Dance of The Conquest
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ScribdTranslationsDance of The Conquest
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsDance of the conquest
Of the dance of the Conquest, there exists a manuscript, written in verses and in Spanish. In the text
it describes the conquest of the K'iche' indigenous people by the Spaniards. The argument begins
with the arrival of the Spanish ambassadors before the K'iche' king. Concerned about the
Invasion of their lands, the king asks for the support of the governor ofXelajú, Tecún Umán.
Finally, the training between the two armies takes place, culminating with the
hand-to-hand combat between both bosses,Pedro de AlvaradoyTecún Umán. In this
battle results in the death of the Quiché hero. His successor declares the end of the war and accepts the
conversion to Christianity.2
Visit of the Spanish ambassadors - Francisco Carrillo and Juan de León
Cardona - to the palace of the k'iche' king.
2. Appearance ofTecún Umánas the chief of the armies
The death of Tecún Umán in the battle with Pedro de Alvarado.
4. The cry of the sorcerer.
The burial of Tecún and the conquest symbolizes the triumph of the conquerors.
against the K'iche's.
6. Finally, the K'iche' people convert to Christianity.
Apparently, this dance represents an adaptation of the theme of Spanish dance of
"Moors and Christians". The version from Guatemala includes a similar mechanic but with
local heroeses;2in both cases, the confrontation between the two groups ends with the
conversion to Christianity of the defeated group; the characters dance four
hours when interpreting the story.
Origin
This dance began to be practiced in the west of Guatemala starting from the century
XVIshortly after the conquest. It was prepared by the friarsisDominicans, for
facilitate the catechesis process of the indigenous people.
In the centuryXXI, it is represented in the central and western highlands of the country, thus
as in some departments of the southern coast.
Clothing
The Indians and the Spaniards use masks with pink skin and mustaches. However, the
the masks of the Spaniards have a serious face, while
the Indians go smiling. The outfit of the Spaniards consists of
shorts, purple velvet jackets, and boots
black; her pants are red, with two black strips on the sides,
and wear belts and swords. Finally, they carry masks.
pink with blonde hair and wearing hats on their heads
of three peaks. The Indians, for their part, use more formal attire.
elaborate: colored velvet layers with embroideries and
imitations of gemstones and mirrors. In addition, they carry
cotton shorts, sandals, and hats decorated with paper or feather adornments
colors. Everyone's masks are dark-skinned, with black hair..Note 53 The indigenous people use
a Spanish garment from the centuryoXVI. Both the shorts and the jackets as
the layers are made of corduroy in patches of various harmonious colors sewn together
with shiny ribbons, which are also decorated with mirrors, sequins, and
imitation pearls, black shoes, and pink stockings; on their heads they wear
crowns and in the hands a tin wheel. Tecún Umán uses a banner.
In contrast to the flashy costumes, the music of this dance is quite monotonous.
The musical instruments used are the drum and the chirimía. Music is used in
the intervals during which there is no speech. In the Dance of the Conquest the
music is sadshawmAnd the drum sounds different tones, one for each character.
and circumstances: King Quiche, Huitzitzil Zunun.
Elements
In this dance, 19 characters participate divided into three groups:
The Spanish officials led by Don Pedro de Alvarado,
the indigenous chiefs led by Tecún Umán and the royal family
Quiché. The dancers dress up in colorful costumes,
weapons and masks made of wood, that are rented to
specialized workshops, responsible for supplying all
the communities that perform these dancesit.3The position of the
the actors are the following:
In the center: Rey Quiche, two princes and two princesses or indigenous malinches.
First rowaTecún Umán, Huitzitzil Zunun, Chávez, Tepe, Saquinuj, Ixcot and Ajis or
AjtizNote 3
Second Row: Pedro de Alvarado, Francisco Carrillo, Juan de León and Cardona,
Pedro de Portocarrero, Francisco Calderón, Lorenzo Moreno and Orijo, Quirijal or
Quirijol
