The Maya People

How beautiful to see the world through the Maya prism with its five cardinal directions. Can this be learned by Westerners who see just two directions - East and West?

Guatemala/Chiapas "My sweet beloved homeland, your voice and my song joined today in exile wound me like a dagger in my soul." Patria, mi dulce amada, tu voz y mi canto unidos hoy en el exilio me duelen como punal en al alma."

These home pages are dedicated to all Mayan people wherever they may be, but especially to the following friends:

Rigoberta Menchu "What I treasure most in life is being able to dream. During my most difficult moments and complex situations I have been able to dream of a more beautiful future. What hurts Indians most is our costumes are considered beautiful, but it's as if the person wearing them didn't exist."

Fernando Penalosa "How beautiful to see the world through the Maya prism with its five cardinal directions. Can this be learned by Westerners who see just two directions: East and West?"



Victor Montejo Author of: Sculpted Stones "How it pains me, The silence of my ancestors Who, little by little Were stilled, Their traces disappearing Like the distant wind Of the unknowable stars. Their voices extinguished As the fire Hidden by night Only to be put out By the rains And their steps Almost erased like obscure Pages of ancient codices"

To me these people represent the heart and soul of the Maya, because they dare to speak the truth about their people. After 500 years in which many groups have attempted to make them disappear, they prove that the Maya are not a civilization which has vanished.

I have attempted to capture their spirit in these pages which I have created for them. It is my sincerest hope that it gives them and the Maya the respect and honor which they so justly deserve. Oios Botik (Thank you)

Mayan Stories - Coyote | Deer | Jaguar | Rabbit | Skunk | Chiapas Menu | Ode to Chiapas

"How far I am from you, homeland, as I carry in my blood a bubbling of sunlight struggle and hope. In your name, homeland, and in the name of your sons, the thousands of disposessed, I'll lift my head and fight as you wanted me to."




Related Stories:

              

Indigenous Peoples' Literature


The following lists catalog the specific articles, stories, legends and research materials of this website.
American Indian Topics | American Indian Products | American Indian Tribes
Native American Topics | Indigenous Peoples’ Literature


Share This Page with Your Friends