Ritual Performance in Mel Gibson's Movie Apocalypto

Abstract

Ritual performance is one of the oldest forms of socio-cultural practices persistent in most societies, around the world. Humans in almost all the societies have adhered to some specific way of living, which has been a part of their life. Continuous practice of certain behavior followed by offerings gives rise to culture and custom which in turn becomes a ritual – a way of life for the people. The Mayan people of the South America during the ancient world also were adhering to specific ways of life and living. They used to plunder the nearby communities and its people; enslave them and use them for sacrifice. But, this was not the same in most of the tribal societies, as depicted in Gibson’s movie Apocalypto. The life of Jaguar Paw and his fellow men in the midst of forest is limited to hunting and consuming the prey in the name of god for making their life possible. This idyllic form of life in itself is a ritual that conjoins relationship between the nature and the human beings. However, until challenged by an external force.