Maya Achi Marimba Music in Guatemala

Exploring the cultural identity through music and history

Sergio Navarrete Pellicer author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Temple University Press,U.S.

Published:24th Jun '05

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Maya Achi Marimba Music in Guatemala cover

This book explores the significance of marimba music among the Achi people, highlighting its role in cultural identity and historical continuity, making Maya Achi Marimba Music In Guatemala a vital read.

In Maya Achi Marimba Music In Guatemala, Sergio Navarrete Pellicer delves into the rich and complex tradition of marimba music among the Achi people, a prominent Mayan ethnic group in Guatemala. This exploration highlights the intricate blend of African musical influences, Spanish colonial legacies, and the assimilation of indigenous cultures, all of which have shaped the unique sound and significance of marimba music. The author presents marimba not merely as a form of entertainment, but as a vital means of communication, memory preservation, and cultural expression for the Achi community.

Pellicer emphasizes the role of marimba music in the social and spiritual lives of the Achi people, illustrating how it serves as a conduit for cultural identity and continuity amidst changing dynamics. By analyzing both the performance and consumption of marimba music, he reveals its importance in social interactions, religious practices, and ethnic identification. The book underscores the resilience of the Achi culture, as the music resonates deeply with their collective experiences and aspirations, particularly in the face of historical political violence and economic challenges.

Ultimately, Maya Achi Marimba Music In Guatemala is a profound examination of how music functions as a living narrative, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of the Achi people. It invites readers to appreciate the marimba tradition as an evolving art form that embodies the spirit of a community striving to navigate its complex heritage.

"As new material garnered from original field research, Maya Achi Marimba Music in Guatemala is a significant contribution to studies of folk music in any language, especially in English, on neglected Central America. The marimba is officially declared-and in fact is-the closest thing to a national instrument in Guatemala. This in-depth study on one of that nation's marimba musical cultures combines historical background with intelligent analysis and perceptive interpretation of contemporary practice to advance our understanding of a major musical tradition in Latin America. Navarrete Pellicer brings out the voices of the members of the community in this book rich in detail and sensitive in its description of personalities and human relations."-T. M. Scruggs, University of Iowa

ISBN: 9781592132911

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 23mm

Weight: unknown

280 pages