Mayan Folktales: Folklore from Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

by James Sexton

Book Overview

A stunning collection of thirty-five folktales from Guatemala which transport the reader to the haunting stories of witches and shamans, spiritualists and apies, Naguales, or persons who have the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826321046
• ISBN13: 9780826321046
• Release Date: February 1999
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
• Length: 299 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Customer Review

Reviewer, Dr. Janet M. Carey from Littleton, COWithin this book Sexton has translated and edited thirty-five Mayan folktales told to him by his friend Ignacio Bizarro Ujpan who is a Tzutuhil Mayan Indian living in a town along the shores of Lake Atitlan in the highlands of Guatemala. The tales related are witty, fun and serious and sometimes bring one up with a start. This is a delightful book to read, but along with being entertaining it is a demonstration of the value of folktales within the anthropological realm of the study of a culture.Analytical work such as Sexton has performed within the pages of Mayan Folktales, as he presents the tales for our enjoyment, also provides a window through which his audience can look to grasp a concept of Mayan thought and culture, modern and ancient. It has been a recognized fact since the 19th century that information exists within the midst of a vast floating body of folk traditions and practices which can add to the speculation of cultural origins, personality, values and attitudes.Sexton's Introduction is a story in itself and gives the reader the background needed to thoroughly understand and enjoy the tales, his Notes give additional needed explanations. This book is not only a delight to read, but is also demonstrates the rich source of cultural insight concerning obligations, beliefs, values and thought systems to be found in folklore about how a people rationalize political, religious, social and economic behavior.