#popul vuh

[judgingbooksbycovers]

Popul Vuh: A Retelling

By Ilan Stavans.

Cover art by Gabriela Larios.

[forever70s]

Popul Vuh - Affenstunde LP (1970)

[tlatollotl]

I am a descendent of the ki'che' maya, trying to reconnect to that part of my ancestry. I am also an anthropologist, so I do so in part through research of history and archeology. I was wondering if you had any recommendations of books or documentaries about Maya folklore and religion? I've read the popul vuh and I have the stories my abuelo taught me but it's hard much more.

That is unfortunately too far outside my expertise. I would suggest searching on Google Scholar and carefully reviewing what you come across. But perhaps someone else that sees this can comment and provide some recommendations.

[hauntedbythenarrative]

Tiny ghosts live inside me. The ghosts of my own pathetic girlhood.

Norma Jean Baker of Troy, Anne Carson//Prelude, Brynne Rebele-Henry//Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head, Warsan Shire//The Hungry Woman: A Mexican Medea & Heart of the Earth: A Popul Vuh Story, Cherríe L. Moraga//Emily Carey and Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, House of the Dragon (2022-)

[psygull]

my prunes? electric. my airplane? jefferson. my alarm clock? strawberry. my vuh? popul. my penny? plastic. my grape? moby. my things? pretty. my floyd? pink. my blues? moody. my fish? country joe and the

[dustedmagazine]

Listed: Vague Plot

Vague Plot is made up of New York City avant-indie regulars, veterans of other bands, who got together to make driving, moving, long-form instrumental music a la Can and Popul Vuh during the pandemic: Zachary Cale, Uriah Theriault, Phil Jacob, Ben and John Studer. Of their debut Crying in 9 from earlier this year, Jennifer Kelly wrote, “Vague Plot’s jams shimmer like highways melting in the heat, running straight on through Kansas or Nebraska until they disappear in the undecipherable distance. Which is to say, they go on for a while, repeating the same short grooves ad infinitum, with modest changes, until the measures blow by like mile markers and the journey transcends itself.” All five members contributed picks to this wide-ranging listed.

Phil Jacob (sax/keys)

King Tubby meets Lee Perry — Megawatt Dub, 1997

In my late teens I started getting into dub, particularly King Tubby and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. It’s tough picking one album, but this is the compilation I keep coming back to over the years. My favorite Tubby track, “Termination Dub,” isn’t here, but the giddy feeling I get from “Come By Yah” and “Perfidia” has no equal. And these are some of my favorite Lee Perry selections as well, particularly “Rainy Night” and “Open the Gate”. There’s an attention to melody here that often gets lost on dub remixes, even while these two are digging deep and pulling everything apart. Every delay drop seems to happen exactly when I want it to, leaping out of the speakers. A lot of the genre classics make me feel locked to the couch in a smoky haze, but this collection pulls me into a dance of dub ecstasy.

Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band — Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller), 1978

Possibly the best music education I ever received was playing in a Beefheart tribute band. The emphasis on polyrhythms as arranged by Don Van Vliet and John French on Trout Mask Replica made me feel music in an entirely new way; that it’s best if things don’t always line up at the beginning or end of a bar, a tension I enjoy searching for. TMR does it so often and with such ferocity that it grows exhausting over the length of the 79-minute album. On the other hand, Shiny Beast manages to incorporate some of those ideas into layers and layers of infectious hooks. From the driving bass line of “Floppy Boot Stomp” to the loping funk of “Tropical Hot Dog” to the stately guitar lines of “Owed T’Alex” to the existential spoken-word closer “Apes-Ma”, every track perfectly highlights a different aspect of what makes Beefheart so unique to my ears.

John Studer (drums)

Slint — Untitled EP, 1994

When I first heard the song “Glenn,” it changed the physicality of my body. Britt Walford has an impressive skill to subtly shift around beats so they gently roll and slide over themselves. It’s as if he’s repeating the same line of poetry but with different punctuation to give it fresh meaning each time.

DJ Shadow — Endtroducing, 1996

The surprisingly refreshing choices around arrangements and samples on this album highlight their unexpected connections. Repetitive, hypnotic rhythms combine with soothing layers of instrumentation and allow every special moment to shine appropriately. Endtroducing then delicately transcends these distant connections to create an entirely new space.

