| This dramatic painting
by Marcelo Jimenez portrays the rebellion of the Mayan people against their
Spanish oppressors. The Franciscan monks brought their religion and imposed
it on the Mayan people. They wanted it to replace the ancient Mayan religion.
The Mayan people adopted Christianity, but many still retained ancient Mayan
beliefs and their religion became a hybrid of the two beliefs. The symbol
of the cross (which interestingly is also a strong symbol of the ancient
Maya, to the suprise of the Spanish when they arrived on the shores of Mexico)
played a strong part in the Caste War as 'La Cruz Parlante', or the talking
cross. It was based in the town of Chan Santa Cruz, known today as Filipo
Carillo Puerto. Thus, the painting depicts the Maya turning on the Spanish
with both the religion they introduced and their own religion. |
