DANCE OF THE MAIZE GOD # 98

11:00, Thursday 18th June, Cinema 3

Director/Anthropologist: David Lebrun, Micael D. Coe, David Freidel, Marcello Canuto
Year of Release: 2014
Duration: 96  mins
Country of Production: USA
Location: Belize, Mexico, Honduras, United States
Ethnic Group: Maya
Language: English, Spanish with English subtitles

Over the past 50 years, thousands of exquisitely painted Maya vases, most looted from tombs, have flooded into public and private collections. These amazing works of art opened an extraordinary window into Maya past, but the race to unearth these treasures has destroyed ancient temples. Dance of the Maize God enters the world of the vases to explore ancient Maya life and mythology, as well as the tangled issues involved in the collection and study of looted art. The story is told by villagers, looters, archaeologists, dealers and curators. For each, these vases hold a different value and meaning.

Return to the 2015 film programme