Zachary Cale (guitar)

Sonic Youth — SYR 1: Anagrama, 1997

The music on SYR 1 consists of four instrumentals. The first song “Anagrama” has a beautiful winding arc to it. Over the span of nine minutes, you can hear the band searching and expanding. When I first heard it in 1997, it broadened my sense of not only what guitars could do but also the importance of listening when playing within a group. There's structure but it's extremely loose, there's playfulness but not without restraint. That's a big part of what Vague Plot is about. One thing about Sonic Youth I've always appreciated is that even though they “jam,” they never get trapped into a traditional blues or one-chord vamp freak out. It's modal. Sometimes that can lead to dissonance, but that dissonance has always rubbed against something highly melodic.

CAN — Ege Bamyasi, 1972

I once had a summer job painting dorm rooms at the college I went to. One day I found a discarded CD with no jewel case or artwork. It was Ege Bamyasi. I took it home and put it on not knowing anything about the band. I was completely taken off guard upon hearing it. I could not place it into any known quantity. The inscrutable lyrics, the infectious rhythms and the mystery and sonics of it all; it cracked my brain wide open. To me CAN’s mission was always to find the pulse, vibrate with it and then ultimately dance around it. Vague Plot uses some of that same framework in our music. A singular idea to keep extrapolating on. Now that I know more about music history I can hear Fela Kuti, Stockhausen, disparate folk music as well as 1960s psychedelic rock all mixed up in this record. CAN has always seemed genreless to me in their fearless exploration of style. That’s something we as a band all aspire to. All gates open.

Ben “Baby” Copperhead (bass)

The Staple Singers & Curtis Mayfield — Let’s Do It Again, 1975

Let’s Do It Again is a soundtrack album composed by Curtis Mayfield and performed by The Staple Singers. A few years ago, I had the honor of performing a benefit concert for Little Kids Rock. I was playing guitar in the backing band and one of the singers was Hozier who wanted to do the title track “Let’s Do It Again”. Mavis Staples was also on the bill. It was an unforgettable evening. After the concert, I bought this record on vinyl and it’s been on heavy rotation ever since. The string arrangements are absolutely magical. The whole album is a beautifully recorded masterpiece with Curtis Mayfield and his stellar band backing up The Staple Singers. What more can you ask for?

Ornette Coleman — Change of the Century, 1960

Change of the Century was the first Ornette Coleman album I bought when I was in college. I was interested in the world of “free jazz” and Ornette and his band were the pioneers. Surprisingly, all of it is incredibly melodic with bebop-style phrasing, which I wasn’t expecting at the time. All the musicians have incredible ears to be able to pull this off. Ornette Coleman used the harmolodic system which allowed contrapuntal movement during the solos to avoid a key center. Charlie Haden and Billy Higgins were masters at this and could make any soloist sound great by deep listening, feel and support.

Uriah Theriault (guitar)

Dirty Three — Ocean Songs, 1998

My first exposure to Mick Turner came through this album, which introduced me to a broader range of guitar styles than the folk music I had been listening to. Unlike Fahey’s intricate picking patterns, Mick Turner’s guitar work resonated as lyrical phrases more than prose. Often open and spare, other times stormy and erratic, his guitar created atmosphere and conveyed emotion without relying on virtuosic solos. He and drummer Jim White crafted moody mise-en-scenes for Warren Ellis's main character, and l found myself drawn to the visual storytelling more than the narrative itself. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to see Mick perform in various forms, but the tour for this album stands out due to a specific memory. During a live performance of “Authentic Celestial Music,” my then-girlfriend passed out right in front of the stage. A stranger and I caught her and moved her to the side. When she came to, her only remark was, “Great song.”

Popol Vuh — Hosianna Mantra, 1972

I was familiar with Popol Vuh only as Herzog’s house band until I heard this album, and it cut immediately. I listened religiously to this enigmatic album over the span of a few years, whenever I took a shower so that my attention was undivided. Defying easy categorization, the collection spans classical, ambient, and krautrock. The title track was haunting, calling back to the only music I knew growing up, Catholic hymns. The guitars, oboe, and harpsichord weave sinewy webs of harmony — more chamber music than rock bravado, more conversation than monologue. The ecclesiastical tenor of the Hosianna Mantra (Hosianna, or "please save") sits uncomfortably amongst its dancy krautrock contemporaries, but the slow-burn nature of this album is anything but stiff. If deep attention is akin to prayer, as suggested by Simone Weil, then to me, this album is a dozen rosaries — penance not required.

