A Group of Native Mayan Dwellers Still Live in Southern Mexico's Ancient Jungle Jestan Dale Mendame - Travelers Today | |
go to original January 18, 2017 |
A documentary about Lacandon Indians living in the jungles of southern Mexico (JoelKimmel)
Deep within the ancient jungles of southern Mexico, there's still a Mayan group that still holds on to their native and traditional ways. The Lacandon Maya has been living in the jungle for almost 500 years since they fled from Spain's colonization to avoid being converted and abused by the Spanish people.
According to BBC, the Lacandon Maya has cut all possible contact from the outside world and called themselves Hack Winik, meaning True People. However, it all changed during the 20th century, when missionaries, archeologists, and loggers started to come.
The original traditions of the native group are somehow starting to vanish because of the strong influence of the Christian Missionaries. The southern group has been converted to Christianity compared to their northern counterpart where some traditional practices are still present.
National Geographic reported that most of the old people who knew much about the old ways are mostly dead. This is why the younger generation of the Lacandon Maya knows nothing about their history despite their interest in knowing more.
Now, the sources of living of the Lacandon are mostly connected to tourism. A lot of natives are building cabins for tourists and travelers while some are becoming certified rafting guides. There are actually a lot of activities to do in the Lacandon jungle.
Read the rest at Travelers Today
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