Music of Guatemala

Photo Source:  TravelPod

The music of Guatemala is a blend of influences from the indigenous Maya and Xinca, the coastal Garifuna, and the Europeans.  Like any modern nation, Guatemala has a wide diversity of music styles; from Indigenous through Classical to Hip Hop.  This post will highlight the indigenous and folk music of Guatemala. 


The marimba (a percussion instrument) is fantastically popular in Guatemala and has been elevated to the status of national instrument.  It is uniquely constructed from native Hormigo wood that gows only in the local forests.  The origin of this instrument is steeped in controversy (Bella Online) and reflects the  ongoing ethnic strife that is Guatemala.  Here are two clips of marimba music in Guatemala. 

The following clip is a fantastic re-creation of traditional Mayan instruments by Rey Ortega. Near the end of the clip is a flute played with fire and another constructed from a human skull. 

This next clip is a percussion and wind composition.  It is accompanied by a slide show of the Mayan archaeological ruins. 

The final clip is a popular composition that is heard throughout Latin America.  This particular group is from Guatemala

Conquest, Colonization, & Slavery

Photo source:  Pedro de Alvarado

In 1523, Spanish Conquistador, Pedro de Alvarado, conducted a brutal military expedition against the independent kingdoms of Guatemala.  With 120 horsemen, 300 foot soldiers, and an alliance with the Cakchiquel natives, Alvarado easily defeated the Maya defenses. One after another, he burned the kingdoms to the ground and enslaved the Maya people. (History of Guatemala)

Pedro de Alvarado was an exceeding cruel man. His inhumanity has been recorded in the Lienzo de Quauhquechollan.  This document contains numerous instances in which he burned natives alive or threw them to his dogs. For his success, Alvarado was appointed governor of Guatemala in 1527 by Charles I of Spain.  He carried the title until his death in 1541.   (Pedro de Alvarado)

After the Conquest, the Spaniards built elaborate churches with stones taken from the ruined Mayan temples. (Destination 360) They divided up the land and rewarded themselves with encomiendas.  These large, land-holdings included native villages and towns.  It was expected that the new landowners would offer religious education to the natives.  In actuality, the encomiendas were places of legalized slavery. (Latin American History) 

Five hundred years later, the situation is little improved. Human trafficking and child kidnapping are thriving economic activities in Guatemala.  Rainforest areas are now under the control of drug gangs.  And in December 2010, the Guatemalan government declared a state of siege in the Peten region. Two different perspectives of this recent development can be viewed at (BBC News)  and at (Intercontinental Cry) 

The Basics

Photo from Country Reports

Guatemala is one of the most beautiful countries in Central America.  It is a mountainous land with active volcanoes, lush rain forests, and 249 miles of coastline.  At 13,816 feet, Volcan Tajumulco is the highest peak in Central America.  Eco-tourists are drawn to Guatemala's colorful orchids and birds.  Other tourists come to walk among the fantastic, archaeological ruins of the Maya. 


The descendants of the ancient Maya continue to live in the area of their homeland.  They constitute 40.6% of the present population of Guatemala.  The other 59.4% including the Mestizos and Europeans.  At 14.3 million, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America.  Spanish is the official language, but at least 23 indigenous languages are spoken within the republic.  The Maya maintain a strong presence in the country.  Many still wear traditional Mayan clothing and sell handcrafted items in colorful markets.  


For all its beauty and achievements of the past, Guatemala is a country facing extreme challenges.  Nearly 200,000 people were slaughtered during the recent civil war (1960-1996).  Another 50,000 people remain unaccounted for.  The poverty rate hovers at 56% and breeds violence and crime.  Guatemala has the lowest life expectancy rate (68 years) in Latin America and the highest fertility rate (3.36 children/woman).  Only 69% of the population is literate.  These are grim statistics to overcome.  During the next several months, this blog will cover these issues and more. (Statistics obtained from BBC News and CIA World Fact Book)

Why Guatemala?

Photo from Eagle Visions

I have always felt a fondness for the Maya people and their rainforest home.  I marvel at their resiliency and the long survival of their culture.  In this blog, I will be writing about the people and places of Guatemala.  I also hope to highlight the work of forensic anthropologists in the post-war period.