Achi people facts for kids

The Achi are an interesting Maya group of people living in Guatemala. They have their own special language, also called Achi. This language is very similar to another Maya language called K'iche'.

Achi History

Ancient Times

Long ago, there was a famous chief named Quicab. He was known for his amazing treasures like pearls, emeralds, gold, and silver.

One day, Chief Quicab and his people from Capul met the Achi people, who lived near the coast in a place called Xetulul. They fought and took over the Achi land and town. The Achi people surrendered and offered gifts like fish, shrimp, cocoa beans, and pataxte to Chief Francisco Izquin Ahpalotz y Nehaib. They accepted him as their king and promised to follow him.

The Achi people also gave him control of the Zamalá, Ucuz, Nil, and Xab rivers. These rivers were very important because they provided lots of fish, shrimp, turtles, and iguanas, which were helpful for Chief Quicab's people.

European Arrival

Later, in the 1500s, some Dominican friars (religious leaders) arrived in what is now Guatemala. They wanted to set up a mission in a place called Tezulutlán, also known as the "Land of War."

Friar Bartolomé de las Casas was given the job of helping the native people by teaching them about Christianity.

One of the first written records about the town of Cubulco comes from a special document called the Royal Charter of don Francisco Izquin Nehabib, written in 1558.

The Rabinal Achí, a very old play, was published in Paris in 1862. It was discovered by Braseur de Bouburg. Experts say this play is like the ancient military stories found in Homer's Iliad.

A Dutch expert named Ruud van Akkeren has said that the Achi people from the 1500s were not exactly the same as the Achi people today. The same is true for the Quiches. He believes it is important for these groups to know their true history.

Achi Way of Life

Where Achi People Live

The original name for the main area of Baja Verapaz, Salamá, is Tz'alam Ha'. This means "boards around the water." Salamá, Cubulco, Rabinal, San Miguel Chicaj, and San Jerónimo are the only towns in Guatemala where Achi is the main language spoken by the people.

In the town of Cubulco, there are some lesser-known ancient sites. These include Belejeb’ Tzaq, Chilu, Los Cimientos, Nim Poco, and Pueblo Viejo.

San Miguel Chicaj is famous for its very large Catholic church.

What Achi People Do

The town of Rabinal is well-known for growing the sweetest oranges in Guatemala. San Jerónimo was famous for having the best farms and vineyards (places where grapes are grown for wine). The best wine in the Kingdom of Guatemala came from here. Sadly, during this time, African people were brought to this region to work on these farms.

Besides growing oranges, Achi people also create beautiful crafts. They make items from mud, hay, and a plant called Agave americana.

Rabinal, located in the Zamaned valley, was an important stop for trade. People bought and sold things like pottery, woven cloths, oranges, and other goods there.

Farming and Crafts

Rabinal is famous for its super sweet oranges. San Jerónimo was known for having the best farms and vineyards, where the best wine was made. Many African people were brought to this area to work on these farms.

Besides growing oranges and other crops, Achi people are skilled at making crafts. They use clay, agave, and wicker to create things like gourds, piggy banks, hand shakers, and baskets.

There was a very popular traditional market in Rabinal in 1955. It was loved by Father Narciso Teletor. This market, located in the Zamaneh valley, was a big center for trade. You could buy pottery, textiles, oranges, corn flour, boxboles (a traditional vegetable dish), and atole (a warm cornmeal drink). In January, they even sold animals for carrying goods.

Community Life

Young people and adults in Achi society have a very close relationship. This is because older people inspire the younger generations to keep their traditions and customs alive. It is believed that the elders overcame many challenges to pass on their knowledge.

Unfortunately, many Achi people cannot read or write because there are not enough schools that teach in both Achi and Spanish.

Achi Beliefs and Celebrations

Religious Groups (Cofradías)

The Achi people have special social and religious groups called cofradías. There are 16 of these groups in Rabinal, 8 in San Miguel Chicaj, and 3 in Salamá. These groups are also found in Cubulco and San Jerónimo.

Virgin of Patrocinio Celebration

The celebration of the Virgin of Patrocinio in Rabinal lasts for nine days. This special tradition has been happening since the 1700s. During this time, a statue of the Virgin is carried from house to house. The family chosen to host the Virgin must have a good reputation in the community, and the parents must be married both religiously and legally.

The couple who gets this honor is called "butlers of the cofradía of the Virgin." They host a special nine-day ceremony in their home. These events happen between November 18th and 22nd. During this time, the Convent of Rabinal and the Santa Cruz of Quiché are visited, and the cofrades (members of the cofradía) celebrate with fireworks.

There is a famous story about the Virgin of Patrocinio. It says that in the mid-1700s, a woman appeared to an old man who was cutting wood on a mountain in San Miguel Chicaj. She asked him to tell the priest in Rabinal that she wanted to confess. The woodcutter told the priest, who was doubtful.

Soon after, the woman appeared in the priest's dreams, again asking to confess. When he woke up, he went to the mountain and saw the woman appear as a statue. This woman was the Virgin of Patrocinio.

Rabinal Achí Play

The Rabinal Achí is a famous performance known both in Guatemala and around the world. It is told in the Achi language and has seven main characters. This play takes place during the festival of San Pablo Apóstol, which happens every year from January 17th to 25th. It started long before Europeans arrived and is now only performed in the city of Rabinal.

Achi Traditions

Achi traditions are passed down from older generations to younger ones. Special ceremonies are held as part of the brotherhoods (cofradías), and it is the duty of the members to keep these traditions going.

The Achi people perform several traditional dances. They believe in deities (gods) like Ajaaw (the divine), uk'u'x kaaj (heart of the sky), and uk'u'x uleew (heart of the earth). They ask these deities for permission to perform their traditional dances. Rain, wind, clouds, and corn are also considered sacred.

The Achi people also celebrate Christian holidays like Easter week, Christmas, and Christmas Eve. Their religion is a mix of Christianity and their ancient beliefs, where they believe spirits are in nature. They have holy places like Chipichek, Chusxan, B'ele tz'ak, and Cuwajuexij. They also follow the ancient Tzolk'in calendar.

Achi Weaving

Weaving is a very important part of Achi culture. They weave in the same way as the ancient goddess Ixchel, using a special loom that is tied around the waist or using sticks.

They create beautiful bands, napkins (servilletes), and tablecloths. The fabric they use is called “ixkak,” which is cotton dyed white and coffee-colored. This special cotton is gathered at the end of winter and is called "mish."

Achi Food

Two main Achi dishes are pinol and bochbol. Pinol is made with toasted corn that is ground into powder and mixed with turkey meat and spices. It is a special dish for celebrations.

Bochbol is made with ayote leaves, corn dough, toasted ayote seeds, and tomato. These ingredients are rolled up and cooked, then eaten hot. Bochbol is a common food eaten every day.

See also

In Spanish: Achí (etnia) para niños