Culture and Customs of Guatemala (Cultures and Customs of the World)

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Description

Culture and Customs of Guatemala proffers a well rounded portrait of the people of the land known for breathtaking highlands, brilliantly colored Mayan textiles, generations of ruthless dictators, and violence against the Mayas because the Spanish conquest. This Central American hotspot is the house to a majority of Mayas, their coexistence with Ladinos―the non―Mayas, and the problem of land ownership give you the framework for understanding recent society. The blend of Mayan and Ladino cultural identities that shape Guatemala these days permeates Shea’s discussion of history, religion, social customs, media, literature, cinema, performing arts, and recent art. Students and other interested readers will come to take into account how the traditions and reforms are shaping Guatemala in the 21-first century.

After an overview of Guatemalan history, geography, and demographics, a chapter on religion reveals the prevalent mixture of Catholic/Spanish and indigenous influences. In the Social Customs chapter, customs and festivals, many related to Catholic saints’ days, the importance of Mayan weaving, and Guatemalan cuisine are emphasized. The contemporary lessening of censorship is a factor in the discussions of the status of broadcasting and print media and a small but emerging film industry. In the Literature chapter, Shea portrays a wealthy centuries-old literary tradition influenced by pre and post conquest indigenous texts and recent experimental trends whose themes are saturated in the country’s social conflicts. Coverage of performing arts and recent art is evocative of the vibrant mixtures of cultures in Guatemala, with notable artists introduced and a description of architecture and housing. A chronology and glossary make stronger the text.

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