Q1 Revitalistic Techniques

Revitalistic techniques used by the activists involved in the restoration of the Moreria  Nima K’iche are diverse. It’s not a traditional family-run enterprise, but a community directed institution for cultural preservation. Activists work for the resurrection of elements of Mayan culture while prompting governmental reform within the framework of the current (1985) Guatemalan constitution and international law.  The most important effect revitalization has on the day to day operations of the moreria is in the pricing. The rental rates are lower than other prices charged by for-profit morerias. The low rates allow for more participation. Without the participation, the vitality of the dance would not survive.

The Nima K’iche can’t offer the same level of quality that the traditional morerias in San Cristobal provide. They operate with inexperienced staff and a relatively old stock. However, groups that are new to the dance-drama are attracted to the lower prices. Along with lower pricing, they inform the participants with the important knowledge of the dance and culture. Moreover, there are no kin-based relationships among any of the workers. The prototypical moreria traditionally passes craft knowledge and material from parent to offspring. Trainees are usually acquaintances of existing personnel and the possibility of future employment is not the main incentive. Being involved in the preservation of the culture in the community is the main goal. As part of an incentive, the trainees are given small scholarships, but the focus is away from the scholarship itself and more about the cultural agenda.Tourism is a tool to serve the means through which these strategies are enacted. The performances the moreria offers enhance many public events. The costumes, masks, cofradia suits and other artifacts are made available for use. The display enhances the quality of the culture for the sake of tourism.

Another approach utilized in the revitalization is the illustrations from books and other sources about the traditional Maya clothing. The moreria recently made several cofradia suits. The suits are symbolic of the religious brotherhood. Musicians will wear the suits as they play traditional instruments at public events. Along with religious revitalization, other activities are directed towards economic development. The moreria has been involved in several projects to provide people with vocational training. The morero is an ideal teacher of basic sewing.

These are very unlike the tourist attractions that we have in the U.S. When I think of tourism, I think of flashy productions. The best example that is so opposite of this approach is the Universal Studios production in Florida. The approach is more per formative in the U.S versus the interactive approach that the culture uses for their participants. We have limited strategies for engaging individuals in other cultures. In the U.S we highlight entertainment, not interaction. Thus, our tourist focus is more interested in making money and performing a flashy production. The Moreria are more concerned with the preservation of their culture, than they are concerned about making a profit.

-Submitted by Jenna Quinn