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Culture and Customs of Guatemala
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Maureen E. Shea
Book Code: GR0596
ISBN: 0-313-30596-X
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-30596-2
192 pages, maps, photographs
Greenwood Press
Publication: 10/30/2000
List Price: $57.95 (UK Sterling Price: £31.95)
Availability: Print on demand
Media Type: Hardcover
Also Available: Paperback Ebook
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects: Reviews:
  • Each volume has enough topics and in-depth information that any social studies class doing comparative cultures and history will find very useful information here beyond what is in a general encyclopedia or what they can find on that country's Web site....Since the series concentrates on many third world countries and the authors are very knowledgable, we find the series valuable for hard-to-find, in-depth and current cultural information. Recommended.
    —Blanche Woolls & David Loertscher
Description: 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.
Table of Contents:
  • Preface
  • Introduction
  • History, Geography and Demographics
  • Religion
  • Social Customs
  • Broadcasting and Print Media
  • Cinema
  • Literature
  • Performing Arts
  • Contemporary Art and Architecture/Housing
  • Bibliography
  • Index
LC Card Number: 00-025116
LCC Class: F1466
Dewey Class: 972
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