Photo Essays / The Mayans

The Mayans

The largest group of surviving native Americans bridge ancient traditions and the modern world.

Wash day the Mayan way. <a href=></a> A farmer in southwest Yucatan has tended his milpa, growing corn and beans, nearly all of this long life. <a href=></a> A young resident of Chunchucmil has just finished laying chalk lines for the campo de futbol (soccer field) and is taking a brief rest before the big game. <a href=></a> The caretaker of a local Hacienda has seen it all, as his face (and clothes) plainly suggest. <a href=></a> Once each year, the residents of Mayan pueblos large and small reverently parade a statue of the local patron saint around town, accompanied by flowers, music and fireworks. This tradition is called a Gremio. <a href=></a> Called a huipil, the traditional dress of the Mayan women display intricate embroidery that identifies their region and history. <a href=></a> One of several full-time jardineros (gardeners) at Hacienda San Jose Cholul. <a href=></a> Maricruz lives in Tadzibichen and can't wait for her next manicure. <a href=></a> A family of Mayans who live in Oxtapacab, Yucatan. There are three generations living in their thatched home. <a href=></a> Soco May, age 16, dresses hip but sleeps in her hammock every night. She dreams of becoming a beautician someday." /> <a href=></a> A 70-years young Mayan woman walks to the mercado in downtown Merida. <a href=></a> A young girl with a disposition as sunny as a Yucatan afternoon. <a href=></a> Traditional Mayan families seldom use money, but measure their wealth in land, stored grain and livestock. These turkeys are the equivalent of a bank account. <a href=></a>

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