[389]

Combination of German krautrock motoric-beat rhythms, angular New York post-punk attitude, 60s spy soundtracks, psych, rock, jazz, and 70s synthesizers and vocoders. There is also a cosmic spatial awareness to their sound; both personal inner space and galactic outer space, as well as a wilful pushing of sonic boundaries.

A myriad sounds of 1970s German electronic music (everything from Can to Cluster, Popul Vuh to Tangerine Dream); 1980s New York post-punk and synthcore (from No Wave to Suicide); John Barry’s 1960s movies, John Carpenter’s 1970s horror. You will also hear the influences of French and Italian progressive rock (Magma, Goblin) as well as cosmic, new age and experimental space soundscapes ... an almost endless list of diverse influences that ebb and flow like an ocean of sound, in the process creating a truly unique soundscape that Trees Speak have made wholly their own.

[hasquetzorkukudoneanythingwrong]

Teot-tober days 17-18

Cabrakan and Zipacna

It's these fuckhead brothers.

Sons of the god Vucub Caquix, these two were among the enemies slain by the Maya Hero twins.

Zipacna, the older of the two, was a brash and arrogant bastard. When forcing a group known as the 400 boys to make him a temple, they tried to kill him by attempting to crush him with a huge stone. To escape, he borrowed underneath, when the stone was lifted he jumped out and ripped them all asunder. Then the twins tricked him by setting a fake crab into a deep tunnel. Wanting to grab the tasty morsel, he went in. But the crab kept being pulled closer by one of the twins, before eventually he was trapped.

With Cabrakan, the mountain crusher, the twins decided poison could work out. First, they played to his arrogance and strength to challenge him to destroy a distant mountain. Dragging the two with him, the twins gathered poisonous plants together the whole time. When Cabrakan grew tired, he demanded food. The twins used the plants along with meat to give him a deadly toxic meal. After devouring the meal, he died and became stone.

That's how their story ended in the Popul Vuh, but in my lore they have more to do. Seeing their potential use in her own schemes, Nexoxcho used her authority as Princesa de Mictlan to drag their souls back to life. Now they serve her, under threat of death.

[juniperusashei]

The Ecopoetry Anthology edited by Ann Fisher-Wirth and Laura-Gray Street - 3/5

It may sound weird to criticize a 600 page anthology for being limited in scope, but there it is. My poet father gifted be The Ecopoetry Anthology in an attempt to get me interested in poets that aren’t Mary Oliver — historically, I have only liked poetry that’s very easy to understand, as I am not a poet myself. For the past year or so this book has been my bedside reading; I have found the only way I can enjoy poetry is if I read one every morning and every night, which is why I feel sort of justified in reviewing something so encyclopedic. There is a lot of good stuff in here, but the editing just seemed weirdly low-effort and claimed to be more authoritative than it really was. Firstly, it is only specified in small print on the back that this is a uniquely American anthology, something which I consider both arbitrary and a mistake. This is not to say that the poets selected were not diverse; the editors made an effort to include works by indigenous and minority poets, but all American. The real lack of diversity is temporal. The first section of the book, on “Historical�� poetry, starts in the 1800s with Whitman’s “Song of Myself” and is pretty much arranged chronologically until the 1990s. This, to me, is a missed opportunity to include the wealth of nature writing from other cultures and temporal milieux. Where are Bashō’s haikus? Where is Homer’s wine-dark sea and rosy-fingered dawn? Shakespeare’s “mickle is the powerful grace that lies / In herbs, plants, stones, and their true qualities”, the Popul Vuh’s account of the creation of the world, the wealth of poetic tradition from Ancient Greece or China? It just seems kind of lame to leave all of this out because it’s not as glamorous as the new. And the vast majority, over 400 pages of the book, is devoted to “Contemporary” poetry (in alphabetical order), a lot of which is great, but a lot which was skippable and made me wonder at the reasoning behind its inclusion. Frankly, a more historical assemblage of ecopoetry would have provided a more interesting survey of the development of ecological and environmental thought throughout time, through a poetic lens, which is something I would absolutely go crazy for. But this isn’t that, and I’m not sure if it even exists yet.

