Culture and customs of Guatemala / Maureen E. Shea.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Shea, Maureen E., 1953-

Series:

Culture and customs of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Culture and customs of Latin America and the Caribbean, 1521-8856

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Guatemala--Civilization--20th century.

Guatemala.

Guatemala--Social life and customs--20th century.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (189 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Distribution:

London : Bloomsbury Publishing, 2024

Place of Publication:

Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, 2001.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Culture and Customs of Guatemala proffers a well rounded portrait of the people of the land known for breathtaking highlands, brilliantly colored Mayan textiles, generations of ruthless dictators, and violence against the Mayas since the Spanish conquest. This Central American hotspot is the home to a majority of Mayas, their coexistence with Ladinos--the non--Mayas, and the issue of land ownership provide the framework for understanding contemporary society. The blend of Mayan and Ladino cultural identities that shape Guatemala today permeates Shea's discussion of history, religion, social customs, media, literature, cinema, performing arts, and contemporary art. Students and other interested readers will come to understand how the traditions and reforms are shaping Guatemala in the 21-first century.After an overview of Guatemalan history, geography, and demographics, a chapter on religion reveals the prevalent mixture of Catholic/Spanish and indigenous influences. In the Social Customs chapter, customs and festivals, many related to Catholic saints' days, the importance of Mayan weaving, and Guatemalan cuisine are emphasized. The recent lessening of censorship is a factor in the discussions of the status of broadcasting and print media and a small but emerging film industry. In the Literature chapter, Shea portrays a rich centuries-old literary tradition influenced by pre and post conquest indigenous texts and contemporary experimental trends whose themes are saturated in the country's social conflicts. Coverage of performing arts and contemporary art is evocative of the vibrant mixtures of cultures in Guatemala, with notable artists introduced and a description of architecture and housing. A chronology and glossary enhance the text.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Series Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chronology

1 History, Geography and Demographics

2 Religion

3 Social Customs

4 Broadcasting and Print Media

5 Cinema

6 Literature

7 Performing Arts

8 Contemporary Art and Architecture/ Housing

Glossary

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (p. [135]-146) and index.

ISBN:

9798400635380

9780313089251

0313089256

9780313050343

0313050341

OCLC:

143608935