Description
Old Indian woman from La Antigua, Guatemala. In Indian society, the elderly have a prominent place and are by no means relegated to the side-lines. They share the daily lives of their community members until their death. There is a deep respect between the young and the old. It is expressed in an attitude of reverence and submission that the former spontaneously accord to the latter. The prestige of a man or a woman increases with the years. Moreover, the highest positions in the social hierarchy of the group are always reserved for people of a certain age who, throughout their lives, have shown intelligence, great moral probity and unwavering loyalty to tradition. In this distinctly patriarchal society, women nevertheless enjoy a very special status. She shares with her husband all the advantages and benefits of playing an important role in the community. Very often, the elderly man is referred to as the . It is his task to lead religious festivals and ceremonies. He is the staunch defender of the beliefs and rites that the Indians accord to their gods. For her part, the old Indian woman takes care of the education of the small children and devotes herself to various forms of handicrafts which, like weaving or the making of ceramics, imply a very sure talent, patience and a perfect knowledge of the craft. - 1977
Description
Old Indian woman from La Antigua, Guatemala. In Indian society, the elderly have a prominent place and are by no means relegated to the side-lines. They share the daily lives of their community members until their death. There is a deep respect between the young and the old. It is expressed in an attitude of reverence and submission that the former spontaneously accord to the latter. The prestige of a man or a woman increases with the years. Moreover, the highest positions in the social hierarchy of the group are always reserved for people of a certain age who, throughout their lives, have shown intelligence, great moral probity and unwavering loyalty to tradition. In this distinctly patriarchal society, women nevertheless enjoy a very special status. She shares with her husband all the advantages and benefits of playing an important role in the community. Very often, the elderly man is referred to as the . It is his task to lead religious festivals and ceremonies. He is the staunch defender of the beliefs and rites that the Indians accord to their gods. For her part, the old Indian woman takes care of the education of the small children and devotes herself to various forms of handicrafts which, like weaving or the making of ceramics, imply a very sure talent, patience and a perfect knowledge of the craft. - 1977
