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Uayma... In Living Color

In colonial times Uayma was an major stop on the camino real between Mérida and Valladolid - Yucatán's second city. The site of an important Mayan ceremonial center, Uayma was chosen by the Franciscans for the grand mission of Santo Domingo, built from the stones of the ancient pyramids. Although Uayma flourished during the 1700s, when it was largely rebuilt by the secular clergy, by the mid-1800s the parish fell on hard times. During the devastating Caste War, the church was burned by Maya insurgents and abandoned, a roofless ruin.

So it remained until recently. The adjacent cloister, its walls studded with ancient Maya stone carvings, was the first to be cleared. Then, starting in 2003, refurbishment and repair of the church began under the auspices of INAH and the regional Secretariat of Public Works.

During the clearing and cleaning of the church, the original colors of the stamped stucco decoration that formerly covered the exterior and interior walls came to light - revealing bold hues of cream, turquoise and burgundy. Rosettes and starbursts, large and small, predominate among the eye-catching patterns that repeat on the facade and nave walls, both inside and out. One figural exception is the large, stylized double eagle motif of the Spanish crown, emblazoned on the facade above the choir window.

Both church and convento have now been restored to their former luster. The vast nave has been re-vaulted and is open again for the use and enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. On November 18th 2004 Patricio Patrón Laviada, governor of Yucatan, presided over the reopening ceremonies.

Credit should go to Elba Villareal de Garcia Ponce of "Adopte una Obra de Arte," as well as Fernando Garces Fierros the energetic INAH restorer, both of whom have led the recent programs to conserve and restore Yucatan's unique colonial arts and architecture.

 

South side from atrium gateway

 

Interior under repair

 

Exterior under repair

Facade double eagle

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