About the Middle American Research Institute
Founded in 1924, the Middle American Research Institute (M.A.R.I.) at Tulane University strives to promote a greater understanding of the vibrant and diverse cultures of Middle America. It stewards an extensive collection of textiles, artifacts, and an archive of letters, field notes, maps, and photographs from the scores of field projects it has sponsored and continues to sponsor. We strive to make these accessible to researchers and the general public through a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and symposia.
Furthermore, M.A.R.I. continues to support anthropological, archaeological, ethnohistorical, linguistic, and ethnographic research projects throughout Mexico and Central America.
Gallery Virtual Tour
"Faces of the Maya: Profiles in Continuity and Resilience" takes visitors on a journey through time, showcasing the development of Maya civilization from 1000 BCE to the present. The exhibition uses objects from the M.A.R.I. collections to dispel misconceptions about Maya civilization. We are proud that this was the inaugural exhibition on the renovated third floor of Dinwiddie Hall in 2012. Start the virtual tour
Our newest exhibit, "Ancient Rituals, Modern Ceremonies," is dedicated to the indigenous traditions and vibrant celebrations of Middle America. We present a thoughtfully curated selection from M.A.R.I.'s collection, highlighting the cultural and geographic diversity of indigenous Middle America, including the Maya Area, Central Mexico, and the Isthmo-Colombian region. Through these artifacts, we celebrate the history and resilience of indigenous peoples, showcasing how both ancient and contemporary communities honor life, death, and the connections between sacred and everyday life. Start the virtual tour
Publications
MARI has been publishing research on Central America since 1926. It has published more than 70 volumes and 20 shorter monographs, many focusing on Maya archaeology and epigraphy. Many of our earliest publications are out of print, but are available for view at the Institute. The rest are available for purchase. You may browse lists of all our publications by navigating through the links on this page.
