Ajq’ijab

Abstract

This research is about the role of Maya spiritual leaders/ guides/ajq’ijab in Maya ethnic identity construction in the Maya Highlands, Guatemala. The research follows theories of ethnicity and ethnic identity construction and Baumann’s all inclusive theory, that includes contructionalism, symbolism and emotional underpinnings of ethnic identity construction.

Since the 1960s there is rise of indigenous movements and NGO’s and funded programs who support and promote indigenous cultures in Latin America. One of the biggest movements is the Pan-Maya movement where indigenous peoples try to seek an overall identity in order to establish a platform where they can search for rights.

After the signing of the peace-accords in Guatemala, Maya spirituality became public and more and more people involved in Maya spirituality. Ajq’ijab, Maya spiritual guides, are considered the keepers of the Maya culture and calendar and therefore play an important role in the construction of the image of an homogenous people. This thesis investigates this role and concludes that ajq’ijab themselves and their practice is a symbol of the Maya people. Ajq’ijab play also an active role in re-examining Maya spirituality with the use of essentialist elements. By working in NGO’s and other organizations who promote Maya culture ajq’ijab actively transmit this image to the world. Some ajq’ijab are conscious about the political aims of the construction of a strong ethnic identity. For some ajq’ijab is a personal emotional need in order to re-establish their own personal identity. By studying ethnic identity from different angles I follow Baumann’s all inclusive theory.