessible.

Mayan Weaving Classes and Demonstrations

Cloth shirt (called a huipil) woven by Ixil interpreter Sheba Velasco.
I demonstrate traditional Mayan back strap weaving techniques, model traditional Mayan clothing, and conduct workshops on the construction of textile weavings and baskets with students, teachers, and the general public.  I target my presentation to different age groups and backgrounds to engage my audience.

Read a description of one of my weaving demonstrations at the New York Guild of Handweavers here.

Mayan History Lectures

Ixil interpreter Sheba Velasco surrounded by children during a class on Mayan culture.
I present slide lectures on the history, art, and cultures of the Maya of Central America and demonstrate Mayan story-telling.  My presentations can be specialized for school groups, university settings, museums, civic organizations, and other interested parties.   
I also give special lectures illustrated with slides and video to senior citizen groups focused on the place of the elders in Guatemalan Mayan society.

See my lessons for grades 6-8 on Mayan and Guatemalan history, culture, geography, and society here.  Read a traditional Mayan story here.

Mayan Cooking Classes

Ixil interpreter Sheba Velasco makes tamales during a Mayan cooking demonstration.
I conduct a cooking presentation on traditional Mayan food preparation.  

I also teach hands-on cooking classes, including recipes for ooben (black bean tamales), eetch (tomato, habanero and jalapeno salsa), tall-a-kach (chicken vegetable soup), and dulce de camote (candied sweet potatoes).

Read a description of one of my cooking classes and recipes here.

My recipes were featured in a popular Latin American cookbook: Spirit of the Earth: Native Cooking from Latin America.



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