[chocolateytruth]

Chocolatey Beginnnings

Do you think an object such as food could shape a whole group of people around it or do the people shape the food into what it needs to be? Figuratively, yes, people shape food into what they want it to become, but in a way for chocolate it was different in Mesoamerica. Chocolate is made from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, named by a botanist in the 1750s, Carl Linnaeus, who created the modern system of naming living organisms- binomial nomenclature. Theobroma in Latin means “the foods of the gods” while the word cacao was taken from the native peoples in Mesoamerica, but linguists have issues tracing which group and where the word originated from in Mesoamerica. Amongst historical linguists they are in between two groups of native people: the Olmec language, mixe-zoquean, calling cacao, “kakaw(a)” and the Aztec or Mexica language related to contemporary Nahuatl calling cacao, “kakawa-ti.” These variations in the words from quite different Native civilizations from different time periods show that cacao had definitely originated from Mesoamerica, but that cacao had a long history that could have been passed throughout Mesoamerica through trade and the meeting and mixing of many people. Through the Olmecs and the Mayans, we could observe the symbolism of cacao held in the two distinct cultures and how the symbolism of cacao had transformed when it came into contact with the Mayans.

The major similarity between the Olmecs and the Mayans is how cacao was held to be a particularly important part in spiritual thought. The Olmecs included cacao in their burial rituals and Archeologists found pottery that has traces of cacao on the plate that were found in a supposed Olmec burial site. The Mayans as well as believe that their people should be buried with cacao so, their spirits may have some cacao to offer to gods. With the meaning came a deep belief that cacao is the food of the gods and that if you had cacao with you when you died, you would have an offering to give to the gods and move on to your eternal resting place. With these beliefs, many people wanted to have cacao with them. Another belief that showed to be fairly similar between these civilizations would be telling stories onto pottery. Most of the accounts we are able to retrieve are through the pottery that have been uncovered in archeological searches of the areas where Natives people have resided. Some of the other accounts are through Codexis, but the best way to know that the pottery found is for chocolate is the glyph that could be seen on numerous amounts of pottery. It said that the earliest evidence of cacao for the Mayan dates back from pottery that belongs to the preclassic period, 2000 BCE-250 CE, located in Belize. Archaeologists believe the pot found in an elite’s burial site could possibly be from 600 BCE, which depicted the cacao glyph, ka-ka-w. The cacao glyph consists of three signs: a fish preceded by a comb-like sign that represents the fin of a fish followed by a last sign that refers to the sign of corn. You can see this glyph of cacao shown on all the pottery placed in the image grouping above. Other pottery like the Popul Vuh, depicts the gods they believe to have significance in their lives such as maize god. The pottery reveals that cacao is used to create humankind which reveals the connection between cacao as an important sustenance in this society as well as the connection to the gods. This is especially important because the Natives placed cacao as an important food commodity that is used in a lot dealing in their daily lives.

The materialistic side where the origins of cacao are seen from the Mayans in the societal classes and where cacao was held in the class system. In the Mayan civilization cacao is held by those who were fortunate enough to have a lot of it in stock in their homes. With this very obvious interest in cacao that is being shown off by the Mayans through pottery to tell their story, we can even see scenes of gatherings that are possibly by the elites who could afford such events as well depicts the elites sharing their wealth with the people that are serving them or lower in their societies standards. This depiction of cacao to be able to share with their people shows how the people can be seen as almost equals and that they are human in comparison to what we will see soon by the Europeans to show that they treat others differently.

The transformation of chocolate can be seen mostly through the depictions of cacao onto pottery, telling the stories of their daily lives, but also why cacao was important in their daily lives. In a way, spiritual ideologies played a key reason cacao was held at such a high importance to the civilizations. The transformation of the bringing together of cultures marks how chocolate transformed Mesoamerica. Spiritual ideologies brought chocolate to a higher standard than that of other goods such as gold. To the Europeans, they sought gold to be the most important commodity, but cacao was the most important ingredient that would have brought the most riches more than gold would have ever.

Bibliography

Lecture

Edgar, Blake. The Power of Chocolate. Archaeology, Vol. 63, No. 6. pp. 20-25.

[creamcitywriter]

All drafts of White Stone:

Draft one, sometime in February or March 2017:

I don’t know where I’m from

or where I’ll go.

I see myself in the popul vuh

forever on the road.

I see myself at Christ’s resurrection,

Lincoln’s assassination.

There’s a million flowers on this road

and I’ll smell every one.

Draft two, written spring of 2023:

Had been reading old journal entries around this time and had written down phrases and imagery I liked from the Book of Revelations. That's where the phrase White Stone comes from.

White Stone white stone

a name not my own

flowers along every road 

lead me to the grave stone

white stone I’ll smell every one, white stone

my names in the Popol Vuh. White stone, 

white stone I laid my palm branch at his feet and left town white stone

I left town, white stone, I know not what I’d do

White stone, flowers along the roads, 

I’ll smell every one white stone.

