Maria Sten: de literatura prehispánica mexicana al boom en Polonia

Abstract

The article presents the figure of Maria Sten (1917-2007), the researcher and translator of Polish origin established in Mexico. On one hand it considers her contribution as a researcher at the UNAM, and a specialist in Mesoamerican literature and in Prehispanic and Colonial theater. On the other hand, the paper emphasizes her effort to popularize the image of Mexico and its culture in Poland by translating into Polish and publishing the literary works and scientific publications of Mexican authors (Rosario Castellanos, Carlos Fuentes, Augusto Monterroso, Miguel Leon-Portilla). At the same time Sten translated and popularized in Mexico Polish authors and their theatrical works (Stanisław Witkiewicz, Sławomir Mrożek). The contribution of Maria Sten to the literary approach between Poland and Mexico is situated in the context of Polish-Mexican intercultural dialogue in the twentieth century. After pondering her publications, both in Mexico and in Poland, the paper concludes with presenting her contribution to the vision of pre-Columbian Mexico and the pioneering nature of her texts published in Poland in the 60s. Her work prepared the ground for the reception of the Latin American Boom in Poland.