The Historical Maya and Maya Histories: Recent Trends and New Approaches to Reconstructing Indigenous Pasts in Guatemala

Abstract

The Maya of Guatemala have long been the subject of scholarly study and popular fascination. They have also contributed valuable insights to ethnographic studies, historical research, and archaeological excavations while working alongside and for foreign scholars. But seldom were they recognized as the primary authors of Maya histories. Indeed, such initiative was deemed subversive during Guatemala’s civil war (1960–1996). As the historical record demonstrates, Mayas have always been protagonists of their history, but only since the 1996 Peace Accords have cultural and intellectual spaces opened for Mayas to assume more public leadership roles in reconstructing indigenous pasts. As their recent efforts to claim, control, and convey Maya histories reveal, Mayas are not only adeptly interpreting but also creatively disseminating their own histories.