Ch'orti'-Maya Survival in Eastern Guatemala: Indigeneity in Transition

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book Ch'orti'-Maya Survival in Eastern Guatemala: Indigeneity in Transition by Brent Metz, University of New Mexico Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Brent Metz ISBN: 9780826338815
Publisher: University of New Mexico Press Publication: May 1, 2006
Imprint: University of New Mexico Press Language: English
Author: Brent Metz
ISBN: 9780826338815
Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
Publication: May 1, 2006
Imprint: University of New Mexico Press
Language: English

Scholars and Guatemalans have characterized eastern Guatemala as "Ladino" or non-Indian. The Ch'orti' do not exhibit the obvious indigenous markers found among the Mayas of western Guatemala, Chiapas, and the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Few still speak Ch'orti', most no longer wear distinctive dress, and most community organizations have long been abandoned.

During the colonial period, the Ch'orti' region was adjacent to relatively vibrant economic regions of Central America that included major trade routes, mines, and dye plantations. In the twentieth century Ch'orti's directly experienced U.S.-backed dictatorships, a 36-year civil war from start to finish, and Christian evangelization campaigns, all while their population has increased exponentially. These have had tremendous impacts on Ch'orti' identities and cultures.

From 1991 to 1993, Brent Metz lived in three Ch'orti' Maya-speaking communities, learning the language, conducting household surveys, and interviewing informants. He found Ch'orti's to be ashamed of their indigeneity, and he was fortunate to be present and involved when many Ch'orti's joined the Maya Movement. He has continued to expand his ethnographic research of the Ch'orti' annually ever since and has witnessed how Ch'orti's are reformulating their history and identity.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Scholars and Guatemalans have characterized eastern Guatemala as "Ladino" or non-Indian. The Ch'orti' do not exhibit the obvious indigenous markers found among the Mayas of western Guatemala, Chiapas, and the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Few still speak Ch'orti', most no longer wear distinctive dress, and most community organizations have long been abandoned.

During the colonial period, the Ch'orti' region was adjacent to relatively vibrant economic regions of Central America that included major trade routes, mines, and dye plantations. In the twentieth century Ch'orti's directly experienced U.S.-backed dictatorships, a 36-year civil war from start to finish, and Christian evangelization campaigns, all while their population has increased exponentially. These have had tremendous impacts on Ch'orti' identities and cultures.

From 1991 to 1993, Brent Metz lived in three Ch'orti' Maya-speaking communities, learning the language, conducting household surveys, and interviewing informants. He found Ch'orti's to be ashamed of their indigeneity, and he was fortunate to be present and involved when many Ch'orti's joined the Maya Movement. He has continued to expand his ethnographic research of the Ch'orti' annually ever since and has witnessed how Ch'orti's are reformulating their history and identity.

More books from University of New Mexico Press

Cover of the book The Great Taos Bank Robbery and Other True Stories by Brent Metz
Cover of the book Beyond the Eagle's Shadow by Brent Metz
Cover of the book A Garlic Testament by Brent Metz
Cover of the book Easter Island's Silent Sentinels by Brent Metz
Cover of the book Mexico's Supreme Court by Brent Metz
Cover of the book Bad Clowns by Brent Metz
Cover of the book The Opossum's Tale by Brent Metz
Cover of the book The Goldilocks Zone by Brent Metz
Cover of the book Xylotheque by Brent Metz
Cover of the book Slavery, Freedom, and Abolition in Latin America and the Atlantic World by Brent Metz
Cover of the book Gus Blaisdell Collected by Brent Metz
Cover of the book American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms by Brent Metz
Cover of the book A Woman in Both Houses by Brent Metz
Cover of the book Cosas by Brent Metz
Cover of the book Dr. George by Brent Metz
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy