The Power of Art in the Mayan World

Abstract

Apocalypto, the movie, recreated much of the art from the classic and post-classic cities of the maya lowlands. The urban landscape, a mixture of buildings similar to those of El Mirador, roof combs Tikal-style and features of Puuc sculpture glinting with the vivid primary colors that adorn the living maya cities. The San Bartolo murals, with some bloody additions prowling in the mind when the main character entered the city's central plaza. The nobles' clothing brought to mind those of the stelae figures and vessels. The presentation of a pre-invasion maya city could have been a mayist´s dream. However, for most of us the dream movie became a nightmare. This article explores the power of representation of maya art in contemporary times.