Mayan Rites

Date1932 – 1933

AbstractTitle, 'The Spanish Conquistadors destroyed all the sacred temples of the Mayas and built churches on their high foundation pyramids,' etc. Guatemala.

Viewing NotesTitle card: 'The Spanish Conquistadores destroyed all the sacred temples of the Mayas, and built Churches on their high foundation-pyramids.' Intertitle: 'Still clad as when the Conquistadores gave them their first sight of a horse, the children romp down over the sacred steps. CHURCH STEPS at San Antonio Palapo.' A line of girls walk down the steps, past women selling wares from baskets on the ground. Intertitle: 'The unchanging Maya still pursues his traditional cer-emonies on the steep steps of his ancient “high place.” CHURCH STEPS at Chichicastenago.' People gathered for a ceremony involving burning incense. Intertitle: 'On many a lonely mountain top of the highlands of Guatemala the Quiché-Maya still burns incense and candles and prays to moss-grown idols of his millennial Gods.' A man waves incense while another man kneels to light candles. [End of Reel]