TZELTAL

Mayan Indians of central Chiapas in southeastern Mexico, most closely related culturally and linguistically to their neighbours to the west, the Tzotzil (q.v.). The habitat of the Tzeltal varies from plains and gentle hills to high peaks; climate and vegetation vary with altitude. The Indians are agricultural, growing corn (maize), beans of several varieties, and chilies as staples. Squash, manioc, and peanuts (groundnuts) are also planted. Cultivation is with the digging stick and the hoe. Settlement is in villages and surrounding hamlets; in many communities, however, only non-Indians live in the villages proper. Houses are of logs or wattle and daub, with thatched roofs. Ceramics, spinning, weaving, mat making, and basketmaking are the major crafts. Each community has its own clothing styles, generally traditional. Basically, men's clothing consists of short pants and a knee-length shirt, hat, sandals, and a red sash; women's clothing is a long wraparound skirt of wool, a sash, a cotton blouse or tunic, and a rebozo, or shawl. Women always go barefoot. The ritual kinship institution (compadrazgo) occurs but is strongest in communities with influential mixed (ladino) or non-Indian populations. In more traditional locales, godparents (compadres) are chosen only at baptism, and the ties invoked are often informal. Religion is Roman Catholic, with a degree of pagan syncretism. The laymen's religious society (cofrada) elects officers in charge of organizing and financing the fiesta of the local patron saint and caring for the saint's image. A number of non-Christian rituals are also common.