When observing each movement executed during the presentations of the Rabinal Achí, the dance of the macaws, The paach Or any other pre -Hispanic dance, it is perceived that each step has a purpose within the Danzaria representation.
Pre -Hispanic dances have cultural and historical relevance, and are part of the Mayan roots of various indigenous peoples that converge in the country.
One of the elements that characterize these dances is the cultural and religious burden that condense in each movement. It is not a conventional dance like the one that survives in the collective imaginary, but an art loaded with symbolism and worldview.
According to historian Walter Gutiérrez, the Rabinal Achí Pre -Hispanic dance is considered more relevant in Guatemala. The professional indicates that this is due, in the first place, to which it was the first to be declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO). Gutiérrez also mentions other dances that have cultural and historical importance in the country.
Pre -Hispanic dances with cultural relevance in Guatemala
In it Guatemala dance atlasof the anthropologist and historian Carlos René García Escobar, five large groups are mentioned that, in turn, are subdivided into various types of pre -Hispanic dances, Gutiérrez cites.
One of the most important groups, according to the historian, is that of the Mayan dances, made up of dances that connect the rituality with the daily life of the Mayan society.
The historian Aníbal Chajón coincides with Gutierrez that these dances house elements related to productivity and religion of Mayan cultures, and affirms that their preservation is essential to strengthen national identity.
In addition to Rabinal Achíamong the outstanding dances are The paachthe dance of the deer, the dance of the snakes, the dance of the flying stick and the dance of the macaws.
Rabinal Achí and other outstanding dances
He Rabinal Achí It goes beyond the dance. According to UNESCO data, it is a dynastic drama of the fifteenth century and constitutes one of the scarce testimonies of pre -Hispanic tradition.
“It shows myths about the origins of the inhabitants of the Rabinal region, as well as popular and political matters, and is expressed with dances of masks, theater and music,” says UNESCO.
Gutiérrez indicates that this dance belongs to the group of representations that encourage ethical and moral values. It is divided into four acts and addresses the conflict between two relevant political institutions of the region: the main characters are two princes, the Achí Rabinal and the K’iche Achí.
On the other hand, the flying stick dance also stands out among the most recognized. Its main theme is fertility, since the stick symbolizes the fertility of the Earth, says Gutiérrez. In this regard, Chajón comments that those who execute this dance have been fasting and prayer, and before climbing on stage, as part of the previous ritual.
Other pre -Hispanic dances that stand out in Guatemala
- The paach: Fertility ritual dedicated to corn. Although it can currently be executed by men and women, it was previously represented only by men.
- Culebra dance: Originally from the Guatemalan Altiplano. It is part of the living legacy of the identity of Santa Cruz del Quiché and the residents K’iche’s.
- Venado dance: Associated with abundance. These dances have been adapted to the passage of time so that they can be appreciated by the public, since they were originally considered pagan.
Guacamayas dance
This dance, also known as the Dance of Ma’muunit comes from the Pocomchí area and retains a traditional story through its representation. According to Juan Alejandro Rax, a member of one of the groups of executing this piece in Alta Verapaz, he has great cultural and religious relevance.
It is accompanied by the native sound of the tun. Although wood trumpets were originally used, they are currently replaced by other metal.
One of the distinctive features of this dance is the colorful of the macaws. Within the representation, a ritual dance is observed with affective connotations.
In all pre -Hispanic dances, common elements predominate, such as the evocation of Mayan rituals, noble characters, among others. Despite the low dissemination of these artistic expressions, they have survived the passage of time, preserving an essential part of the country’s historical and cultural legacy.