Richard
Burton

A strong undercurrent of Precolumbian belief pervades much of contemporary religious practice in the North Western highlands of Guatemala. Traditional beliefs and practices can be seen to sit at the core of most Mayan communities, syncretising with the catholic faith imposed during the Spanish colonization of central America. The Ixil, Kaqchikel and Mam peoples observe customs which venerate saints while integrating Pre-Colombian deities and rites, within a sacred topography, which observes caves, mountains, rocks and trees as ritual sites.

Ceremonies are led by significant members of the community, some seen still as Shaman’s, while in many Maya communities, mayors and healers are one and the same, responsible for their people's physical and spiritual health. These figures officiate on significant days in the Christian calendar, but also perform important duties; conducting rites of healing, addressing environmental problems or practices aimed at resolving issues within families or the wider community.

Landscape and place are central to the contemporary religious practices of Mayan communities, churches act as centres of worship in towns and villages, but sites in the wider environment also hold a significant sacred function. Caves have played a primary role in Mesoamerican religion for more than 3,000 years, serving as portals to the Otherworld, the realm of deities and ancestors. Pilgrimages take place to many cave sites at significant times of the year, and offerings are made, candles burnt to honour earth deities.

Mountains as the geological antithesis to caves are also revered features, places of contact between heaven and earth and act as important focal points for ceremony. It is widely believed that the veneration of mountains, served as the impetus behind the building of pyramids, a significant ceremonial feature of Mayan urban centres being built between the 3^rd Century BC and the 9^th Century AD.

While in recent times these traditions have been acknowledged and valued by the state as contributing significant allure for a growing tourism industry, during the civil war the Maya population suffered a genocide which saw thousands killed and pre-Columbian religious concepts and beliefs threatened. The contemporary beliefs and ceremonial practices of rural communities can be seen both as an important legacy of ancient Mayan culture and a powerful tool in opposing the lingering effects of colonialism.