Final Draft, written late summer/early fall of 2023:

Flowers on every road

For Christmas of 2022, my girlfriend and I were gifted an old wooden box my parents had used for camping. Sky blue and a little beaten, it stored the white and red checkered table cloth and table clamps and other miscellaneous kitchen items. It was the only thing from their camping gear they hadn't sold, forgetting about it in a move. And I hadn't known this before we were gifted it, but my grandpa had made the box when him and grandma got married. That's where the "blue box, my heirloom" comes from. It was strange. Felt honored but a little unworthy. Or rather scared I wouldn't be worthy of it. It's old, and I have a horrible tendency to be careless and let things fall apart, thinking everything is fine until it's unfixable. In both physical objects and other things.

lead me to my grave stones

There's a blue box, my heirloom.

A white stone white stone

A name not my own

I'll smell every one,

I'll find my name in the Popol Vuh.

White stone white stone

Bearing your maiden name

Palm branches laid on Monday

Skipped town Friday,

what I would do I do not know.

White stone white stone

My father's name is put on me

Names I do not know.

Names that came before

etched on a blue box,

my heirloom for storage

White stone white stone

My father's name has grown on me

I visit the old creek;

It trickles as before,

When my dog brought back a deer antler

And I fell in through the ice

White stone white stone

My father's sins my own

No names underwater,

No names beneath the ice

I breathe the cold water,

I reach the river's mouth

There with all from before,

Soon with all yet to be.

No white stone no white stone,

I know all the names,

The blue box is full and passed down again

No white stone, oh white stone,

I know this name,

Oh white stone oh white stone

It is my own, it is my own, it is my own

[14cornishspreek5b]

found the popul vuh at the thrift store today.

[roamanddiscover]

Guatemala

Guatemala is a country located in Central America that is known for its gorgeous landscapes, unique culture, and rich history. The country is bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Honduras to the east, and El Salvador and the Pacific Ocean to the south. With its diverse geography and stunning natural beauty, Guatemala is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The name "Guatemala" comes from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs, and means "place of many trees." This name is particularly fitting given the country's diverse forests, jungles, and natural landscapes. Guatemala's history is equally fascinating, with ancient Maya ruins, Spanish colonial architecture, and a complex modern-day political landscape. Geologically speaking, Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, a region known for its seismic activity. This location has made the country particularly susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic activity, which have had a major impact on the landscape and ecology of Guatemala. The country's geography is diverse, with a range of landscapes including mountains, forests, jungles, rivers, and lakes. Despite its relatively small size, Guatemala boasts an incredible array of natural beauty that draws visitors from around the world. The ecology of Guatemala is also remarkable, with hundreds of species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. In recent years, the government has launched efforts to protect these resources and promote sustainable use of the country's natural resources. Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, Guatemala faces a number of environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and the effects of climate change. The country's political system is also complex, with a range of political parties and conflicting interests that have contributed to political instability in the past. However, the country's economy is growing, with key industries including agriculture, textiles, and tourism. Guatemala's infrastructure is also improving, with ongoing investments in transportation, energy, and telecommunications. And despite these challenges, Guatemala remains a vibrant and fascinating destination that offers a unique glimpse into Central American culture and history.

Etymology

Guatemala holds great significance in the country's history and culture. The name "Guatemala" is derived from the Nahuatl language and means "land of trees." The Nahuatl people were indigenous to central Mexico and had extensive trade relationships with other indigenous groups throughout Mesoamerica. The name "Guatemala" was originally used to refer to the city of Guatemala, which was founded by the Spanish in 1524. However, over time, the name came to be applied to the entire country. According to the Popol Vuh, an ancient Maya religious text, the Mayan people believed that the gods created the world and the first humans out of maize. The Mayan civilization flourished in what is now Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador. The Mayans called their homeland "Iximche," which means "corn tree." They cultivated a wide variety of crops, including corn, beans, squash, and chilies, and developed a complex system of hieroglyphic writing and astronomical observations. The Spanish arrived in Guatemala in the early 16th century and brought with them European diseases that devastated the indigenous population. They also forced Mayans to work on large plantations and in silver mines, which led to widespread poverty and social inequality. The Spanish ruled Guatemala for nearly 300 years, until the country declared independence in 1821. In modern times, Guatemala has faced numerous challenges related to political instability, social inequality, and natural disasters. However, its rich history and vibrant culture continue to inspire people around the world. One of the most significant cultural traditions in Guatemala is the "Dia de los Muertos," or Day of the Dead, which is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd each year. During this time, families gather to honor their deceased loved ones with special foods, flowers, and prayers. The celebration is also marked by colorful parades, music, and dance.

