Is that ancient Maya hieroglyphic writing on the tail of that rocking private 747 jet decked out for Iron Maiden’s The Book of Souls World Tour?

As a scholar of the ancient Maya, and a renowned expert in Maya hieroglyphs, Dr. Simon Martin, Penn Museum’s Associate Curator of the American Section, doesn’t usually get involved with contemporary culture—yet alone heavy metal rock music. So he was a bit surprised when the English heavy metal band Iron Maiden contacted him.

The band was developing artwork for its newest album, The Book of Souls, with an ancient Maya inspired theme, and they wanted a Maya scholar to translate the song titles into authentic ancient Mayan hieroglyphs.

Easier said then done.

(Full story at: Penn Museum – Penn Museum Maya Scholar’s Brush with a Heavy Metal Band)

Bob Bruhin

Bob Bruhin is a web developer, tour guide, art photographer, author, blogger, and graphic designer. His love of urban landscapes, especially in post-industrial Philadelphia, PA, leads him to document some of the darker corners of his city.

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