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Guatemala

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  • Until they can walk and take care of themselves, babies spend most of their time strapped to the backs of their mothers or older sisters. They are wrapped in a colorful length of woven cloth that is tied around the torso of the women. In the cool mountain mornings, all you can see exposed are little feet, a hand or the tip of a nose.
  • "No Mas Sed" No More Thirst ! The sign is an ironic backdrop to the scene of an older man passed out on the sidewalk from too much drink. Alcoholism is a problem in indigenous villages. Cheap liquor, un-pasteurized self-brewed corn beer and occasional binges on methanol cause countless health problems.
  • There are remarkable similarities between Asian and Guatemalan features. Here Yumi blends in while wearing the traditional Nebaj dress. Many villagers were unable to recognize that she was not one of them.
  • Grizzled with age and nearly toothless, this village elder still has a smile with the power to transcend time and borders. The annual festival is a joyous occasion for all.
  • There are few villages where men have preserved the custom of traditional dress. San Rafael Petzal is one. Men from the village are proud and put their cultural identity on display wherever they go. The shirts resemble those of their neighbors in Todos Santos, but the entire ensemble is distinguished by a black shawl and a different band around the hat.
  • In an era where the men of many villages have abandoned traditional clothing, the men and boys of Petzal preserve their heritage. Their clothing is one of the most striking ensembles in all of Guatemala.
  • There are few villages where men have preserved the custom of traditional dress. San Rafael Petzal is one. Men from the village are proud and put their cultural identity on display wherever they go. The shirts resemble those of their neighbors in Todos Santos, but the entire ensemble is distinguished by a black shawl and a different band around the hat.
  • More than a generation apart, a grandfather and grandson preserve customs and dress begun by their forefathers. Here the two enjoy the annual village festival.
  • This school seems well-supplied and the students seem earnest. However, these young boys are not immune to the distraction of a visit by outsiders. Although they don't know any better, they should be serious and take advantage of the few years of elementary education they receive. Opportunities to go on to secondary school are rare. This may be all they get.
  • What little education they receive in elementary school may be all they get. Girls especially are often not given the opportunity to go on to secondary school. They are usually needed to work in the home.
  • In the busy marketplace a woman selling beans stands out from the crowd. All of her neighbors sell great bundles of greens, cilantro and spinach and display the ubiquitous red-hued huipil of San Idelfonso. Hers as well is typical of the village but a less common variation.
  • The isolated mountain village of San Juan Atitan remains one of the purest and most traditional communities in the Altiplano. Unlike the youth in other villages who have discovered TV and western clothing, all teenage boys in San Juan wear the traditional white pants, red woven jacket, black wool shawl and a woven sash with tassels and studded leather belt. The woven handbag completes the ensemble.
  • A young boy from San Juan Atitan wanders the marketplace of Chimaltenango. He cuts a striking figure in his traditional clothing. The dark shawl, hat, white pants and red and blue shirt with a long drooping collar and embroidered cuffs are unique to his village.
  • As in most third world countries, in Guatemala carefree childhood is mercilessly short. Families are large and all members must contribute. It is a common sight to see girls as young as six taking care of two or three smaller siblings, often carrying the youngest baby on her back.
  • A woman sells plum tomatoes and weighs the purchases with a simple balance scale made from two metal bowls, string and a piece of wood. The bowl on the right contains a pre-measured quantity at a pre-set price.
  • The market in Santa Maria de Jesus is very small, but the colorful variety of produce from nearby fertile fields is impressive. The narrow streets of the town are tightly packed with sellers and buyers making the market appear larger and more active.
  • The market in Santa Maria de Jesus is very small, but the colorful variety of produce from nearby fertile fields is impressive. The narrow streets of the town are tightly packed with sellers and buyers making the market appear larger and more active.
  • The fertile volcanic soil yields a great variety of produce. The four vendors have nearly a dozen different items among them including cucumbers, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, peanuts, bell peppers, tomatillos, bananas and corn. Noticeably absent is any source of protein. It is the most glaring deficiency in the villagers' diet.
  • The fertile volcanic soil yields a great variety of produce. Vendors have sell dozens of different items among them including cucumbers, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, peanuts, bell peppers, tomatillos, bananas and corn. Noticeably absent is any source of protein. It is the most glaring deficiency in the villagers' diet.
  • A group of women prepare large quantities of food for all the revelers. In their hands they squeeze and flatten little balls of corn masa (dough) to make tortillas. They grill them on a wood burning comal. Other women prepare huge cauldrons of soup and stewed meat.
  • Here women prepare tamales for sale at the market. Made from corn masa (dough) stuffed with meat or vegetables they are cheap, easy to make and filling. Many varieties of leaf can be used as wrappers. These women use the long leaves from corn stalks to fashion the little bundles that will soon be steamed.
  • On a Sunday morning, two children holding each others walk toward the church of Santiago Atitlan.
  • Best friends and budding models, these two love to show off for the camera. The youngest girl is the daughter of a small inn-keeper and revels in her role as tour-guide and ambassador.
  • Young boys in traditional dress work hard on an assignment in school. Education is relatively new to many of the mountain communities of this region. Few of their grandparents had any formal education. These kids are lucky to have a teacher a room and basic supplies. Texts, books and other materials are scarce commodities.
  • A young girl appears stumped by the assignment in her reader. Her wide eyes look up in an appeal for assistance. What little education she receives in elementary school may be all she gets. Girls especially are often not given the opportunity to go on to secondary school. They are usually needed to work in the home.