History

Guatemala has a rich and complex history that spans over three millennia. The country's history is marked by the rise and fall of various indigenous civilizations, the arrival of Spanish colonizers, and the modern-day political and social developments. The Maya civilization was one of the most advanced and sophisticated ancient civilizations in the world. The Maya people established city-states throughout what is now Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and Mexico. The Maya built impressive structures, including towering pyramids, ball courts, and palaces. They developed a system of writing, used a complex calendar, and made important advances in mathematics and astronomy. The rise of the Maya civilization is believed to have occurred around 2000 BCE and continued until around 900 BCE. By the time of the Spanish arrival, the Maya had already experienced a long decline, and many of their cities had been abandoned. In the early 16th century, Spanish conquistadors arrived in what is now Guatemala and conquered the region's indigenous people. Spanish colonizers established a colonial administration, exploiting the land and people for centuries. The Spaniards introduced Catholicism and the Spanish language to Guatemala, which are still pervasive in modern-day Guatemala. The colonial era lasted until 1821 when Central America achieved independence from Spain. However, the years that followed saw Guatemala face numerous challenges, including civil war, political instability, poverty, and oppression. In the 20th century, the Guatemalan government underwent several political changes and attempted land reforms, often struggling to maintain stability. The country's political history has been marked by a series of coups, uprisings, and civil wars, forcing many Guatemalans to flee to other countries in hope of a better life. Today, Guatemala remains one of the poorest and most unequal countries in Latin America. Political turmoil, gang violence, and drug trafficking continue to pose significant challenges to the country's development and success. Despite these struggles, Guatemala's people remain resilient and proud of their culture and history. The country's unique blend of ancient and colonial history, along with its breathtaking natural beauty, make it a fascinating and rewarding destination for travelers and history buffs alike.

Geology

Guatemala, located in Central America, is a country known for its diverse landscapes and geological features. The country is situated on the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake zones that ring the Pacific Ocean. Guatemala's geology is heavily impacted by the presence of active volcanoes. The most famous of these is Volcán de Fuego, which has erupted multiple times in recent years, causing significant damage to nearby communities. In addition to volcanoes, Guatemala also experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location on the Ring of Fire. These earthquakes have caused significant damage to the country's infrastructure and have been responsible for many fatalities. Despite the dangers posed by its geology, Guatemala's unique landscape is a major draw for tourists. The country boasts a wide range of geological features, including towering volcanoes, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. Due to the country's location on the Ring of Fire, Guatemala has a rich history of volcanic activity. Visitors to the country can explore a number of active and inactive volcanoes, including Pacaya, which is known for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to its volcanoes, Guatemala is also home to a number of spectacular natural sites. The country's rainforests are home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including the endangered quetzal bird. Despite the challenges posed by its geology, Guatemala remains a popular destination for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts alike. The country's unique landscape and geological features make it a truly one-of-a-kind destination.

Geography

Guatemala's unique geography is characterized by its diverse landscapes and natural features. The country is located in Central America and borders Mexico to the north and west, Belize and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Honduras to the east, and El Salvador to the southeast. The terrain of Guatemala varies greatly, with rugged mountains, lush rainforests, arid deserts, and stunning coastlines. The highest point in the country is Volcán Tajumulco, which stands at 4,220 meters (13,845 feet) tall. The northern region of Guatemala is home to the Petén rainforest, which covers almost one-third of the country and is among the largest tropical forests in the Americas. It is home to a staggering array of plant and animal life, including over 600 species of birds, jaguars, monkeys, and other exotic animals. To the south, the Guatemalan Highlands boast a collection of stunning volcanic peaks, picturesque lakes, and rolling hills covered in coffee and sugar cane plantations. This area is where the majority of the country's indigenous population resides, and it is renowned for its traditional Maya culture and customs. Guatemala's Pacific coastline, on the other hand, is a stretch of hot, humid beaches, coconut palms, and mangrove swamps. The country is also home to several rivers, including the Motagua, which is the longest river in Central America, and the Río Dulce, which flows from Lake Izabal into the Caribbean Sea. In addition to its diverse landscapes, Guatemala is home to several notable natural features. Among the most significant is Lake Atitlán, which is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Nestled in the highlands, this deep blue lake is surrounded by towering volcanoes and indigenous villages. Another notable feature of Guatemala's geography is its many volcanoes. The country has over 30 active and dormant volcanoes, including Pacaya, which is one of the most active in the world. These volcanoes have a significant impact on the country's ecology and economy, as they provide rich soil for agriculture but also pose a threat in the form of eruptions and earthquakes. Guatemala's diverse geography is a significant draw for tourists and provides a rich and unique backdrop for the country's cultural and historical attractions. From the lush rainforests of the Petén to the towering volcanoes of the highlands and stunning coastline of the Pacific, Guatemala has something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Ecology

