THE MAYAN

Family Relations of the Mayan Indians

Family Relations of the Mayan Indians

Family and family-relationships play an important part in the lives of the major characters in the three novels? I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. The Mayan Civilization was an Ancient Native American civilization that grew to be one of the most advanced civilizations in the Americas. The people known as the Maya lived in the region that is now eastern and southern Mexico? Guatemala? Belize? El Salvador? and western Honduras. All of the portrayed individuals operate within the boundaries of a family structure but their roles may vary according to gender and social context. (Kearney?? 1995) There are also reasons to believe that the family structure differs between the portrayed families in the examined novels and the conventional form of a family unit which originates from a white normative model where a family consists of a mother? a father and their mutual children. The black family unit often consists of different elements and there are grounds to speak of an extended family when referring to it. It is not only mothers and fathers who raise children in the black family. (Elders? 1990) The responsibility is often transferred to older relatives and non-family friends who have the opportunity to step in and help. (Karp? 1991)

The way in which family relations are portrayed in the aforementioned novels? is examined in two chapters. The first chapter deals with the male characters. There are many different personalities described in the texts and their views upon family life and relations vary. Some of the characters are real family men while others seem to have other priorities. The second chapter examines the female characters in a similar fashion. They also differ from each other and their approach to family? husbands and children are equally diverse. There are housewives and matriarchs among the female individuals as well as struggling and suffering women. (Karp? 1991)

The Pre-classic period is the span of time in which the foundation of the more modern Mayan civilization was formed. The people went through huge developments in society and built up strength. Early Mayans were farmers and helped the community in keeping up the fields. (Garrard? 1998) They first used sticks to punch holes in the ground? but later? assumed more advanced farming techniques. Their main crops included maize (corn)? beans? squash? avocados? chili peppers? pineapples? papayas? and cacao? which was made into a chocolate drink with water and hot chilies. Hunting and fishing were also a source of food for the early Mayans. They often hunted rabbits? deer? and turkeys? which were made into stews. When they were not hunting? fishing? or working in the fields? Mayan men and women took part in crafting useful items? such as stone tools? clay figurines? jade carvings? ropes? baskets? and mats. Women specialized in making clothing? such as ponchos? loincloths? and skirts. Like other ancient farming peoples? the early Maya worshipped agricultural gods? such as the rain god and? later? the ...