Mam, Tajumulco in Guatemala

Introduction / History

The Mam are a modern indigenous Mayan based group spanning across both Guatemala and Mexico. They speak the Mam language. In Mexico, they are mainly located in Chiapas, Soconusco, and Sierra, while in Guatemala, they are primarily concentrated in the departments (counties) of San Marcos, Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango, and Retalhuleu.

They are divided into many groups based on the 21 language variations and the geographical region they occupy, but in Guatemala, we can identify two main divisions: Mam de Todos los Santos (All Saints Mam) and Tajumulco Mam.

The Tajumulco Mam live in the department of Tajumulco, near the volcano of the same name in southwestern Guatemala.

The Mam originated in the archaeological zone of the Cuchumatanes over 2,000 years ago. In the 16th century, when the Spanish arrived in Mam territory, the inhabitants endured the conquest, but in the 19th century, they finally lost their land and started working as farmers and wage laborers.

Today, as a legacy of colonialism, Mayan people, including the Mam, still suffer from various forms of discrimination.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The present-day Mam people are dedicated to crafting musical instruments such as marimbas, double basses, violins and guitars, which they use in their community and family celebrations, while others specialize in craftsmanship using bronze, leather, clay, wood and candle making. Many are also involved in agriculture. Their primary crops are beans, maize and squash. Some Mam families grow coffee on a small scale. Most women weave on traditional looms and make the clothes that their family wears.

Most Tajumulco Mam live in small, single-family homes with ground floors and clay dikes. They build their houses with tiled or corrugated metal roofs and small windows with shutters. The indoor cooking fires often leave the windows smoky.

From an early age, Mam children learn basic cultural skills through careful observation of the elders. Since work takes priority over education, most children stop attending school after completing primary school.

Young men in Tajumulco Mam usually marry in their late teens, while women marry a few years earlier after mastering weaving and tortilla-making. Young people have long had the freedom to choose their own spouses. They prioritize practical skills and good character over love or beauty when evaluating potential partners.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mam people have a strong connection to honoring Mother Earth. They value the spoken word more than written documents and hold the advice of elders in higher regard than civil or religious laws.

Although they claim to be Catholic, they believe in the power of colors and in the spirits hidden in the objects of nature. They honor Catholic saints as powerful spirits as well. Each village has its own patron saint, and people frequently parade the statue through the streets and take it to other villages to "visit" other statues. Chaman, or witch doctors, also play an important role in the Mam religion since they are in charge of performing rituals to protect the community's health, crops, and the fate of the entire community. On All Saints' Day, people visit their relatives graves with food and drink offerings while they play marimbas at the gravesites.

What Are Their Needs?

Their greatest need is to have a real experience with God. They have heard of Christ but not the message of the life-changing gospel.

From a material point of view, the Mam people require better educational facilities, more school teachers and better medical care. Christian medical teams and teachers may have the best opportunities to share the gospel with these valuable individuals.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Tajumulco Mam have access and use Christian resources in their language.
Pray that God will empower and uplift Tajumulco Mam believers, using them to reach communities throughout Central America.
Ask the Lord to save influential leaders among the Mam who will guide and disciple others.
Pray that the Lord will build a strong, flourishing Tajumulco Mam church, prepared to plant more churches in obedience to the Great Commission.

Text Source:   Joshua Project