THE 4 MAIN ETHNIC GROUPS OF TABASCO - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The ethnic groups of Tabasco are the Chontal, Ch'ol, Tzeltal and Tzotzil peoples. These are data provided by the population and housing census that was carried out in the Mexican nation in 2010.

According to this same census, 3% of the population of this entity speaks an indigenous language.

Tabasco festivals

In the pre-Hispanic period, the indigenous cultures that inhabited this state included the Chontales, Mayans, Olmecs, and Nahua.

During the Spanish conquest, these tribes were partially subdued. Many of the descendants of these ethnic groups still live in this territory.

Characteristics of the main ethnic groups of Tabasco

Chontales de Tabasco

The Chontales are one of the main ethnic groups in Tabasco. The term chontal derives from the Nahuatl word chontalli, which translates "foreigner."

Originally, the Aztecs used it to refer to the Mayans of Tabasca. The Spanish adopted this term, which was also applied to different peoples in southern Oaxaca, Mexico, and also in Nicaragua. But these languages ​​and cultures were not related to that of the Chontal de Tabasco.

At present, the Chontal or Yokot'an people (as they call themselves) play an important role in the sociocultural life of the Mexican community.

The Chontal Maya of today, contrary to other Mayan groups, have been able to assimilate to the Ladino style (non-Indian Spanish speakers).

Thus, the most important social indicator of Chontal ethnic identity is not appearance, occupation, economic status or place of origin, but knowledge of the Chontal language.

Ch'ol

The Ch'ol Mayan population is another of the most important ethnic groups in Tabasco. It is also among the 10 largest indigenous language groups in Mexico.

Historically, this culture is native to Guatemala and Honduras. In Mexico, the Choles live mainly in rural areas.

On the other hand, the Choles call themselves winik, which is the word for "man" in their language. They are also called milperos, which means "people made of corn."

For this culture, corn is a sacred food. Besides this, they grow pumpkins, beans, chili peppers, coffee and tropical fruits.

Tzeltal

The Tzeltal culture comes from one of the many ancient Mayan sub-groups. The social organization of the Tzeltals has been maintained over time.

However, cultural variations are observed especially in dialect, dress and religious and social rituals.

In general, the Tzeltal tribes maintain their indigenous language as their first language. To survive, they dedicate themselves to agricultural activities and the handicraft trade. Their staple foods are corn, beans, and squash.

Tzotzil

Tzotzil and Tzeltal are related both linguistically and culturally. Tzotz means wool.

This is a primary material with which they make their clothes. But in the ancient Mayan Tzotzil language it translated "bat people."

The Spanish conquerors used this interpretation to distinguish Tzotzil from other language groups when they first arrived.

The Tzotziles are mainly concentrated in the state of Chiapas. However, in recent times they have had to move to other states, such as Tabasco, looking for better opportunities.

References

1. Population and Housing Census 2010. (2011). INEGI. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from beta.inegi.org.mx.
2. Tabasco (2016, June 30). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from britannica.com.
3. Chontal of Tabasco - Orientation. (s / f). In Countries and their culture. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from everyculture.com.
4. Profiles of Indigenous and Afro-Descendant Peoples. (2016). At EcoLogic Development Fund. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from ecologic.org.
5. Waddington, R. (2008). The Tzeltal People. In The Peoples of the World Foundation. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from peoplesoftheworld.org.
6. Waddington, R., (2008) The Tzotzil People. In The Peoples of the World Foundation. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from peoplesoftheworld.org.
7. Obregón Rodríguez, MC (2003). Tzotziles. Mexico: CDI, UNDP.