the Maya

the indigenous people of southern mexico and central america are the Maya.  the mayan civilization dates back to about 2000 BC and peaked around 250-900 AD.  they were known for being a very advanced culture, including the only known fully-developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, their art, architecture, and mathematical and astronomical systems.  they flourished until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16^th century.  after a difficult history at the hands of the Spanish and subsequently the various Guatemalan civil wars, the maya still survive today in small indigenous villages throughout the region.  though generally quite impoverished, the people and their culture are still found in their language, traditions, beliefs, clothing, crafts, celebrations and general way of life.

market at Panajachel

traditional dress of San Marcos;
Atole, a corn-based drink

traditionally, each village has its own dress for men and women, though it is mostly only women wearing traditional clothing now.  you can see this in the villages around Lake Atitlan and in the people selling wares in Antigua.  weaving is a significant skill and source of income for families, who also work day in and out simply to meet daily needs for food, firewood, and other essentials of daily life.  the fabrics being sold in the markets are just beautiful and full of color.  the designs can be quite extensive, as well.

in Antigua, there is a jade museum that has replicas of death masks put on ancient Maya rulers after their deaths.  jade is considered to be like gold for the Maya, and was a sign of eternity.  some of the masks are quite elaborate, as you can see.

to me, the indigenous Maya culture was one of the highlights of the trip.  I always enjoy going new places and experiencing new cultures.  although as an outsider, I would never truly see the culture completely, I loved soaking up what I could see and experience.

women still carry loads on their heads, sometimes
with a baby on their back and a child by hand