Modern Mayan: The Indian Music of Chiapas, Mexico, Vol. 1

"The music of the indigenous people of the southern Mexican state of Chiapas reflects many varied influences, past and present. These people are subsistence farmers, with shepherding, cattle raising, hunting and handicrafts as secondary occupations. The four languages spoken here—Tzoztil, Tzeltal, Chol, and Tojolabal—all share their basic Mayan roots with both Aztec and Spanish borrowings. Ritual, social, and religious expression are viewed as one concept by these people..."

Richard Anderson


"La música de los pueblos indígenas del estado mexicano de Chiapas refleja una gran variedad de influencias pasadas y presentes. Estos son pueblos de agricultores de subsistencia, para quienes el pastoreo, la cría de ganado, la cacería y la artesanía son ocupaciones secundarias. En esta región se hablan cuatro lenguas indígenas:Tzoztil, Tzeltal, Chol, y Tojolabal, todas ellas comparten unas raíces comunes mayas y toman elementos prestados del azteca [náhuatl] y el español. Para estas gentes lo ritual, lo social y lo religioso son expresiones de un único concepto..."

Richard Anderson

Track Listing

101	Todos Santos, Chamula Tzotzil (Chamula) guitarists, young Chamula woman, San Juan Chamula	01:46
102	Trumpet Choir, Carranza Tzotzil trumpet ensemble, Fiesta de San Bartolo, Venustiano Carranza	02:46
103	String Quartet, Carranza Tzotzil string quartet, Fiesta de San Bartolo, Venustiano Carranza	03:56
104	String Trio and Vocal, Zinnacantan Tzotzil string trio, Fiesta de San Sebastian, Zinacantán	08:28
105	Tiger Stone Song, Zinnacantan Tzotzil musicians, Fiesta de San Sebastian, Zinacantán	00:43
106	Song of Peace, Chalchiuitan Tzotzil musicians at Carnaval parade, Chalchihuitán	01:54
107	New Years Prayer, Chalchiuitan Tzotzil men praying, San Pablo Chalchihuitán	01:44
108	Drums and Flute, Huistan Tzotzil flute and drum ensemble, Fiesta de San Miguel, Huixtán	03:06
201	Ladies Dance, Tenejapa Tzeltal violin and guitar duo, Fiesta de San Alonzo, Tenejapa	04:08
202	Catarina Sone, Majosic / Bull Dance, Majosic Tzeltal musicians, Majosik, Tenejapa	02:36
203	Kosh, Kosh Avakan Kanan Chi, Tenango Tzeltal musicians and singer, Tenango	03:56
204	Flute and Drum, Tenango Tzeltal flute and drum ensemble, Guaquitepec	02:53
205	Majestic, Petalcingo Tzeltal violin and guitar ensemble, Petalcingo	03:24
206	Good Friday Service, Tila / Carneval, Tila Ch'ol flutist and drummers, Tila	03:30
207	Señor de Tila, Tila Ch'ol violin and guitar duo, Fiesta del Señor de Tila, Tila	02:22