backs (Sharer p.119). The men continued to live in the group houses until they were appointed or found a bride (Sharer p.120). Before the men were married though they were only allowed to paint themselves in black paint but, once they were married they were allowed to paint themselves in every color and were expected to tattoo their bodies (Thompson p.118). The bride’s father was expected to pay for the entire ceremony. Most times marriages were arranged while the children were still young (Sharer p.120).The Birth of children was one of the most looked upon ceremonies amongst the Maya’s. When a baby was born his mother would wash him right away and then fasten him to a cradle. This served as a baptism (Laughton p.98). The “Shaman” who conducted the ceremony determined each child’s “paal kaba” given name (Sharer p.118). When male babies were about 4 months old and 3 months for girls, the “Hetzmek” was performed. This was a ceremony celebrating the first time that the baby is carried at the mother’s hip (Sharer p.118). At age 4 girls were given a red shell to tie around their waist. Boys wore a white bead. These accessories were worn until the child reached puberty (Sharer pgs.118-119). When the Maya went through puberty he was considered an adult. At this time he was given 2 names, one from the mother and one from the father. Only the father’s were allowed to pass there names on, the mother’s had to think of a new one (Coe p.196).The Maya’s were never politically unified; they were always divided into numerous parties (Sharer p.137). There were small community governments. In some cases these were ruled over by larger independent policies. Then there were also certain area’s governed by King’s accompanied by an advisory council. The more elite your class the more power you had (Sharer p.135). The supreme ruler in each of the l...
