Indigenous Inhabitants of the Yucatan

Las entradas de mi viaje en el extranjero (Entires from my voyage abroad)


March 16 of the year 1543: Es nuestra primera semana...Translated in English:


It is our first week in this dense but extravagant land, the Yucatan.  The pure sight of  the surrounding landscapes makes me almost forget the dreary, damp trip over. My name is Diego Montejo, I'm a Spanish missionary and my intentions are to record and observe the inhabitants and their surroundings while present in this new territory.  Although there is a language barrier between us, I've still been able to discover much about the inhabitants. 


Agriculture
     The indigenous people who inhabit this land are referred to as the Mayas. Their elaborate way of life is quite different than what we are use to but similar is some ways.  The foundation of their civilization derives from their systems of agriculture. They prepare their plots by using a method called slash-and- burn. The variety of crops being cultivated includes maize, chile peppers, cotton, beans, and several kinds of fruit trees which are stored in these above-ground cribs made of wood and also several under-ground storage units. From these various crops the Maya create simple foods and stews which seem to be their topical cuisine.Also, each Maya household contained its own garden of a variety of fruit and vegetables.  Along the river drainages of territories further West, groves of cacao trees, which produce cacao beans that serve as money in regional markets, are harvested. 

    Their much more civilized and sophisticated than I assumed.  The Mayas, especially in the Yucatan are heavily involved in trading with other regions throughout Mexico.  They export honey, cotton mantles, and most importantly salt. 


New Life and Traditions
    The Maya rituals for new born infants is unusual than the rituals of my homeland. When a Maya infant is first born, it is immediately washed than pinned to a cradle where their heads are then compressed between two boards for two days.  This process results with the child's head becoming permanently fore-and aft flattened.  Something I find to be outrageous is seen as a mark of beauty to them. 
    In this region, every adult Maya has two names: the first coming from the mother and the other deriving from the father. Being that I've only been here for a short period of time, i'm not clear on the meaning for this yet. 


The Universe and their beliefs

    The trait I find most intriguing in regards  to the Mayas is their elaborate keeping of time or in other words, their calendar. The Mayas seem to believe the universe is passing through a series of stages ending with the destruction of the world. Their entire life is derived around this calendar or what they refer to as the Great Cycle of the Long Count.  The yearly harvests, events, rituals, etc are all performed according to the layout and destiny of this Long Count.  If I were to calculate the arrival of Armageddon by referencing their calendar, the universe would be annihilated on December 23 2012. I personally find it inaccurate simply because if we are able to cross entire oceans and find new lands now, I can imagine by 2012 ships will be flying.
    The indigenous Mayas seem to praise a variety of gods and goddesses, one portraying to every aspect of their lives.  The Sun God and the Rain God were manifested through sunlight, thunder and lightning.  Several war gods are venerated by soldiers and the Merchant God, Ek Chuah is worshiped by the merchants and cacao growers. 


Sacrifice
    Since I have arrived I have witnessed one of the most barbaric rituals.  This inhumane act is something i'm not all to familiar with at this time but I have learned that the procedure is performed by the Chief Priest of the settlement and is assisted by four elderly men. The account    which I had witnessed was in honor of the Rain God.  The four assistants held down the arms and legs of the victim while the chest was opened and the heart removed. The individual who cut open the victim was given the title Nacom which apparently is similar to a war leader. This Maya ritual was again, dictated by the Maya calendar.  


   After encountering this act, one must believe that my men and I were sent here for a reason and that are occupation of this territory is much needed.  


   Until i write again, the bewilderment of what is yet to come intrigues me. 


Diego Montejo




Adams, Richard E.W. The Origins of Maya Civilization. Albuquerque: University of new Mexico
     Press. 1977. 
Coe, Michael D. The Maya. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1993.
McKillop, Heather. The Ancient Maya: New Perspectives. California: ABC-CLIO Inc. 2004.