Anabella Schloesser de Paiz Ordre des livres (chronologique)

This comprehensive survey of Guatemalan slingshots is the first serious exploration of this traditional handicraft, previously valued mainly by a select few collectors and artisans. Featuring original shapes and intricate carvings inspired by the animal kingdom, Mayan and Catholic iconography, and historical events, these slingshots are significant cultural artifacts. The publication elevates this unique craft, examining the history, culture, and artistry involved in their creation while situating slingshots within the broader context of Guatemalan life—from agricultural roots to the industrial production of rubber and tourism. Accompanied by over 50 photographs of Guatemala and its culture, the book also includes more than 400 color images of slingshots depicting themes from Superman to the Virgin Mary, soldiers to guerrilla fighters, and traditional dancers. Published by the La Ruta Maya Conservation Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preserving Central America's cultural treasures and educating future generations, this work is the first in a series focused on the region's pre-Columbian and popular art. It pays tribute to the creativity of those who transform everyday objects into delicate, lesser-known art forms.