Guatemala is home to a unique and diverse range of flora and fauna. Due to its varied geography and climate, the country is home to a wide range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, cloud forests, mangrove swamps, and coastal wetlands. Some of the most notable species found in Guatemala include jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, howler monkeys, and a wide variety of bird species. The country also boasts a stunning range of plant life, including orchids, bromeliads, and 6,000 different species of trees. Despite its rich and varied natural environment, Guatemala faces a number of environmental challenges. Deforestation is a significant problem, with large areas of forest being cleared to make way for agriculture, industry, and urban development. Other issues facing the country include pollution, soil erosion, and climate change. However, there are efforts underway to protect Guatemala's unique ecology and natural resources. The country has established a number of national parks and protected areas, including the Maya Biosphere Reserve, which covers over 10% of the country's land area. there are a number of conservation organizations working to protect endangered species, restore degraded ecosystems, and promote sustainable agriculture and forestry practices. One of the most well-known conservation organizations in Guatemala is the Wildlife Conservation Society, which works to protect a number of endangered species, including jaguars, howler monkeys, and sea turtles. The organization operates a research center in the Maya Biosphere Reserve and works closely with local communities to promote sustainable land use practices. Another key organization in Guatemala's conservation efforts is the Asociación Balam, which works to protect and restore degraded ecosystems in the country's cloud forest regions. The organization operates a nursery and reforestation program, as well as an eco-tourism program designed to raise awareness about the importance of ecological conservation. In addition to conservation efforts, there are also a number of initiatives underway to promote sustainable agriculture and forestry practices in Guatemala. One such initiative is the Rainforest Alliance, which works with farmers and forest companies to promote sustainable land use practices, improve livelihoods, and protect ecosystems. The organization also provides training and technical assistance to farmers and works to promote eco-tourism programs as a means of generating income for rural communities. Other initiatives, such as the Guatemala Green Farming Project, are designed to promote sustainable agriculture practices such as agroforestry, organic farming, and the use of alternative fuels. Guatemala's unique and diverse ecology is one of its greatest assets. While the country faces a number of environmental challenges, there are a number of organizations and initiatives working to protect its natural resources and promote sustainable land use practices. By continuing to invest in conservation and sustainable development programs, Guatemala can ensure that its rich and varied natural environment continues to thrive for generations to come.

Biodiversity

Guatemala is a country teeming with biodiversity. Its unique geography, with its varied landscapes and numerous ecosystems, has contributed to the country's impressive array of plant and animal species. From the dense jungles of the Petén region to the highlands of the Sierra Madre and the Pacific coast, Guatemala is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. One of the most unique examples of Guatemala's biodiversity is the quetzal, a brightly colored bird that is revered in Maya mythology. The quetzal has a distinctive long tail and striking green and red feathers. It is found in the cloud forests of the Sierra Madre, where it feeds on fruit and insects. Another iconic species of Guatemala is the jaguar, the largest cat species in the Americas. Jaguars are found throughout the forests and wetlands of the country, where they prey on deer, monkeys, and other small animals. Guatemala is also home to the ocelot, a smaller wild cat that is known for its distinctive spotted coat. The forests and wetlands of Guatemala are also home to a wide variety of bird species. In addition to the quetzal, the country is home to a number of other brightly colored birds, including parrots, toucans, and macaws. The Laguna del Tigre National Park in the Petén region is a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 350 species of birds recorded in the area. In Guatemala's rivers and streams, freshwater fish such as tilapia and rainbow trout can be found, as well as larger species like tarpon and sailfish off the coast. The Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean are home to a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks. Guatemala has also reported a large number of reptiles and amphibians. The country is home to several species of crocodiles, including the Morelet's crocodile, which can be found in freshwater habitats. The green iguana is another common reptile in Guatemala, prized for its meat and for its role in traditional medicine. In addition to its impressive array of animal species, Guatemala is also home to a great diversity of plant life. The country's extensive rainforests are home to a variety of species, including the ceiba tree, which is revered by the Maya as a sacred tree. The ceiba can grow up to 70 meters tall and has large, spiny trunks. The chicle tree is another important species in Guatemala, valued for its gum, which is used in the production of chewing gum. The biodiversity of Guatemala is of both national and global importance, and has been the focus of numerous conservation efforts. The government has established a number of protected areas and national parks, which are home to many threatened and endangered species. These areas include the Maya Biosphere Reserve, the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve, and the Tikal National Park, which is home to some of the most impressive ancient Mayan ruins in Central America.

