Dance of the Macaws: An ancient performance from the Poqomchi' Maya of Guatemala

A conversation with Juan Alejandro Rax Jul, keeper of the dance

La Danza de las Guacamayas—The Dance of the Macaws is unique to the Poqomchi’ Maya of Santa Cruz Verapaz, in north central Guatemala. The topic, however, is familiar to many cultures: el rapto de la doncella—the abduction of the young daughter of an elderly couple. In the Poqomchi’ tradition, this conflict has multiple ramifications that relate with the foundation of the town, the origin of social institutions, and the worship of the gods. The performance drives from ancient mythical beliefs that are attested in Classic Maya art, and is comparable to the renowned dance of Rabinal Achi, from the nearby town of Rabinal. Juan Alejandro Rax Jul inherited the responsibility for the dance from his grandmother. With great effort, he leads a group of young men and women who are working to preserve the dance and make it significant for the twenty-first century community. In this talk, he will share the story and discuss the challenges of maintaining this tradition and transmitting it to future generations.

Moderator and presented by Professor Oswaldo Chinchilla, Yale Associate Professor of Anthropology

Cosponsored by the Yale Peabody Museum