Mayan BeautyThe Mayans had a sense of beauty that was quite different than

that of modern Americans.

Long slanted foreheads

• The Mayans shaped the heads of their infants by tying boards to the forehead.

Slightly crossed eyes

• The Mayans dangled an object in front of their eyes to try to train their eyes to cross.

Decorated teeth

• The Mayans often filled or inlaid their teeth with jade or other precious minerals.

Lip, nose, and ear plugs

• The Mayans wore plugs made of jade, obsidian, shell, and gold in their lips, nose, and ears.

Body paint and tattoos

• The Mayans would decorate their bodies with paint and with tattoos.

Hair styles

• The way the Mayans wore their hair was based on their social class. Common men cut the hair on their forehead and leave the rest to grow. Women do not cut their hair and leave it unbound except on special occasions. Young men who are warriors may have a shock of hair on the left. After their first capture they can wear it on the right. Greater warriors and nobles can wear their hair in a tassel.