jaguar

Climate

Guatemala has a diverse climate due to its varying elevations and proximity to the equator. The country is known for its temperate Highland climate, which is characterized by cool temperatures and low humidity. This region experiences a long rainy season that lasts from May to October and a dry season that runs from November to April. The country's lowland regions have a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures that can exceed 100°F. The rainy season in the lowlands lasts from May to October, and the dry season runs from November to April. The Pacific coast has a hot, humid climate with more moderate temperatures than the lowlands. Guatemala's climate has a significant impact on the country's ecosystems and agriculture. The rainy season is essential for the success of agriculture in the country, as crops require ample rainfall. However, during periods of excessive rainfall, Guatemala is prone to flooding and landslides. In recent years, climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of these natural disasters, posing a significant threat to the country's infrastructure and population. The country's tropical climate is home to a vast array of animal and plant species, including the national bird, the Resplendent Quetzal. The tropical forests are also home to a diverse range of medicinal plants, which have many applications in modern medicine. Guatemala's Highland climate is ideal for coffee cultivation and dairy farming, with the country being one of the largest coffee producers in the world. However, farmers in this region have been impacted by droughts and other climate-related events, which have affected their livelihoods. In recent years, the Guatemalan government has implemented policies to address climate change and mitigate its impact on the country. These policies focus on sustainable development, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting renewable energy sources. The country has also participated in global initiatives, such as the Paris Agreement, to combat climate change. Guatemala has a diverse climate that has a significant impact on the country's ecosystems and agriculture. Read the full article

[dustedmagazine]

Vague Plot — Crying in 9 (Island House)

Vague Plot’s jams shimmer like highways melting in the heat, running straight on through Kansas or Nebraska until they disappear in the undecipherable distance. Which is to say, they go on for while, repeating the same short grooves ad infinitum, with modest changes, until the measures blow by like mile markers and the journey transcends itself.

“Moto” which opens, metes out the time in sharp, strummed intervals, a little syncopation marking irregular edges in the tick-tocky flow. And within that context, a sax can wail, a guitar can howl, a lick can bloom and fade and collapse in distortion. There’s order so that disorder can grow, a white picket fence around wild tangles of vegetation.

Vague Plot is made up of New York City avant-indie regulars, veterans of other bands, who got together to make driving, moving, long-form instrumental music a la Can and Popul Vuh during the pandemic. The one you’d probably pick out of a line-up first is Zachary Cale, here one of two guitarists, alongside Uriah Theriaultof Woodsy Pride. Phil Jacob of Psychic Lines plays the sax sometimes and a keyboard otherwise, while Ben Copperhead plays bass and John Studer drums.

The music grows contemplative in blues-tinged “Haunted Head” before spinning off into psychotropic grooves, like some weird mesh of Loren Connors and Om. It attains purity in the slow-evolving tones of closer “Windswept” which has a bit of Kluster in its crystalline lucidity.

You might think, with Cale involved, that there’s be a rustic rocker thread in Vague Plot’s aesthetic, a little Neil Young crashing through the motorisms. There mostly isn’t, sorry to disappoint, except oddly enough, on the tape’s best cut, “Cyclic.” Here Jacob’s sax wanders in and around a heavy groove that’s ever so slightly shaded with country rock tones. It’s a puzzle palace, a metronomic experiment in extended pulse, but with a ragged heart, and it’s the wildest and most excellent part of an excellent little album. Fuck the cowbell. Let’s have more guitar.

Jennifer Kelly    

[secretsofthegods]

The Secrets of the Gods 11. The Gods of the Americans

The two American continents were populated over several millennia by various peoples with their own beliefs, about whom we don’t have much information. We know few details about some important civilizations in Central and South America, such as the Aztec, Mayan and Incan civilizations, from the accounts of Spanish conquistadors and from the few remaining writings, such as the Popol Vuh of the…