The indigenous groups of Chiapas are quite diverse. According to statistics, this Mexican state is the third with the largest indigenous population in the country.
In Chiapas you can find cultural variety due to the territorial occupation of the different ethnic groups that reside in the municipalities that make up the state.
The indigenous people have remained faithful to their customs, they preserve their native languages, their festivals, traditions and crafts.
According to a population and housing census carried out in 2010 in Mexico, it is estimated that in the state of Chiapas there are more than 1,511,000 indigenous people. Of the 118 municipalities that comprise it, 47 are occupied by them.
You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Chiapas or its legends.
Main Indigenous Groups of Chiapas
Among the most important indigenous groups in Chiapas are:
The Choles
This ethnic group is located in the north of the state of Chiapas, occupying mainly 5 of the 47 municipalities that make up the state.
Their culture recognizes the sun, the moon, the rain and the corn as divinities that deserve their devotion.
They are governed by an agricultural and religious calendar, on which they base the rites and festivals that they celebrate in their culture.
This community has seen tourism as a commercial ally, which is why they develop tourist centers through cooperatives where they provide lodging and food to visitors.
Mocho
They are located in the southwestern region of the state and are concentrated in 6 municipalities. Their language is born from the Mayan culture. They are natives of Motozintla de Mendoza, so their corresponding name must be Motozintlecos.
However, they make themselves known as mocho, which in their language means "there is none." This denomination obeys the time of the conquest when when the Spaniards arrived, when trying to communicate with the inhabitants, they only responded mocho.
As an economic activity they are engaged in agriculture, their main source of income is the planting of coffee, potatoes and cocoa, although there is a wide range of harvested products.
Tojolabal
The highest concentration of population belonging to this ethnic group is located in the municipality of Las Margaritas, although there are statistics that show small groups in 3 more municipalities.
This region is difficult to access due to its type of relief, which causes them to be isolated and the demographic density is low.
They base their economy on agriculture, being coffee, bananas and fruits their main crops.
Tzeltal
This ethnic group is descended from the Mayans. Its population extends through 20 municipalities of the state.
It is estimated to be one of the largest groups of indigenous people in the region, according to statistics taken from the 2010 population census.
In this culture, Tzeltal women are identified by the use of traditional huipiles and black blouses. As an economic activity they develop agriculture and manufacture handicrafts, mostly textiles.
Tzotzil
This ethnic group extends to more than 20 municipalities. Its Tzotzil name comes from "batsil winik" which means "true men" in Spanish.
His clothing is characteristic for being quite colorful; to make them they use wool and cotton.
Zoque
This ethnic group is concentrated in a greater proportion in the municipalities of Tecpatán, Ocozocuautla, Copainalá, Ostuacán and Amatlán.
Its economic activity is focused on livestock and agriculture, with coffee, cocoa, pepper and cinnamon, its main products.
However, there are still groups that are dedicated to crafts, making wood carvings and pottery.
References
- Bodegas, JA (2012). Chiapas: the other Bicentennial: Believe to grow. Mexico: Grijalbo.
- Diversity. Chiapas - Tell me INEGI. (02 of 11 of 2017). Obtained from Cuentame.inegi.org.mx
- ECOSUR. (2007). Livestock, development and environment: a vision for Chiapas. Mexico: ECOSUR.
- Geografia, II (August 5, 2016). statistics on the international day of peoples - INEGI. Obtained from inegi.org.mx
- Weinberg, B. (2002). Homage to Chiapas: The New Indigenous Struggles in Mexico. New York: Verse.