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(Formerly titled Dance of the Maize God.) Available for rent, download and streaming as well as DVD with the option of Spanish subtitles.

Over the past 50 years thousands of exquisitely painted Maya vases, almost all looted from royal tombs, have flooded into the world’s public and private collections. These amazing works of art have opened an extraordinary window on the Maya past. But the race to unearth these treasures has destroyed ancient temples and palaces, culminating in the takeover of entire ancient cities by looter armies.

The 96 min. documentary feature film Out of the Maya Tombs (formerly Dance of the Maize God) enters the world of the vases to explore the royal life and rich mythology of the Maya, as well as the tangled issues involved in the collection and study of Maya art. The story is told by villagers, looters, archaeologists, scholars, dealers and curators. For each, these vases have a radically different value and meaning. 

Out of the Maya Tombs was produced with major funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and has screened at museums, universities and film festivals worldwide. Please see the Screenings page for full list and awards.

Awards for Out of the Maya Tombs / Dance of the Maize God:

Winner of BEST FILM
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FILM
Rovereto, Italy

Winner of BEST FILM JURY AWARD
THE ARCHAEOLOGY CHANNEL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Eugene, Oregon

ARKHAIOS CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY FILM FESTIVAL
Hilton Head, SC
Winner of BEST ARCHAEOLOGY FILM

INTERNATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL FILM FESTIVAL OF BIDASOA
Winner of SPECIAL AUDIENCE PRIZE
Irun, Spain