Dancers spend many hours a day, many days in a row dancing in the elaborate costumes and masks. Ezekiel Canti, dressed as the young jaguar, takes a rest before joining the dance again.

On Wednesday, January 6th, 2016, in the community of Santa Cruz in the Toledo District, Belize, community members, school children, visitors and passers-by had the chance to witness the beginning of the Deer Dance. Beginning a traditional Maya celebration continuing …

The Deer Dance – Santa Cruz, Toledo, Belize – January 2016 Read more »

the deer dance depicts many scenes related to the European conquest and is well-known for its elaborate costumes and masks, which belong to a certain groups of dancers and are handed down through generations

For Maya communities in Guatemala and Belize, mid-October is a time to remember and participate in celebrations that were important to mark the passing of years long before Columbus arrived in this part of the world. These photos capture moments …

“Anti-Columbus Day” Celebrations at Tikal, 2011 Read more »

the first harvest when the corn is matured is known as the "green corn"- this is the last (hand-woven) bag of "green corn" to be enjoyed before the ears are left to dry

Many communities around the world share staple foods. These foods are not only the central to the nutritional needs of the people but also, very often, play a integral role in their social lives- dictating the rhythms of daily activities …

Our Mother Corn Read more »