Alfred Percival Maudslay
Alfred Maudslay;Alfred Percival Maudslay
Place: London
Born: 1850
Death: 1931
Biography:
Early Life and Education
Alfred Percival Maudslay, a British colonial administrator and archaeologist, was born on 18 March 1850 in London into a wealthy family. He studied natural sciences at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, obtaining a BA in 1872.
Career and Travels
Maudslay's early plans for a medical career were deferred as he travelled with his brother, touring Central America, Mexico, and parts of the United States. This journey sparked an interest in archaeology, which would later define his legacy. After returning home, Maudslay again postponed medical school to travel to Iceland in 1873. His chronic bronchitis led him to seek a warmer climate, leading to a series of positions in Jamaica, Trinidad, and eventually, the South Pacific.
Archaeological Contributions
Maudslay's time in the British Pacific colonies laid the groundwork for his future archaeological pursuits. He became interested in collecting ethnographic materials, which would eventually contribute to the formation of the University Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Cambridge. His friend, ornithologist Osbert Salvin, encouraged Maudslay to explore the Maya ruins of Quiriguá and Copán.
Notable Achievements
* Maudslay was the first to describe the site of Yaxchilán. * He explored Chichén in the 1880s, taking extensive photographs. * Published the first long-form description of Chichen Itza in his book, Biologia Centrali-Americana. * Made a complete translation with annotations of Bernal Díaz del Castillo's Historia, which remains the standard English edition.
Artistic Legacy
Maudslay's photographs and writings have been preserved, offering a unique glimpse into the world of 19th-century archaeology. His work can be found in various museums, including the British Museum (London, United Kingdom), which houses several of his photographs.
- Photograph of Chichén Itzá taken by A.P. Maudslay (16 x 21 cm, British Museum, Photograph)
- Photograph of Chichén Itzá taken by A.P. Maudsly (25 x 30 cm, British Museum, Photograph)
- Photograph of Copán taken by A.P. Maudslay (31 x 25 cm, British Museum, Photograph)
Conclusion
Alfred Percival Maudslay'slegacy is a testament to the power of curiosity and exploration. From his early days as a colonial administrator to his later years as an archaeologist, Maudslay's work continues to inspire and educate.
