Kislak Curator, Dr. Carol Damian, will discuss the numerous and varied objects from the Ancient Americas in the Kislak collection that represent birds, felines, and amphibians and their symbolic meaning to the rituals of the people who created them. Objects from Mesoamerica, including beautiful Mayan polychromes and figures, the Valley of Mexico, Peru, and Central America share a powerful belief in the role of these creatures in influencing lives and communicating with the spirit world. The presentation references new objects from over 100 recently accessioned items in the Jay I. Kislak Center at Miami Dade College.