The “Cacique” of K’ankujk’

Abstract

In an earlier treatment of politics and leadership in Highland Chiapas, it was argued that a certain type of Indian leader is likely to emerge when problems of communication are present in the dealings which take place between Spanish speaking representatives of the Mexican administration and the Indian speaking tribal authorities (Siverts 1964). This form of leadership is based on non-traditional sources of authority and involves. among other things, the acquisition of fluency in the Spanish language, literacy, and a knowledge of Ladino (non-Indian) culture generally.