Xurt'an: The End of the World and Other Myths, Songs, Charms, and Chants by the Northern Lacandones of Naha'

Xurtan is a collection of traditional narratives, songs, and ritual speech from the Lacandon Maya of Naha, Mexico. It showcases their rich storytelling traditions and includes creation myths, universe structure, gods, mortals, and soul journeys. Transcribed and translated by a foremost linguist, it provides English readers with access to their oral literature and its aesthetic expression.

Format: Hardback
Length: 536 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2019
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Xurtan (the end of the world) is a captivating exhibition that showcases the rich storytelling traditions of the northern Lacandones of Naha. These indigenous people, formerly isolated in the dense, tropical rainforest of Chiapas, Mexico, constitute one of the smallest language groups in the world. While their language remains vibrant and alive, their traditional culture was abandoned after the death of their religious and civic leader in 1996. Unfortunately, without the traditional contexts in which the culture was transmitted, the oral traditions are rapidly disappearing.

This collection is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Lacandon Maya. It includes creation myths that shed light on the cycle of destruction and renewal of the world, the structure of the universe, the realms of the gods, and their interventions in the lives of their mortals. It also includes work songs of Lacandon women, whose contributions to their culture have been overlooked by scholars.

Transcribed and translated by a foremost linguist of the northern Lacandon language, the literary traditions of the Lacandones are now accessible to English readers. The result is a masterful and authoritative collection of oral literature that will both entertain and provoke while vividly testifying to the power of Lacandon Maya aesthetic expression.

Xurtan is a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of our world. It serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity. By exploring the narratives, songs, and rituals of the Lacandon Maya, we gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of human experience and the importance of protecting our cultural heritage for future generations.

Weight: 1228g
Dimension: 167 x 238 x 60 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780803271555