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	Chamula guitarists, young Chamula woman	01:46
102	Trumpet Choir, Carranza	Carranza trumpet choir with three trumpets, large and small drum	02:46
103	String Quartet, Carranza	Carranza string quartet with two guitars, violin, and harp	03:56
104	String Trio and Vocal, Zinnacantan	Zinnacantan string trio, three singers	08:28
105	Tiger Stone Song, Zinnacantan	Zinnacantan guitarist, violinist, drummers	00:43
106	Song of Peace, Chalchiuitan	Chalchiuitan violinist, guitarist, singers	01:54
107	New Years Prayer, Chalchiuitan	Two Chalchiuitan men praying	01:44
108	Drums and Flute, Huistan	Three Huistan drummers, flutist	03:06
201	Ladies Dance, Tenejapa	Tenejapa violinist, bass guitarist	04:08
202	Catarina Sone, Majosic / Bull Dance, Majosic	Majosic musicians, drummers, singers	02:36
203	Kosh, Kosh Avakan Kanan Chi, Tenango	Tenango guitarist, violinist, singers	03:56
204	Flute and Drum, Tenango	Guacitepec flutist, drummer, mandolin player, guitarist	02:53
205	Majestic, Petalcingo	Two Petalcingo guitarists, violinist	03:24
206	Good Friday Service, Tila / Carneval, Tila	Two Chol drummers, flutist	03:30
207	Señor de Tila, Tila	Two Chol guitarists, violinist	02:22