How to Draw a Mayan Calendar
The Mayans had a sophisticated view of science and mathematics, as we can see in their elaborate calendar. Although they came to prominence in the third century, the Mayans were able to keep tract of seasonal changes related to agriculture. The “Haab” calendar is most closely related to our own since it is based on an astronomical year of 365 days. Other Mayan calendars include the “Tzolkin” or ritual calendar and the “Long Count,” which ends with the date December 21, 2012. When the Haab calendar is used in conjunction with the Tzolkin calendar, the result is called a “Calendar Round.”
Things You'll Need
- Compass
- Protractor
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Colored pencils or markers
- Large posterboard
- scissors
- Computer and/or library resources
Instructions
-
-
1
Research the Mayan Haab calendar online or in books at the library. You will notice that there are 19 glyphs (pictures representing each of the 19 months of the calendar). Glyphs include pop, the symbol of community; frog, related to physicians and shamans; zip, honoring the god of hunting; and zotz, related to bee keepers. Research on glyphs continues today. Make a list of the 19 glyphs, and the icon or picture you will use to represent each month.
-
2
Use a compass or template to cut a large circle out of posterboard. Using a protractor, divide the circle into 19 sections.
Draw a concentric, smaller circle inside the outer perimeter. This will leave the center of your calendar empty, since the glyphs are placed around the outer edge.
-
-
3
Place a glyph in each of the 19 sections of the calendar. You may want to put a small key at the bottom, listing the glyphs included, their names and the elements associated with each glyph.
Plan an illustration for the center of your calendar related to the Mayans, such as a Mayan in authentic dress.When you are satisfied with the result, use colored pencils or markers to make your calendar vivid.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The more careful and detailed your research, the more authentic the Mayan calendar will be.
Remember to use a pencil first to prevent mistakes. Use color only when you are satisfied with your calendar.
Bear in mind that this is the Mayab Haab calendar that closely corresponds to our own. Making a Mayan calendar that combines all three calendars is extremely complicated.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
