GENE AND INA SCHNELL COLLECTION

The ethnic communities of the Maya have various systems of social and administrative power. There are stewards [Mayordomos] who are the decision making leaders of groups. The Chole have a traditional form of government under the care of elders, while the Lacandons recognize the oldest member of the caribal [traditional cluster of huts] as their sole authority. Among the Zolques for example there are albaceas, who take care of images, and fiscales, who are in charge of rites, chants and prayers. Another characteristic is the religious syncretism of ancient beliefs and Catholicism. The Tzeltals venerate "talking crosses", sculptures associated with pre-Hispanic idols, which according to tradition talk to the faithful. Of all the fiestas organized by the different groups of the state, the Chamula Carnival, also called Kin Tajimultic, is the most famous. This is the most important fiesta of the Totzils and includes cavalcades, ritual dances, a procession of flags and the spectacular fire running. These ceremonial activities serve to reaffirm the group's identity and to revive an ancestral religion based largely on agriculture.