Maya peoples

This article will mostly concern itself with the peoples of the former Maya civilization after the conquest by Spain. Their pre-Columbian culture is dealt with in the Maya civilization article.

The Maya peoples constitute a diverse range of the Native American peoples of southern Mexico and northern Central America. The overarching term "Maya" is a convenient collective designation to include the peoples of the region who share some degree of cultural and linguistic heritage; however the term embraces many distinct populations, societies and ethnic groups who each have their own particular traditions, cultures and historical identity.

There are an estimated 6 million Maya living in this area at the start of the 21st century. Some are quite integrated into the modern cultures of the nations in which they reside, others continue a more traditional culturally distinct life, often speaking one of the Mayan languages as a primary language.

The largest populations of contemporary Maya are in the Mexican states of Yucatán, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Chiapas, and in the Central American countries of Belize, Guatemala, and the western portions of Honduras and El Salvador.

The Yucatán

The largest group of modern Maya is in the Yucatán region of Mexico. They commonly identify themselves simply as "Maya" with no tribe (unlike in the Highlands of Western Guatemala), and speak the language which anthropologists term "Yucatec Maya", but is identified by speakers and Yucatecos simply as "Maya". The Spanish language is commonly spoken as well. Especially in the western areas, even those of mostly or all Maya descent who speak Maya at home often identify themselves as "Mestizo", showing a degree of assimilation and identification with the Mexican mainstream culture.

Historically, the population in the eastern half of the peninsula was less affected by and less integrated with Hispanic culture than those of the western half.

A large 19th century revolt by the Yucatec Maya, known as the Caste War of Yucatán, was one of the most successful modern Native American revolts; results included the temporary existence of the Maya state of Chan Santa Cruz, recognized as an independent nation by the British Empire.

Chiapas

Chiapas was long part of Mexico least touched by the reforms of the Mexican Revolution. Many Maya there gave support to the Zapatista Army of National Liberation.

Maya groups in Chiapas include the Tzotzil and Tzeltal, in the highlands of the state, the Tojolabales, concentrated in the lowlands around Las Margaritas, and the Ch'ol in the jungle.

Tabasco

The Mexican state of Tabasco is home to the Chontal Maya.

Guatemala

In Guatemala, the largest and most traditional Maya populations are in the western highlands.

In Guatemala the Spanish colonial pattern of keeping the native population legally separate and subservient continued well into the 20th century. This resulted in many traditional customs being retained, as the only other option than traditional Maya life open to most Maya was entering the Hispanic culture at the very bottom rung.

Considerable identification with tribes, often corresponding to pre-Columbian nation states, continues, and many people wear traditional clothing that displays their specific local identity. Clothing of women tends to be more traditional than that of the men, as the men have more interaction with the Hispanic commerce and culture.

Maya peoples of the Guatemala highlands include the Quiché, Mam, Pocomam, Kaqchikel, Ixil, Kekchi, Tz'utujil, and Jacaltec.

Other Maya groups

The most traditional of Maya groups are the Lacandon, a small population avoiding contact with outsiders until the late 20th century by living in small groups in the rain forests.

Quotes

"We are not myths of the past, ruins in the jungle or zoos. We are people and we want to be respected, not to be victims of intolerance and racism." -- Rigoberta Menchú, 1992 Menchú gave this interview shortly before she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Notes

References

Chiappari, Christopher L. Toward a Maya Theology of Liberation: The Reformulation of a "Traditional" Religion in the Global Context. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. 2002; 41(1):47-67.

External links

"The Maya — Yesterday and Today", from Awake! magazine (September 8, 2001)

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