But there are glimmers, too, of the whimsical, figurative, emotive glyphs that have come to dominate online culture.

One monument left untouched, however, had still the faint remains of what Maya epigraphers’ call an “emblem” glyph, a sign that identifies a kingdom’s dynasty.

Michael Dean's "Sic Glyphs" combines works from two exhibitions consisting of sculptures made with corrugated metal.