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A Family’s Journey into the Secrets of Maya Art

Featured Image: The John children at Trousers Point on Flinders Island, Tasmania, recreating the burials at Lamanai, an ancient Maya site in Belize. Source: Courtesy of Jennifer and Alexander John
By CeciliaBogaard - September, 23 2024

Watching Encounters at the End of the World, Werner Herzog's 2007 documentary about scientists living and studying in Antarctica's harsh climate, was one of the most enjoyable cinematic experiences I’ve had to date. If I share any trait with arguably one of the greatest film directors, it’s my fascination with unique, offbeat individuals driven by passion and living outside the boundaries of convention. In this interview, I delve into the lives of two such remarkable people.

For more than two decades, art historian Jennifer John and her husband, Alexander, have pursued a common devotion for Maya art. Now based on Flinders Island, Tasmania, where Alexander practices as a medical doctor, in 2018 the couple published The Maya Gods of Time, a groundbreaking work in which they offered a fresh interpretation of Maya artworks. Their self-funded research led to the discovery of a novel and, to some, controversial way to view these ancient masterpieces, uncovering the presence of animations hidden within the imagery.

Their story began in the early 2000s in London, where both were studying at university—Jennifer immersed in a Ph.D. focused on Mesoamerican ceramics. Captivated by her drive and expertise, Alexander soon followed her to Belize, where she spent her field seasons excavating at Lamanai, one of the largest and most continuously occupied Maya archaeological sites. It wasn’t long before Alexander, too, was drawn into the world of Maya art, contributing by sketching and assembling ancient ceramics unearthed at the site.

Maya ruins at Lamanai in Belize

Maya ruins at Lamanai in Belize. wollertz / Adobe Stock

After Alexander completed his medical studies, the couple made the bold decision to move to Australia, spending years on some of its most isolated islands, including Norfolk Island and King Island, before ultimately settling on Flinders Island. Over the years, Jennifer's desire to delve deeper into Maya art gradually became a shared family obsession, and together they have explored countless sites across Mesoamerica.

Working on the literal edge of the world, the pair has dedicated their lives to decoding the intricate symbolism and philosophy embedded in the art of the ancient Maya. Their journey is a testament to how unwavering commitment can lead to groundbreaking discoveries, offering readers a fresh lens through which to explore the mysteries of Maya religion, art, and thought. During our conversation, their enthusiasm was infectious, as they seamlessly finished each other’s sentences, highlighting an exceptional partnership built on shared commitment and a unified vision.

Want to know more? Read our interview with Jennifer and Alexander John “Unlocking the Past: A Family’s Journey into the Secrets of Maya Art” available in the September – October 2024 52nd Issue Fairy Tales and Folklore. Get it here!

Featured Image: The John children at Trousers Point on Flinders Island, Tasmania, recreating the burials at Lamanai, an ancient Maya site in Belize. Source: Courtesy of Jennifer and Alexander John

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