Negociaciones locales sobre 'lo maya': Los alguaciles y los mayores del corredor de la Municipalidad de Santa María, Guatemala

The article discusses the debate on Mayan identity and culture in the context of the abolition of the offices of mayor and "alguacil" (court marshal) in 2003 in the municipality of Santa María de Chiquimula, Guatemala as a result of the perceived improper arrest of an inebriated individual. It notes that peace agreements signed in 1996 marked the beginning of a period of governance according to Mayan custom. The article examines identification with Mayan culture in local power relationships and in political and religious interests, with a focus on the municipality versus rural areas, evangelization versus local customs, and professionalization versus local tradition. It also analyzes discourse on human and indigenous rights versus local custom