K'iche': Difference between revisions

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'''K'iche' ''' (or '''Quiché''') refers to one of the largest ethnically [[Maya peoples|Maya]] groups of Central America.  The K'iche' live in the highlands of [[Guatemala]] to the north and the west of Lake Atitlán, primarily in the departments of [[Quetzaltenango (department)|Quetzaltenango]], [[Totonicapán (department)|Totonicapan]], and [[Quiché (department)|El Quiché]].
[[Image:Kiche.jpg|frame|K'iche' family at their home in San Andrés Xecul, Totonicapan]]


[[Image:Kiche.jpg|frame|K'iche' family at their home in San Andrés Xecul, Totonicapan]]
The '''K'iche' ''' (or '''Quiché''') are one of the largest ethnic groups in [[Guatemala]]. They are ethnically [[Maya peoples|Maya]] and live primarily in the highlands to the north and the west of Lake Atitlán, primarily in the departments of [[Quetzaltenango (department)|Quetzaltenango]], [[Totonicapán (department)|Totonicapan]], and [[Quiché (department)|El Quiché]].


'''K'iche' ''' also denotes the [[Quiché language|traditional language]] of the K'iche' people.  This language is still spoken in most K'iche' communities, but many community members also speak Spanish and some do not speak K'iche' at all.
'''K'iche' ''' also denotes the [[Quiché language|traditional language]] of the K'iche' people.  This language is still spoken in most K'iche' communities, but many community members also speak Spanish and some do not speak K'iche' at all.
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== History ==
== History ==


The [[Popol Vuh]], sometimes called the "Maya Bible," gives us the early history of the K'iche' through the words of several members of the colonial K'iche' elite.
The K'iche' first made contact with the Spanish conquistadors in 1523, with the arrival of an expeditionary force led by [[Pedro de Alvarado]].
Colonial history
Modern History


== Religion ==
== Religion ==


Traditional Maya religious custom, or ''costumbre'', is a [[Syncretism|syncretic]] conglomeration of pre-Columbian traditions and Catholicism. It combines devotion to the Catholic saints and celebrations of the Catholic festivals with traditional dances and elaborate ceremonies conducted at ceremonial sites (or ''taab'al '') that are scattered throughout the surrounding mountains.
Traditional Maya religious custom, or ''costumbre'', is a [[Syncretism|syncretic]] conglomeration of pre-Columbian traditions and Catholicism. It combines devotion to the Catholic saints and celebrations of the Catholic festivals with traditional dances and elaborate ceremonies conducted at ceremonial sites that are scattered throughout the surrounding mountains.


Evangelical Protestantism has become increasingly strong since its arrival in the region in the 1970s.
Evangelical Protestantism has become increasingly strong since its arrival in the region in the 1970s.
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As in many Maya groups, clothing carries a lot of meaning for the K'iche'.
As in many Maya groups, clothing carries a lot of meaning for the K'iche'.
Women


[[Category:Anthropology Workgroup]]
[[Category:Anthropology Workgroup]]

Revision as of 20:14, 18 January 2007

K'iche' family at their home in San Andrés Xecul, Totonicapan

The K'iche' (or Quiché) are one of the largest ethnic groups in Guatemala. They are ethnically Maya and live primarily in the highlands to the north and the west of Lake Atitlán, primarily in the departments of Quetzaltenango, Totonicapan, and El Quiché.

K'iche' also denotes the traditional language of the K'iche' people. This language is still spoken in most K'iche' communities, but many community members also speak Spanish and some do not speak K'iche' at all.

History

The Popol Vuh, sometimes called the "Maya Bible," gives us the early history of the K'iche' through the words of several members of the colonial K'iche' elite.

The K'iche' first made contact with the Spanish conquistadors in 1523, with the arrival of an expeditionary force led by Pedro de Alvarado.

Colonial history

Modern History

Religion

Traditional Maya religious custom, or costumbre, is a syncretic conglomeration of pre-Columbian traditions and Catholicism. It combines devotion to the Catholic saints and celebrations of the Catholic festivals with traditional dances and elaborate ceremonies conducted at ceremonial sites that are scattered throughout the surrounding mountains.

Evangelical Protestantism has become increasingly strong since its arrival in the region in the 1970s.

Clothing

As in many Maya groups, clothing carries a lot of meaning for the K'iche'.

Women